Navigating Between Chicago’s Airports and Amtrak Union Station: A Comprehensive Guide

Chicago, a bustling metropolis, offers two major international airports: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). If you are traveling by train and need to connect to either of these airports, understanding the distances and travel times is essential. This guide provides detailed information on how to travel from both O’Hare and Midway airports to Amtrak Union Station, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient.

Traveling from O’Hare International Airport to Amtrak Union Station

Distance: Approximately 18 miles

Travel Time: About 30-45 minutes by taxi or ride-sharing service. The journey can take around 1 hour using public transportation, such as the Blue Line to downtown Chicago, followed by a short walk to Amtrak Union Station.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the public transit option:

From O’Hare to Loop: Take the airport shuttle ( 50 cents) to the Red Line station at O’Hare. From there, within the station, take the Blue Line towards downtown Chicago. Departure times can vary, so check the schedule to ensure you catch the last few trains. From Loop to Amtrak Union Station: The Blue Line stops at Randolph station, which is just a few blocks from Amtrak Union Station. From there, it’s approximately a 5-minute walk to the Union Station.

Traveling from Midway International Airport to Amtrak Union Station

Distance: Approximately 12 miles

Travel Time: About 20-30 minutes by taxi or ride-sharing service. The public transit option can take around 40-50 minutes, as you need to use the Orange Line to downtown Chicago followed by a short walk to Amtrak Union Station.

For the public transit option:

From Midway to Loop: Take the airport shuttle to the Orange Line station at Midway. The first train departs from the airport every 15 minutes, with the last train departing around 10:30 PM. From Loop to Amtrak Union Station: The last stop on the Orange Line is Roosevelt station, which is a short walk (about 8-10 minutes) to the Amtrak Union Station.

Additional Tips and Considerations

It’s essential to check the latest travel options and times as traffic conditions and the time of day can affect your journey. During peak travel times, especially weekends, it’s advisable to leave a bit more early to account for potential delays.

Remember to pre-plan your route using Google Maps or a similar navigation tool. This way, you can have a real-time estimate of travel times and adjust your schedule accordingly. Additionally, consider the cost of your transportation option. Ride-sharing services, taxis, and public transportation can vary in cost based on the time of day and demand.

Additionally, if you are planning to travel overnight, consider the operating hours of the trains and ensure you have enough time to make it to your final destination.

Conclusion

Understanding the distances and travel times between Chicago’s air travel hubs and Amtrak Union Station can significantly enhance your travel experience. Whether you prefer the convenience of ride-sharing or the reliability of public transportation, there are multiple options to suit your needs. Always prepare in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.