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Getting to Chicago
Chicago is a great place to
visit but how do you get there? It’s quite
simple and convenient because there are many airlines,
bus companies, trains and interstate highways which connect
Chicago to the rest of the world.
By Air
O’Hare International Airport: Chicago’s
O’Hare International Airport (tel. 773/686-2200)
has long battled with Atlanta’s Hartsfield for the
title of the world’s busiest airport. O’Hare
is located about 15 miles northwest of the Loop, depending
on traffic, the drive to/from downtown can take anywhere
from 30 minutes to more than an hour.
Midway International Airport: On
the opposite end of the city, the Southwest Side, is Chicago’s
other major airport, Midway International Airport (tel.
773/838-0600). Although it’s smaller than O’Hare
and fewer airlines have routes here, Midway is closer to
the Loop and attracts more discount airlines, so you may
be able to get a cheaper fare flying into O’Hare.
To find the best deal, check fares at both airports. A
cab ride from Midway to the Loop usually takes about 20
minutes. You can find the latest information on both airports
at the city’s Department of Aviation website: www.chicagoairports.com.
By Car
From O’Hare International Airport: Follow signs
to downtown Chicago, also I-90 East (the Kennedy Expressway).
I-90 joins I-94. Continue on I-90/I-94 East to downtown.
Exit on Ohio Street. Proceed eleven blocks East on Ohio
Street. Turn right at Fairbanks/Columbus Drive. Go three
blocks South and the hotel is on the left side.
From Midway Airport: Follow signs to Lake Shore Drive
North. Take Lake Shore Drive to Grand Avenue West. Exit
at Grand/ Illinois Street. Proceed three blocks West to
Columbus Drive. Turn left on Columbus Drive. The hotel
will be three blocks ahead on the left.
From the North: Take the Illinois Tollway (I-94) East
to the Edens Expressway (also I-94). The Edens will join
with I-90 (Kennedy Expressway). Continue on I-90/I-94 East
to downtown. Exit on Ohio Street. Proceed eleven blocks
East on Ohio Street. Turn right at Fairbanks/Columbus Drive.
Go three blocks South and the hotel is on the left side.
From the South: Take I-80/I-94 to Illinois, then take
I-94 into Chicago which joins with I-90 (Chicago Skyway)
in the southern area of Chicago. Continue on I-90/I-94
to downtown. Exit on Ohio Street. Proceed eleven blocks
East on Ohio Street. Turn right at Fairbanks/Columbus Drive.
Go three blocks South and the hotel is on the left side.
Getting Around Chicago
Car Rentals
The average price for renting an economy car in Chicago
is around $26 to $32 per day, but the sky’s the limit
if you want to cruise around in something more extravagant.
Use www.enterprise.com, www.hertz.com, or www.avis.com to book your car rental.
Shared Van Service
GO Airport Express offers affordable, reliable and safe
ground transportation services throughout Chicago and the
surrounding suburbs. This airport shuttle and private car
service provides transfers to and from O’Hare and
Midway Airports 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visit www.airportexpress.com to make your reservation.
Public Transportation
Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) is a convenient
and easy-to-use bus and subway train, including the famous “L,” that
carry you around town and to major attractions. Visit www.transitchicago.com to learn more about routes and rates.
Taxi
Taxis are fairly plentiful, available on a first come,
first serve basis.. Taxis all run on meters, and the average
cost is approximately $35 - $40 for a ride to downtown
Chicago (from one of the major airports) – you can
expect to pay at least twice that if traveling during Chicago's
rush hours. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available
through United Dispatch at 800-281-4466.
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