Getting from Chicago city center to Chicago's airports
The fastest options are taxi and ride-hailing, while budget travelers often choose the CTA Blue Line train to O'Hare or the Metra Electric Line to Midway.
Chicago is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD), located approximately 27 km northwest of the Loop, and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), situated about 13 km southwest of downtown. Both airports are reachable from the city center via a range of transport options including the CTA rail network, Metra commuter rail, coach services, taxis, and ride-hailing. Whether you are looking for a quick door-to-door journey or a cost-effective shared transit option, Chicago offers reliable connections from the city center to both airports. Journey times and costs vary depending on the airport, time of day, and road traffic conditions.
How to get from Chicago to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)?
$20 – $40; surge pricing may apply; city surcharge included
on-demand 24/7 (traffic dependent)
flexible departure from any neighborhood
Notes:
Prices in USD; table created in 2025 and subject to change.
CTA Blue Line (to O'Hare) and Orange Line (to Midway) operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making them reliable options for early morning or late night departures.
Ventra cards can be purchased and loaded at CTA stations; single-ride tickets are also available at vending machines.
Taxi fares are metered and do not include tip; a standard gratuity of 15 to 20 percent is customary.
Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are subject to a City of Chicago ground transportation surcharge, which is included in the app fare estimate.
Road traffic can significantly affect journey times for taxis, ride-hailing, and private transfers, particularly during peak hours.
We recommend checking official transport websites for your travel planning.