Chicago - 6 AM Flight from ORD - options from downtown?

Hello,

Mr.DG and I had planned a quick trip to Chicago for the labor day weekend. We were planning to not rent a car, and just use the L for our trip. We researched and it looks like the blue line runs 24 hours, so we thought we were okay for the 6 AM flight back.

But plans change, and now our two kids (both less than five), and my mother-in-law are joining us (ha ha, some change of plans, huh?). I am not sure its doable to have all five us go on the blue line around 3 AM, and so I thought I would ask for advice.

So my questions are this:

1. Would we have to have car seats for a cab ride into ORD? That would be a hassle, to say the least.
2. How much would a cab cost from downtown to ORD? The hotel website says $50. Is that accurate?
3. Are there any private bus/shuttle options we can use from downtown? Could you recommend any?


All replies are appreciated! Thanks!

Hello,

Mr.DG and I had planned a quick trip to Chicago for the labor day weekend. We were planning to not rent a car, and just use the L for our trip. We researched and it looks like the blue line runs 24 hours, so we thought we were okay for the 6 AM flight back.

But plans change, and now our two kids (both less than five), and my mother-in-law are joining us (ha ha, some change of plans, huh?). I am not sure its doable to have all five us go on the blue line around 3 AM, and so I thought I would ask for advice.

So my questions are this:

1. Would we have to have car seats for a cab ride into ORD? That would be a hassle, to say the least.
2. How much would a cab cost from downtown to ORD? The hotel website says $50. Is that accurate?
3. Are there any private bus/shuttle options we can use from downtown? Could you recommend any?


All replies are appreciated! Thanks!

A few thoughts:

It's my understanding that infants in cabs in Chicago don't have to be in car seats--but a parent would be a better person to weigh in on that.

That said, a cab with five people will be tight. You'll want to ask your hotel to call for a SUV/minivan cab. Even with kids on your laps, many sedan cabs have bulletproof barriers, which make 3 people in the back seat an uncomfortable fit.

I live north of downtown (East Lakeview) and typically pay $37 with tip for a cab. I'd say $50 is fairly accurate.

Go Airport Express (http://www.airportexpress.com/family_rates) is the main shuttle company in Chicago and offers both shared van & private ones.

Awesome, thanks a lot! That was exactly what I was looking for.

Awesome, thanks a lot! That was exactly what I was looking for.

Glad to help...have an awesome trip!

It's my understanding that infants in cabs in Chicago don't have to be in car seats--but a parent would be a better person to weigh in on that.

This is technically correct, but if they're under 5, do you really want to go that route? If we were talking a 7 year old who barely needs a booster, it'd be a different story.

I live on North Michigan Ave and always take a cab to ORD. The cost on Thursday was $38 before tip.

There is a $2 airport and a $1 fuel surcharge fee added to the meter. First additional passenger is $1 and subsequent ones are $.50. No surcharge applies if the passengers are over 65 or under 12. Don't let them charge you for them.

There won't be any traffic at that time, so you should make it to the airport in about 20 minutes. That should give you another 1/2-hour of sleep. :p

The shuttle options are rather expensive now. If there are more than two of you, a cab would be less costly.

Don't know about car seats, but I see people getting in cabs with small children without one. That's your call.