Chicago Airports by CTA
The ‘L’ is the easiest way into and around town!
Transit is the easiest way to get to Chicago airports; there’s no need to pay for parking or taxis when you ride with CTA.
We provide ‘L’ (train) service directly to both O'Hare and Midway airports. Just buy a Transit Card or unlimited ride pass with cash or credit/debit cards at the station and be on your way!
On this page…
Paying your fare
You can buy a CTA Transit Card or a 3-day or 7-day unlimited ride pass using cash (machines do not give change) or credit/debit cards at both airport train stations. You can also buy your fares in advance if you order online.
Transit Cards store cash value and can be used to pay your fare on CTA buses and trains, as you go. Unlimited ride cards allow you to ride as much as you want for the number of days (measured in 24-hour periods) specified on the card, beginning at the time you first use the card.
See Fares for detailed fare information. See How-To Guides for detailed information on paying with farecards and riding the train.
Weighing your transportation options?
Here’s a quick chart to help you decide how to go:
|
Mode
|
Cost:
O’Hare to downtown
|
Travel time:
O’Hare to downtown
|
Cost:
Midway to downtown
|
Travel time:
Midway to downtown
|
|
CTA trains
|
$2.25 or less*
|
45 min
|
$2.25 or less*
|
25 min
|
|
Taxi
|
around $40
|
25-90 min
|
around $25
|
15-40 min
|
|
Shuttle Van Services
|
over $25
|
25-90 min
|
over $15
|
15-40 min
|
*You can save even more by getting an unlimited ride pass, where for under $6/day you can ride as many CTA trains and buses as you like. Some riders also qualify for reduced fares. See our Fare Information page for more details.
The numbers above are based on current CTA fares and price estimations based on online rate quotes for leading shuttle services and taxi fares based on distance and common roadway traffic congestion. Cost estimations for taxi and shuttle services do not include gratuity. Travel times shown are estimated for all modes based on common conditions.
Service to Chicago-O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The CTA Blue Line provides service directly into O'Hare Airport.
The fully-accessible O’Hare station is situated in the lower level concourse, which connects Airline Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and is conveniently accessed from Terminal 5 by free, frequent airport shuttle trains.
About the CTA Blue Line ‘L’
Blue Line train service operates via elevated and subway from O'Hare (on the northwest side of Chicago) to downtown, then continues through the west side of the city to Oak Park and Forest Park. The normal travel time on the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown, is 40-45 minutes.
Blue Line trains run 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and all trains leaving the O’Hare station go through downtown.
A free transfer is available to connecting CTA train lines at designated stations. See the Blue Line Route Guide or Maps for connection information.
To make a paid transfer, such as to a bus route, you’ll need an unlimited ride pass or a Transit Card. If you’re using a stored-value Transit Card, you can make up to two transfers within two hours for just 25 cents (deducted automatically at the time you make your first transfer).
Getting to the Blue Line from Terminals 1, 2 or 3
If you're coming from domestic and international flights arriving at Terminals 1, 2 or 3, follow signs in the airport to "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City." These will lead you to the train station. You can walk from the baggage claim to the train in under ten minutes from any of these three terminals.
Getting to the Blue Line from Terminal 5
If you're coming from international flights that land in Terminal 5, follow signs to the Airport Transit System (ATS). Ride the next train to Terminal 2 and exit the train at the station. Then, follow signs to "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City."
(Note: There is no Airline Terminal 4 at O’Hare.)
Service to Chicago-Midway Airport (MDW)
The CTA Orange Line provides service directly to Midway Airport.
The fully-accessible Midway station is right next to the airport terminal building, and connected by an enclosed walkway.
About the CTA Orange Line ‘L’
Orange Line train service operates from Midway (on the southwest side of Chicago) to downtown via elevated tracks. (Once reaching downtown, trains travel clockwise around the Loop and then make all stops back to Midway.) The normal travel time to downtown from Midway is 20-25 minutes.
Service operates all day, every day, except during overnight hours (roughly 1 am to 4am) or after 11 pm on Sundays. Alternate overnight (“owl”) service is available via the N62 Archer bus.
A free transfer is available to connecting CTA train lines at designated stations. See the Orange Line Route Guide or Maps for connection information.
To make a paid transfer, such as to a bus route, you’ll need an unlimited ride pass or a Transit Card. If you’re using a stored-value Transit Card, you can make up to two transfers within two hours for just 25 cents (deducted automatically at the time you make your first transfer).
Getting to the Orange Line from the Midway Airport Terminal Building
The fully-accessible Midway station is situated just east of the airport terminal building and is connected to the airport via an enclosed walkway.
Follow the signs to “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City” from the airport. An orange line painted on the ground will guide you there.