Owais Crawford
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a bustling hub for domestic and international travel, located about 17 miles from downtown Chicago. The airport boasts four passenger terminals, with Terminal 3 being the largest. To navigate between terminals, passengers can utilise the Airport Transit System (ATS), a free light rail service connecting all terminals, parking areas, and the rental car facility. Additionally, to travel between Terminals 1, 2, and 3, walking is also an option. For those travelling to and from the airport, the CTA Blue Line, also known as the L, offers a convenient connection to downtown Chicago. The Blue Line can be accessed from the airport, with a Visitor's Pass available for frequent travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the train | Blue Line (el) |
| Availability | Free shuttle available from the airport to downtown Chicago |
| Frequency | Runs frequently |
| Travel time | 45 minutes or more to get downtown |
| Convenience | Can be a pain with a lot of luggage |
| Visitor's pass | Available for $12 for 3 days |
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What You'll Learn
- The Blue Line train takes you to downtown Chicago
- The Blue Line is accessible for those with a lot of luggage
- A Visitor's Pass for the Blue Line is available at a separate machine
- The Blue Line connects to the red and orange lines for the Mag Mile
- The free shuttle is an alternative to the Blue Line train
The Blue Line train takes you to downtown Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The Blue Line train takes you to downtown Chicago and is accessible from Terminal 3, which you can reach via pedestrian tunnels from Terminals 1 and 2. The Blue Line train station is also marked with ATS signage, which stands for the Airport Transit System, a light rail system that operates outside the secure area and serves all terminals and the multi-modal facility. The ATS runs 24/7 and is free of charge.
The Blue Line train makes multiple stops on its way to downtown Chicago and can take 45 minutes or more to get there. If you are travelling with a lot of luggage or with an infant, it may be a better option to take a taxi or the free shuttle. If you plan to use the Blue Line train, you can purchase a Visitor's Pass for $12 for three days, which allows you to take as many rides as you want on the Blue Line and other lines such as the red and orange lines.
To get to the Swissotel hotel, for example, you would exit the Blue Line at Clark and Lake Streets and take a cab for about $5 or walk for about 5 blocks. If you are arriving at or departing from Terminal 5, you can take the free Airport Transit System or the terminal transfer bus. The terminal transfer bus transports passengers arriving on domestic flights between terminals 1, 3, and 5 inside the secure area without the need to go through security again.
The Blue Line train is a convenient option for those who are not exhausted from their travels and would like to avoid the hassle of navigating busy roads or the cost of a taxi. It is also a good option for those who are travelling on a budget or who would like to take in the sights of downtown Chicago on their way to their destination.
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The Blue Line is accessible for those with a lot of luggage
The Blue Line is accessible from O'Hare International Airport, which is located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The Blue Line is a convenient option for travellers heading to the city, with multiple stops along the way. However, it may not be the best choice for those travelling with a lot of luggage. While it is possible to bring luggage on board, there is no dedicated luggage storage space on the train. Travellers with large suitcases may need to be creative in finding space for their belongings, such as placing their purses inside their carry-on bags and storing them on their laps.
During peak hours, the train can get extremely crowded, making it challenging to navigate with bulky items. In such cases, it may be necessary to split up into smaller groups and occupy different train cars to find adequate space. Additionally, getting on and off the train with luggage can be cumbersome, especially when trying to exit at a specific stop. It is recommended to anticipate your stop and be prepared to move swiftly with your luggage.
To enhance your experience when travelling with a lot of luggage, consider the following tips:
- Aim for seats at the back of the car, where there is typically more space for larger bags.
- Be mindful of your belongings and aware of your surroundings at all times to ensure the safety of your luggage.
- If you are travelling as a group, consider splitting up into smaller groups within the train car to manage your luggage more effectively.
- Be prepared to haul your suitcases up the stairs at downtown stations, as not all stations have elevators.
- If you are travelling with an infant, consider taking the free shuttle service or opting for a taxi, as the Blue Line may be less convenient with a baby and multiple pieces of luggage.
While the Blue Line is accessible for those with luggage, it may pose some challenges during crowded periods. By following the above tips and planning your trip accordingly, you can make your journey on the Blue Line more manageable.
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A Visitor's Pass for the Blue Line is available at a separate machine
If you're looking to take the 'L' train to O'Hare Airport, you'll want to board the Blue Line. This line runs from the airport, through downtown Chicago, and all the way to Forest Park. It's a convenient and affordable way to get to and from the airport, especially if you're staying in the city centre.
