Trains to/from Chicago O'Hare and Midway airports
The ‘L’ is the easiest way into and around town!
Transit is the easiest way to get to and from Chicago airports; there’s no need to pay for parking or taxis when you ride with CTA.
We provide ‘L’ (train) service directly to and from both O'Hare and Midway airports. Machines at the station issue new Ventra Cards or load fare or passes onto cards.
On this page…
Weighing your transport options?
Here’s a quick chart to help you decide how to go:
|
Mode
|
Cost between
O’Hare & downtown
|
Travel time:
O’Hare to downtown
|
Cost:
Midway to downtown
|
Travel time:
Midway to downtown
|
|
CTA trains
|
$5 or less*
|
45 min
|
$2.50 or less*
|
25 min
|
|
Taxi
|
around $40
|
25-90 min
|
around $25
|
15-40 min
|
|
Shuttle Van Services
|
over $25
|
25-90 min
|
over $15
|
15-40 min
|
| Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.) |
around $35-50 (surges to $140 or more) |
25-90 min |
around $25-40 (surges to $100 or more) |
15-40 min |
*You can save even more by getting an unlimited ride pass!
See Fares for detailed fare information. See How-To Guides for detailed information on paying with farecards and riding the train.
The numbers above are based on current CTA fares and price estimations based on online rate quotes for leading services and actual price observations. Cost estimations for taxi, rideshare and shuttle services do not include gratuity. Travel times shown are estimated for all modes based on common conditions and while train service is running normally.
Service to/from Chicago-O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The CTA Blue Line provides service directly to and from O'Hare Airport.
The accessible O’Hare station is situated in the lower level concourse, which connects directly to Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and can be conveniently accessed from Terminal 5 via a free, airport shuttle train.
About the CTA Blue Line
Blue Line trains run 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and all trains from the O’Hare station go through downtown on their way to Forest Park (or, during some hours, UIC-Halsted).
The normal travel time on the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown, is 40-45 minutes.
Transfer to another CTA train or bus for free up to two times within two hours by using the same Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket, personal contactless bankcard, or mobile wallet app. See the Blue Line Route Guide or Maps for connection information.
Directions from the terminals to Blue Line trains
Getting to the Blue Line from Terminals 1, 2 and 3
If you're coming from domestic and international flights arriving at Terminals 1, 2 or 3, follow signs in the airport to "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City." These will lead you to the train station. You can walk from the baggage claim to the train in under ten minutes from any of these three terminals.
Getting to the Blue Line from (International) Terminal 5
If you're coming from international flights that land in Terminal 5, follow signs to the Airport Transit System (ATS). Ride the next train to Terminal 2 and exit the train at the station. Then, follow signs to "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City."
(Note: There is no Terminal 4 at O’Hare.)
See also: O'Hare Terminal Map (from Chicago Dept. of Aviation)
Service to/from Chicago-Midway International Airport (MDW)
The CTA Orange Line provides service directly to and from Midway Airport.
The accessible Midway station is just east of the airport terminal building with a direct, enclosed walking connection to/from the airline terminal.
About the CTA Orange Line ‘L’
Orange Line train service operates from Midway (on the southwest side of Chicago) to downtown and back via elevated tracks. All trains from the Midway station go to the downtown Loop.
The normal travel time to downtown from Midway is 20-25 minutes.
Service operates all day, every day, except during overnight hours (see schedule). Alternate overnight (“owl”) service is available via the N62 Archer bus.
Transfer to another CTA train or bus for free up to two times within two hours by using the same Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket, personal contactless bankcard, or mobile wallet app. See the Orange Line Route Guide or Maps for connection information.
Directions from the airline terminals to Orange Line trains
The accessible Midway station is situated just east of the airport terminal building and is connected to the airport via an enclosed walkway.
Follow the signs to “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City” from the airport. An orange line painted on the ground also helps to guide you there.
See also: Midway Terminal Map (from Chicago Dept. of Aviation)