Owais Crawford
The Orange Line provides rapid transit train service between Midway Airport and downtown Chicago. The train station is easily accessible from the airport, with travellers needing to walk down a hallway to a stairwell to reach the station. The Orange Line is a convenient option for those travelling with luggage, as it is rarely crowded and offers accessible seating. It also provides beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. Visitors can purchase a visitor pass at the Midway station, which offers unlimited rides for 1, 2, or 3 days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Service | Rapid transit train service |
| Route | Midway Airport and downtown (Loop) |
| Service Provider | CTA |
| Train Name | Orange Line |
| Train Service Days | Monday to Sunday |
| Train Service Hours | Monday to Friday: 3:30 a.m.–1:05 a.m. Saturday: 4:00 a.m.–1:05 a.m. Sunday/Holiday: 4:30 a.m.–1:05 a.m. |
| Payment Methods | Cash, Apple Pay, Credit Card, Transit Card |
| Train Interchange Stations | Roosevelt, State/Lake, Clark/Lake |
| Bus Interchange Stations | 47 47th, 54B South Cicero, 55 Garfield, 55A 55th/Austin, 55N 55th/Narragansett, 59 59th/61st, 62H Archer/Harlem, N62 Archer, 63 63rd, 63W West 63rd, 165 West 65th, Bronzeville/Union Station, 7 Harrison, 28 Stony Island, 126 Jackson, 151 Sheridan, 2 Hyde Park Express, 6 Jackson Park Express, 10 Museum of Science and Industry, 22 Clark, 24 Wentworth, 29 State, 36 Broadway, 62 Archer, 146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express, 147 Outer Drive Express, 53A South Pulaski |
| Points of Interest | The Loop, Harold Washington Library, DePaul University, Robert Morris University, John Marshall Law School, Chicago Bar Association, Auditorium Building of Roosevelt University, The Polish Highlanders Alliance of North America, Curie Metropolitan High School |
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What You'll Learn
The Orange Line is rarely crowded and takes you downtown
The Orange Line is a convenient way to get to and from Midway Airport. The train station is connected to the airport—you just walk down a hallway to a stairwell and you're in the station. The Orange Line is rarely crowded, and it takes you downtown. Pilots, flight attendants, and other airport employees regularly take this line with their luggage.
One user notes that they take the Orange Line to the airport for their daily commute, recommending that you avoid typical rush hours. The train can be used with Apple Pay, so there's no need to get a dedicated transit card. The Orange Line is also a great way to see the Chicago skyline. If you sit on the left side of the train, you'll be treated to superb views as you approach Midway.
However, it's important to keep your belongings secure. While thieves don't seem to care about luggage, they will take phones and run off the platform. It's also important to note that ticket machines at the station do not give change, and you may need to use stairs at some downtown stops, so plan accordingly if you're travelling with bulky items or limited mobility.
Overall, the Orange Line is a straightforward and uncrowded way to get downtown from Midway Airport.
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The train station is connected to Midway Airport
The train station is conveniently connected to Midway Airport, making it easy for travellers to access the Orange Line. The airport and train station are directly linked, with a simple hallway and stairwell separating the two. This seamless connection allows passengers to quickly reach the train platform without the hassle of navigating complex transit systems.
The Orange Line provides rapid transit train service between Midway Airport and downtown Chicago, specifically the Loop area. It operates during extended hours, catering to early morning and late-night travellers. The line also offers connections to various bus routes, providing further flexibility for passengers travelling to and from the airport.
For those with luggage, the Orange Line is a practical choice. It is rarely crowded, making it easier to navigate with baggage. Additionally, pilots, flight attendants, and airport employees frequently use the Orange Line, demonstrating its suitability for travellers with luggage. The line also stops at stations with elevators and escalators, such as the Clark station, providing added convenience for those with heavy suitcases or mobility concerns.
When riding the Orange Line from Midway Airport, it is advisable to sit on the left side of the train to enjoy superb views of Chicago's skyline. This can be a delightful way to begin your exploration of the city or a memorable way to conclude your visit. The train also offers a safe and efficient means of transportation, with the added convenience of accepting various payment methods, including Apple Pay and credit cards.
In summary, the train station's direct connection to Midway Airport makes it exceptionally convenient for travellers to access the Orange Line. The line's extended operating hours, bus connections, luggage-friendly environment, and captivating views of the city all contribute to a positive travel experience. With its practicality and efficiency, the Orange Line is a popular choice for commuters and visitors alike, streamlining journeys to and from Midway Airport.
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You can pay with Apple Pay, credit card, or cash
The Orange Line provides rapid transit train service between Midway Airport and downtown Chicago. The train station is easily accessible from the airport—you just need to walk down a hallway to a stairwell and you'll be in the station.
When it comes to payment, you have a few options. You can pay with Apple Pay, credit card, or cash. The ticket machine accepts cash and cards, but it doesn't give change, so be sure to have the exact amount if you're paying with cash. If you're using a credit card, you can tap to pay. Apple Pay is also accepted, so you don't need to get a dedicated transit card.