When taking the Blue Line to O'Hare Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you have the correct fare. You can purchase a Ventra card, which is a reloadable transit card that can be used on buses and trains throughout Chicago. Alternatively, you can use your contactless bank card to pay for your ride. If you're staying for a longer period, you might consider a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass for unlimited rides. These passes can be purchased from vending machines at the station or online in advance.
Now, specifically regarding the Visitor's Pass for the Blue Line, this is available at a separate machine. The 1-day and 3-day passes are available as separate disposable cards, which you can purchase from the vending machine. However, for the 7-day pass, you'll need either a Ventra card or a contactless bank card. If you don't already have a Ventra card, you can purchase one from the vending machine and load it with the 7-day pass. The staff at the airport should be able to assist you with this process if needed.
It's important to note that O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a large airport with multiple terminals. The Blue Line serves Terminals 1, 2, and 3, which are connected and allow easy walking transfers between them. To reach Terminal 5, you can take the free Airport Transit System (ATS), a light rail system that operates outside the secure area and serves all terminals. The ATS is also accessible from the Blue Line station, so you can easily transfer if needed.
In summary, when taking the Blue Line to O'Hare Airport, remember to purchase the appropriate fare or pass, including the Visitor's Pass if needed, from the vending machines available. The Blue Line provides convenient access to the airport and connects you to the rest of Chicago, making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
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The Blue Line connects to the red and orange lines for the Mag Mile
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major hub for domestic and international travel, and it offers a variety of transportation options for travellers looking to get downtown or to other terminals. While the airport itself does not have a direct 'El' train connection to the Mag Mile, travellers can take the Blue Line from the airport and transfer to either the Red or Orange Line to reach the Mag Mile.
The Blue Line is accessible from Terminal 3 via a pedestrian tunnel, which also connects to Terminals 1 and 2. The Blue Line runs through downtown Chicago, making multiple stops along the way. It can take 45 minutes or more to get downtown, depending on traffic and the number of stops.
To reach the Mag Mile, travellers can transfer from the Blue Line to the Red or Orange Line at Clark and Lake Streets. From there, it is just a short walk or a $5 cab ride to the Mag Mile, a famous stretch of Michigan Avenue known for its architecture and historical landmarks.
The Red and Orange Lines of the 'El' train system offer convenient connections to the Blue Line, providing travellers with easy access to the Mag Mile and other popular destinations in Chicago. Remember that a Visitor's Pass for the 'El' train system can be purchased separately from regular tickets at the O'Hare Blue Line entrance. These passes offer unlimited rides for a specified duration at a reasonable cost, making them a great option for visitors planning to use the 'El' train during their stay in Chicago.
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The free shuttle is an alternative to the Blue Line train
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and is a major hub for domestic and international travel. While the Blue Line train is one way to get to the airport, there is also a free shuttle service that travellers can use. The free Airport Transit System (ATS) is a light rail system that operates outside the secure area and serves all terminals and the multi-modal facility. The ATS trains run frequently in both directions, allowing passengers to choose the quickest route to their terminal. The shuttle can be easily identified by the "ATS" sign with a train icon.
The Airport Transit System is especially useful for passengers travelling between Terminals 1, 2, and 3, as these are connected airside and landside, enabling easy walking transfers. For those travelling to Terminal 5, the ATS is a convenient option, as is the terminal transfer bus. The terminal transfer bus transports passengers arriving on domestic flights between Terminals 1, 3, and 5 without the need to clear security again at the onward terminal. However, this service is only available to passengers who do not need to collect checked luggage between flights.
Passengers arriving at O'Hare International Airport can also take elevators from the check-in area on level 2 to reach the departures roadway for curbside drop-off. Those who have walked through the pedestrian tunnel can take the elevator to level 2, while passengers arriving from the ATS can walk across the bridge from the station. After clearing the central security checkpoints, Concourse G is to the right, and Concourses H and K can be reached by heading down the main central walkway. Concourse L is located at the far left end of departures, with two separate gate areas.
Overall, while the Blue Line train is one option for travellers heading to or from O'Hare International Airport, the free shuttle service, or ATS, provides a convenient and efficient alternative, especially for those travelling between terminals.
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Frequently asked questions
You can take the Blue Line to O'Hare Airport. The O'Hare blue line station is inside the airport and is well-signposted.
You can buy a ticket from the kiosk at the O'Hare Blue Line entrance. You can also use your debit/credit card to tap on and off the train.
A one-way CTA ticket costs $2.50 at any other station in the network, but $5 at O'Hare. A one-day pass is also $5 and grants you unlimited CTA usage for 24 hours.
Yes, you can take the free shuttle or a taxi.
The journey can take 45 minutes or more, depending on traffic.
