Founded in 1944, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is the primary international airport serving the city of Chicago, Illinois. Located on the northwest side of the city, the airport premises is spread across 7627 acres of space and is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. Passengers can enjoy non-stop flights to 228 destinations across the world. It should be known that the O’Hare International Airport also acts as the major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines.
Located to the southeast of O’Hare International Airport is Downtown Chicago. The city of Chicago is widely popular for its incredible bridges and tall buildings, and Downtown Chicago refers to the central area of Chicago. Also known by the name ‘The Loop’ and comprising 35 blocks, the place is famous for its dynamic architecture and urban vibe. Included neighborhoods are the Gold Coast, West Loop, South Loop, Lakeshore East, Streeterville and Chicago River North. If you are looking to traverse from O’Hare International Airport to Downtown Chicago, then be sure to read this guide.
Travel From Airport To Downtown via Subway
To travel from O’Hare International Airport to Downtown Chicago through the subway, be sure to follow the steps mentioned below.
- Start your journey by catching a CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) train from the O’Hare International Airport to Clark/Lake, Chicago Loop, Illinois.
- There will be 15 stops in between and expect the time taken to be 39 minutes. The distance covered will be 27.7 km and the cost will be around 2-5 USD.
Travel From Airport To Downtown via Bus
When travelling from the O’Hare International Airport to Downtown Chicago using bus service, carry out the following steps of action.
- Begin your journey by catching a bus from the Terminal 2 of the O’Hare International Airport to Union Station, Jackson & Canal.
- Buses are available at two different times of the day – one at 11:43 AM and the other at 16:43 AM.
- Expect the time taken to be around 1 hour and 5 minutes and the cost to be 37 USD.
Travel From Airport To Downtown via Taxi
In case you are planning to travel from O’Hare International Airport to Downtown Chicago using taxi services, then follow the steps below.
- Kickstart your journey by hiring a taxi from the exit terminal of O’Hare International Airport to Chicago Loop. You could also book a taxi through the Uber or Sixt smartphone apps.
- Expect the time taken to be around 21 minutes and the distance covered will be 28.5 km. Furthermore, expect to pay around 55-70 USD.
If you are visiting Downtown Chicago for the first time, then be sure to explore the Navy Pier. The Navy Pier extends outwards into Lake Michigan and is therefore an excellent spot for family entertainment. There is an iconic 196-foot tall Ferris Wheel along with the Carousel and swing seat rides. Moreover, semi-weekly fireworks during the evenings are also a regular event. Once you are done exploring the Navy Pier, be sure to visit Millennium Park. Located in Downtown Chicago, the park features architectural marvels along with various festivals and concerts.
Another attraction for Downtown Chicago is the Cloud Gate which is also located inside Millennium Park. Nicknamed ‘The Bean’, it is a large structure created using stainless steel by artist Anish Kapoor. It also weighs around 110 tonnes and the reflective surface showcases the skyline of Chicago. After that, you can visit the Art Institute of Chicago, which features some of the most versatile art collections from artists like Monet and Van Gogh. As of 2022, there are more than 300,000 works of art showcased inside the building. Finally, you can wrap up your stay in Downtown Chicago by visiting the Willis Tower. It was once one of the tallest building in the world.
