Public Transportation

CTA Blue Line train, METRA commuter train (North Central Service Railway) and Pace Bus (routes 250 and 330). Details of services, stop locations and fares.

Public Transportation: Affordable and Accessible Options

The CTA Blue Line train is the most prominent public transportation option at O'Hare, connecting the airport to downtown Chicago quickly and affordably. Travelers often praise this option for its convenience and low cost (around USD5.00 for a 24-hour ticket). However, some users mention that the train can be crowded during peak hours and that the walk from the terminals to the train station can be considerable.

Reviews also note that while the CTA is very accessible and efficient, trains can fill up quickly during rush hours, especially during large events like festivals in Chicago. Some passengers have experienced longer wait times, particularly on rainy days or during big city events, due to high demand.

Traveler Tip:

The Blue Line train is an excellent option for those traveling with minimal luggage who are looking for a fast and affordable way to reach downtown. However, it’s recommended to plan ahead for potential travel delays and overcrowding during peak hours.

CTA Blue Line

Trains in Chicago are known as "the L", and Blue Line trains are the easiest and most economical way to get to O'Hare via public transportation.

The Blue Line offers 24-hour service, with more frequent service during weekday morning and evening rush hours. It also provides connections to most other CTA lines.

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Travel time and fare

O'Hare Airport - Downtown in 35 minutes

A regular ticket from the airport costs USD5.00. You can purchase your ticket by paying cash or credit card at some of the vending machines located outside the station. You can also use a Ventra card or Pay-As-You-Go contactless payment methods.

For the most up-to-date schedule and timetable, visit the official CTA website.

Drop-off / pick-up location

Lower level of the parking garage.

From terminals 1, 2, and 3, follow the "Trains to City" signs on the overhead wayfinding signs along the pedestrian tunnels on the Underground Level. For Terminal 5, take the free ATS train to terminals 2 or 3.

Metra

Metra offers commuter rail service throughout the Chicago area. The North Central Service line operates Monday through Friday and connects Union Station in downtown Chicago to the north central suburbs, terminating in Antioch.

Travelers from O'Hare International Airport can use the O'Hare Transfer Station to access the Metra trains.

Journey Time and Fare

O'Hare Airport - Downtown in 35 minutes
Tickets can be purchased from the train conductor and are USD3.75 to Union Station.

Drop-off / pick-up location

On the northeast side of O'Hare, between Zemke and Mannheim roads.

Take the shuttle bus from the lower level of either terminal to the Multi-Modal Facility and walk to the Metra station from there. The station is located across the street from the Multi-Modal Facility, on the northeast corner of the building. See more information here.

Pace

This is the public bus service in Chicago.

Route 250

Service along this route includes:

• Davis Street CTA Station (access to the Purple Line)
• Skokie Swift CTA Station (access to the Yellow Line)
• Notre Dame and Main East High Schools
• Lutheran General Hospital

Journey Time and Fares​

O'Hare - Des Plaines Metra Station: 18 minutes
O'Hare - Davis Street: 65 minutes

Regular single ticket: USD2.00 (contactless options) / USD2.25 (cash)

Route 330

Monday through Saturday only. Service along this route includes:

• Amtrak / Metra BNSF La Grange Road Station
• Quarry Shopping Center
• Countryside Plaza

Journey Time and Fares​

O'Hare - Archer/Harlem: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Regular single ticket: USD2.00 (contactless methods) / USD2.25 (cash)

Drop-off / pick-up location

PACE stops are located at the Multi-Modal Facility, bus bays 8 and 9. From the Multi-Modal Facility, passengers can board the free ATS train to the airport terminals. On their return, passengers must board a shuttle bus from the curbside front of the lower level (baggage claim). The digital display on the bus will read "Car Rental / Parking Lot F".

For more information on schedules and routes, visit the PACE website.