AIRPORT TRIPS

Taxicabs
Taxicabs are available on a first come, first serve basis (see chart below) from the lower level curb front of all terminals. Shared ride service is available. There are no flat rates because all taxicabs run on meters. Expect to spend approximately $35 to $40 for a taxicab ride to downtown Chicago.

Limousines
Limousines are available for Chicago and the suburbs. Contact your company of choice near the ride boards to make reservations, or reference the listing of pre-arranged limousine services, which is posted near the airport information booths, across from Door C, located on the lower level of each terminal.

Train
To/From Chicago-O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Chicago-O'Hare International Airport is served directly by the Blue Line (one of CTA's 'L' train routes) and drops you off right at Terminal 2's doorstep!

Blue Line trains serve O'Hare at all times (24 hours per day, seven days per week). Trains operate every few minutes during the day and every 15-30 minutes overnight.

To/From Chicago-Midway International Airport (MDW): Chicago-Midway International Airport is served directly by the Orange Line (one of CTA's 'L' train routes) and drops you off just steps from the airport terminal! Follow signs from the train station to the airport.

Orange Line trains serve Midway from early morning thru late-evening hours, every day. Trains operate every 6-15 minutes throughout the day while there is train service.

IN CHICAGO

There's plenty to enjoy and do in this great city. With world-class parks, museums, hotels, nightlife, food and much more, the neighborhoods are bursting with personality and culture brought by the city's hard-working people from all around the world. There's never a dull moment in this bustling city. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), provides over 1.8 million rides on an average weekday, and can get you anywhere you want to go in Chicago. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the nation's second largest public transportation system--a regional transit system that serves the City of Chicago and 40 neighboring communities.

Presently, CTA service is provided by two modes: bus and rail.

CTA Bus
Most rides on CTA are taken by bus. The bus system consists of 153 routes (covering 2,517 route miles). Buses make over 25,000 trips daily, and serve nearly 12,000 bus stops throughout the region. CTA bus routes serve communities locally, move people across town, and a number of express services are provided. Several routes also provide 24-hour service, known as "Owl Service."

CTA "L" (Train Service)
The rail system consists of train lines spanning the city and neighboring communities, and is known locally as The "L." The service provided is described as "heavy rail rapid transit," also referred to as a "subway" or "metro" in many parts of the world. Today's "L" system has eight rapid transit routes and consists of 144 stations over approximately 242.2 miles of track. Parts of the "L" run above ground, in subway tunnels and tubes, as well as at grade or in expressway medians. Two routes operate 24 hours every day. The nickname "L" is short for "elevated," a reference to the all-elevated beginnings of the system (even though, as just mentioned, parts of the system today are at or below ground). Free transfer between all "L" routes is available at designated locations (see route guides or maps for free transfer locations).

CTA FARE INFORMATION

Full fare with cash: $2.25
(accepted on buses only in dollar bills or coins, no transfers available when paying cash): 

Full fare with farecard (Chicago Card, Chicago Card Plus, and Transit Cards): 1st ride $2.00 (bus) $2.25 (rail); 1st transfer 25 cents; 2nd transfer FREE

Transit Cards

Transit Cards come in prevalued amounts that give you the flexibility to ride CTA buses and trains without the hassle of digging for exact change. Transit Cards store value for fares. Turnstiles and bus farecard machines automatically subtract fares and transfers and show the remaining value. Vending machines at all CTA train stations can be used to add value to the card.

Passes

CTA Transit Passes meet your schedule! The 7-Day Pass, the 30-Day Pass and the 30-Day Reduced Fare Pass offer convenient choices. The 7-Day pass is good for unlimited rides only on CTA.The Fun Pass is activated on its first use and will provide one rider unlimited use for a 24-hour period.

When CTA Just Won't Do - Taxicabs
Whether you're an easily lost visitor, a responsible barhopper, or just someone trying to avoid the elements, you may occasionally need a cab in the bustling city of Chicago. The large number of transit-shy tourists and locals ensures the trusty taxi a place in Chicago's gritty transportation world. For those occasions when you need a reliable private ride, here is your guide to taxicabs in Chicago.

As with other major cities, Chicago licenses cabs and drivers. All city-licensed cabs display a medallion number both on the exterior of the car and on the interior. Much like liquor licenses in some municipalities, there are a limited number of medallions to optimize business without severely limiting the supply of taxis. There is no official livery for taxicab drivers, but many companies impose a uniform standard anyway. There is also no official cab color, so expect to see yellow, green, and red taxis vrooming around. When hailing, remember that Chicago cab drivers are required to accept a fare unless they have their "not for hire" light illuminated.

Fare Standardization for Chicago Taxicabs
Within the city limits: As of March 2006, the starting cab fare is $2.25 for one person, with a one dollar surcharge for the first extra rider and a 50 cent surcharge for each additional rider. So, the starting tab is $3.25 for two people and $3.75 for three people. This gets you in the taxicab and carries you the ever-so-long distance of 1/9 mile. The subsequent distance charge is 20 cents for each 1/9 of a mile. A three-mile trip with one rider and no stopped traffic charges would cost $7.45, excluding tip. In stopped traffic, the idle time charge is 20 cents for every 36 seconds.