I'm flying to ORD Saturday morning, and because I will have extra time, I'm wondering if there is a shuttle which goes to downtown hotels like the Swissotel and the Hyatt. Something like the blue "SuperShuttle" in NYC.

Is there a similar type in ORD and if so, where would I find it? I'm flying in on CO.

Thanks.

yes there is

http://www.airportexpress.com/home.htm

Just FYI, I take the "L", it's cheap, easy and I get to see more of the city.

I also prefer the Blue Line (the CTA train).

I took the Airport Express once and probably won't take it again. It costs a reasonable $17 but they crammed so many people in it that I had to sit practically half off the seat. I usually take the Blue Line for $1.50 and a guaranteed 45 minute ride. If you want to be sure not to have to sit next to someone, find a car that has the two single seats at the ends, and convenient space to put your bags between the seat and the wall.

Oh, and in case you didn't know, the "L" mentioned by Sweet Willie is the Blue Line.

[This message has been edited by FlyByMike (edited 10-23-2001).]

Thanks FlyByMike, I sometimes forget that certain lingo might not be understood by all who read it. Goethe, Eisenhower, Bishop Ford,
Skyway

I, too, would take the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) Blue Line Rapid Transit from ORD to downtown Chicago. Be aware that you must buy a fare card from the automated kiosks, near the turnstiles, at the O'Hare CTA station. As mentioned in other posts, CTA base fare is $1.50.

If you are, in fact, staying at either the Swissotel or Hyatt (can I presume Hyatt Regency which is very near the Swissotel?), the closest Blue Line station would be "Clark and Lake" (signifying the intersection of those two streets). From there, it would be a very short cab ride or you could walk it - maybe a 15 minute walk? - but walking might be a bother with luggage.

For more information about CTA, please see:

http://www.transitchicago.com

Have a good trip; hope you enjoy your stay here!

Bill

Great input everybody. Thanks. I'm toting heavy luggage so which would be the easiest for me to do? How easy is it to get to the blue line from Terminal 2? From what Bill said, I guess I might be leaning toward Airport Express unless it takes a huge chunk of time. And yes, I'm staying at the Swissotel.

Usually I just take a taxi but with all the cost-cutting going on, I figured I'd just take public transportation assuming it doesn't take me too much longer to do. From what I remember the taxi can cost between $30-40.

If you are arriving during morning rush hour (6:30am-9am) or (4-7pm) it will be quicker to take the "L" (Blue Line (cta trains)) to Clark/Lake stop and then take taxi to your destination. (cab should be about $5 from here to Swisshotel).

Otherwise a shared cab ride option might work seeing as traffic should be moving along at other times of the day. I believe a shared cab ride is about $20.

HOWEVER, one used to know when to drive to avoid rush hour but now I have given up as it seems no matter what time I am driving in/out of Chicago I run into stopped traffic.

I'm going this Saturday with the plane arriving at 12:09pm. Then depending on speed of baggage claim, I'll be out after that. I was just thinking that making all those transfers with luggage will be an ordeal. The van seemed easy assuming it's not packed in there. But if the van is slow, I'd rather just pay to get a cab.

Then.....I've got to plan the best route back to ORD. I'll be at the McCormick Convention Center and leaving there around 2pm. Do you all have a recommended plan of attack?

What would I do without you guys!

Based upon your info, two words for both trips

shared cab

Analise:

Terminal 2 is the closest to the O'Hare CTA station. It's still a bit of walking but there are some moving walkways to assist at least in one of the exits from Terminal 2. However, given what you said about toting heavy luggage, I'd probably take a cab. I have no experience with shared cabs so can't comment on how long you might have to wait to find another rider to join you. If you go solo in a cab, I think the fare from ORD to downtown would be at least $30 but don't know if it would go as high as $40; traffic should not be that bad on a Saturday afternoon but you never know - you could experience one of Chicago's two seasons: construction (the other being winter).

As for your departure from McCormick Place, I've never been there but would guess that a cab would be your best bet. Perhaps you could share a cab with someone else from the Convention Center?

If I were you, I would either pack lightly or use my muscles.

I plan to do both!

I'll wait to see if I can share a taxi with somebody. I like that idea. I especially like the idea of sharing a cab back to the airport. I've done that before but for some reason, I didn't even occur to me. I was told that the McCormick Center has a Hyatt attached so I will see if there are cabs waiting at that Hyatt on a regular basis. Otherwise, I'll just arrange for one to come and pick me up.

Funny, since I will probably have to check in my luggage anyway, I'm thinking of not packing as lightly as I usually do. I'm told that the Swissotel has a terrific gym so I might as well bring my gear. With that extra hour on Sunday, I could put it to some good use.