Getting from O'Hare to our hotel?

scarlettoctober

Hi Chicago Nesties!  DH and I will be flying into the city next month and I was wondering the best way to get to our hotel, which is on Wacker Drive.  We took your advice and did not rent a car.  Is there a train/subway/bus or do we cab it?  TIA!

morgan2004

There is a shuttle that's pretty cheap, or you can take the train....I would call the hotel and see what they suggest.

moniquitta

I agree w/ PP... call the hotel and check.  I dont know about downtown hotels so much, but some hotels even have their own shuttles.

ladychicago

also... be sure you check out www.transitchicago.com to check for construction updates on the Blue Line.   The work they are doing has closed the station closet to O'Hare, so they are running shuttles between the airport and the next available station.   This can be a big hassle with luggage or if you're in a hurry.    

 

Taking a cab would probably be about $40 one way, depending on the time of day.  But even a taxi to and from the airport is still less than you would have spent on a rental car and parking.    But you can also look into the shuttle... you might even be able to call ahead to make a reservation, which might save you some waiting time at O'Hare.

scarlettoctober

Thanks everyone.  We haven't made plans for that evening yet, since our flight gets in at 1:30 and we can't check in until 3.  I figured that was plenty of time to get through security, get our luggage and then make our way into downtown.  I'll be back if I have more questions!

jebarrs

The L is the cheapest way to get downtown. The Blue Line runs from underneath O'Hare directly downtown. It is located underneath the O'Hare Hilton, which is located in the Terminal 1-2-3 compound (where all domestic flights arrive and depart from O'Hare). It's about 45 min or so to downtown - $2/ride (I think - something like that.) If you plan to ride the L during your stay downtown (recommended; easy and cheap), you can buy visitor weekend/multiple trip use passes and get a little discount on the fares.

I'm not sure what stops are close to or around Wacker Drive. MapQuest the hotel and then search for public transportation. Or, call the hotel and ask what is the nearest L stop. If it's a hike to the hotel from the L stop, just hail a cab when you get off at your stop. It will still be cheaper than taking a cab all the way from O'Hare.

Cabs run frequently from the airport also, but they'll run you $40-50 at minimum, more because construction and traffic clog up the expressway that leads into the city. Most downtown hotels do not run shuttles to the airport because of traffic and distance. As far as I know, there isn't a public generic shuttle that makes downtown runs from O'Hare to stop at various hotels and locations. Call your hotel to be sure.

scarlettoctober

Thanks for the additional info.  We are staying at Hotel 71, which does not have a shuttle, but it does offer limo service.  While that would be nice, I'd prefer to spend money on a nice dinner than a ride.  The L sounds like a good plan.  (And I will check out the transit website closer to our departure date.)

yasmin718

There are alot of limo companies that can get you to your hotel. ?It sounds expensive but it can actually be very close to the same price for a cab. ?Look into a regular Lincoln Town Car or similar rather than an actual limo. We just used one but i don't remember the name and my H is sleeping right now. i would do a search on google.