Page 110 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guides - Chicago

108 ❯❯ Streetsmart

Getting To and Around Chicago

Arriving by Air buses leave from in front southwest, I­57 from the
of it. The CTA’s Orange south, I­88 from the west,
Most international and Line “L” connects Midway I­90 from the east and
many domestic flights and downtown in trips of northwest, and I­94 from
arrive at O’Hare less than 30 minutes. the east and north. Route
International Airport, Available near baggage 66 from Santa Monica, CA
one of the world’s busiest reclaim at both airports, joins I­55 before hitting
airports, located 20 miles GO Airport Express will downtown Chicago.
(32 km) northwest of drop off (and pick up) at
downtown Chicago. any requested downtown Getting Around
Serving most major location; book the return by Train
airlines, including most airport shuttle in advance.
international flights, this Several companies, Short for elevated train,
big and sprawling airport including Elite Chicago the “L” is nevertheless the
offers free transportation Limo, offer private door­ name given to the entire
between its four terminals to­door services booked Chicago Transit Authority
via the Airport Transport in advance at rates that (CTA) train network,
System (ATS) train. are higher than taxis. including the sections
The Chicago Transit that travel under ground.
Authority’s Blue Line Arriving by Train The eight lines are
“L” train connects O’Hare identifiable by color:
to downtown; follow Up to 56 Amtrak trains red, green, blue, brown,
airport signs that say serve Union Station in orange, pink, purple, and
“Trains to City.” Trips take downtown each day, yellow. The red and blue
about 30 minutes. Taxis ranging from cross­ lines run 24 hours a day
are available from the country routes to a (less often off­peak).
lower arrivals level of commuter service to Trains arrive every 5 to 20
each terminal. When the nearby Milwaukee. The minutes, and the service
roads are clear it can nearest “L” stop to Union is fast and economical. Its
take 40 minutes to reach station is at Clinton, but smartphone app provides
down town, but time can it’s a good walk, so it is real­time schedules.
quickly double with traffic. often better to take a cab Metra, the commuter
Car rental agencies are or bus to your destination. rail system, serves the
located near the baggage city’s suburbs. Downtown
claim areas in terminals Arriving by Road stops are Union Station,
1–3, and via courtesy LaSalle Street Station,
telephones from terminal The inexpensive Megabus Ogilvie Transportation
5 (do not be confused by links Chicago with lots of Center, and Randolph
the numbering; there is other Midwestern cities, Street Station.
no terminal 4 at O’Hare). and the bus stop is
Midway International directly opposite Union By Bus
Airport is Chicago’s Station. Tickets must be
second airport. Located booked online and are not The CTA bus network
10 miles (16 km) south­ sold by the driver or on covers the entire city
west of downtown, it the bus. Greyhound and the suburbs, and
serves mostly domestic buses offer service is especially useful for
airlines, including several throughout the country reaching the lakefront,
popular budget carriers from its terminal in the which is not served by
such as Southwest South Loop, where the “L”. Keep an eye out
Airlines. Taxis are travelers can walk for the blue and white
available from the lower up and buy tickets. bus stop signs.
arrivals level; car rental Those arriving by car PACE buses also
agencies are located in generally do so via the service the city suburbs
the main terminal busy Interstate highways, and are numbered 208
building; and shuttle including I­55 from the and higher.

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