If you're planning to use public transit during your stay in Chicago, you can buy a visitor pass at the Midway station, which offers unlimited rides. These passes are great value, with a 1-day pass costing $5, a 2-day pass costing $9, and a 3-day pass going for $12. The machine for these passes accepts cash and cards, so you can pay with whichever method you prefer.
The Orange Line is a convenient way to get to and from Midway Airport, and it's often used by pilots, flight attendants, and other airport employees, so don't worry about travelling with luggage. It's usually uncrowded, and you'll be getting on at the end of the line, so finding a seat shouldn't be a problem. Just remember to keep an eye on your belongings, especially at busy stations, and be careful on the stairs and escalators if you have lots of luggage.
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You can buy a visitor pass for unlimited rides
If you're looking to take the Orange Line to Midway Airport, you'll be pleased to know that the airport and the train station are directly connected. You can walk down a hallway and through a stairwell to reach the train station. To purchase tickets, you can use the ticket machine, although note that it doesn't give change. Alternatively, you can ask the staff for help in figuring out what ticket to buy. If you forget your card or it's out of money, you may be able to use your credit card to pay for the train, similar to the bus.
When riding the Orange Line, it's recommended to sit on the left side for excellent views of the skyline. The line is usually uncrowded, and you can use Apple Pay for payment, so you don't need a dedicated transit card. If you're carrying luggage, be mindful that some downtown stations may have stairs, so check for the wheelchair symbol on the map if accessibility is a concern.
Now, regarding visitor passes for unlimited rides, the MBTA offers various fare options for its public transportation system in Greater Boston, which includes the Orange Line. You can purchase 1-day or 7-day passes, as well as monthly passes, which provide unlimited rides during their validity period. These passes are available in the form of CharlieTickets or CharlieCards, which are reusable plastic cards that you can load with passes or cash value. You can buy these passes at fare vending machines, online, or at MBTA retail sales locations.
So, if you're planning to use the Orange Line extensively during your visit, purchasing a visitor pass for unlimited rides can be a convenient and cost-effective option.
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The Clark station exits into the State Office Building
The Clark/Lake station in Chicago is a tri-level facility and the CTA's largest, most complex station. It was created in 1992 when the Clark/Lake elevated station and the Lake Transfer subway station were renovated and had their passenger access relocated to the same building. The Clark/Lake elevated station was originally opened in 1895 and the Lake Transfer subway station was opened in 1951. From 1988 to 1992, the elevated station was reconstructed, with its main entrance in the James R. Thompson Center. This allowed transfers between the elevated and subway stations without leaving the paid area, so the stations were combined into a single station. Due to this, it is the only station that serves six of the eight lines. The Blue Line serves the subway station, while the Green Line stops at both sides of the elevated station. Orange, Pink, and Purple Line trains stop at the Inner Loop platform, and Brown Line trains stop at the Outer Loop platform.
The Clark/Lake station has a complicated history. The original trackside waiting rooms were removed and new open booths were installed. Much of the roofs, platform canopies, posts, railings, and other features were left intact. The station house enclosure was quite small—no wider than about 30-40 feet—but the roof extended wider, about the width of Clark Street below. The CTA modified the building and enclosed the area below the roof with plywood and fibreglass panels, giving the station house a piecemeal, disorganized look. Clark had fallen into a serious state of disrepair when renovations began in 1988 for the replacement of the old elevated facility with a new, modern, white steel station, a common design for new "L" stations referred to as the "open plan concept." Beginning in January 1992, Clark/Lake was closed on weekends for the last of the reconstruction work, which was largely completed a few months later.
In May 1985, the new $173 million State of Illinois Center (SOIC) was completed and occupied. The SOIC is only 17 stories tall but stands apart from surrounding office buildings because of its dome shape and multicoloured glass exterior. The glass-enclosed steel structure's curving, sloping facade faces the corner of Randolph Street and Clark Street. In 1986, the LaSalle-Clark mezzanine of Lake Transfer was closed for renovation and integration into the new SOIC. The mezzanine was already located mid-block between LaSalle and Clark (where the SOIC is) and at the same level as the first basement floor. During the duration of construction, the previously part-time entrance at Wells/Lake was made a full-time entrance.
In August 2022, it was announced that Alphabet, the parent company of Google, would acquire the building for $105 million. Of this amount, $30 million would be a cash payment and the remainder would be used to purchase the Harris Bank Addition II, which would be renovated to become the new home of state offices in Chicago. One complicating factor in marketing the Thompson Center for sale was the presence of the Clark/Lake station entrance and vertical circulation elements connecting the elevated platform, street-level access, and subway mezzanine within the existing building. The State of Illinois required as part of the sale agreement that the new or renovated building must still contain the station elements.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport and train station are connected. You can walk down a hallway to a stairwell to reach the station.
Keep your belongings safe and avoid using your phone as thieves are known to operate on this route.
You can buy a visitor pass at the Midway station that allows unlimited rides. They're $5 for a 1-day pass, $9 for a 2-day pass, and $12 for a 3-day pass. The machine takes cash and cards.
