Chicago

OHare International Airport (ORD)

Location

Chicago OHare is located 17 miles (27km) northwest of Chicago.

Getting to the city

Blue Line trains run every few minutes between the airport and downtown Chicago 24 hours a day; the journey takes around 50 minutes. For safety reasons travellers are advised against using the Blue Line at night. Travellers can also use the Pace bus service to get to downtown Chicago. Taxi ranks are situated outside the arrivals hall in each of the airport terminals; the fare is around $40 for the 30-45 minute journey from the airport to downtown Chicago.

Time

GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).

Car rental

Companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and National.

Airport Taxis

There are plenty of metered taxis outside, and a taxi to the centre of Chicago takes approximately 30-45 minutes and costs about $40. But be prepared to pay twice as much during rush hour.

Facilities

Facilities at the airport include restaurants, bars, shops, duty-free shopping, bureaux de change, a bank and ATMs. The Hilton Athletic Club provides a health club, sauna, steam room and massage. There is a medical centre, baby-change facilities, a play area and a 24-hour interfaith chapel. There are also many airport art exhibits to view as well as the Urban Garen, the first aeroponic garden in the world.

Parking

Parking at Chicago O'Hare is divided into the main lots, international lots, economy lots, and valet lots, with an additional free Cell Phone Lot for pick-ups and drop-offs. Fees range from around $2 per hour at the main lots, or $5 for two hours at the international lot, to $17 per day in the economy lots. Valet parking is also available.

Website www.flychicago.com

A free automated rail system, the Airport Transit System connects all terminals.

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Location

The airport is located eight miles (13km) from downtown Chicago.

Getting to the city

Passengers transfering to Chicago can rent a car, or hire a limo or taxi. The Chicago Transit Authority's Orange Line runs from the airport to downtown Chicago. There are also bus services from the airport to throughout the city. The Continental Airport Express has door-to-door service on shuttles leaving every 15 minutes.

Car rental

There are several car rental agencies based at Chicago Midway.

Airport Taxis

There are taxis available from the airport lower level to downtown Chicago or any other destination.

Facilities

The airport offers restaurants, cafes, gift shops, a business centre, yoga room, ATMs and a chapel.

Parking

There is a six-level parking garage attached to the airport by a covered walkway. Complimentary shuttle buses to the terminals run every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day.

Website flychicago.com