Getting Around Chicago Northwest
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
Chicago Northwest Airport information
O’Hare International Airport (ORD), one of the busiest airports in the world, is the primary gateway for visitors to the Chicago Northwest region, including the Woodfield/Schaumburg area. It is uniquely recognized as the nation’s only dual hub airport, serving both United Airlines and American Airlines. Most recently, Southwest Airlines also launched service from O’Hare, enhancing travel options. Located just minutes from Chicago Northwest at the junction of major highways, O’Hare provides unmatched convenience for business and leisure travelers.
Location: O’Hare International Airport is ~15–20 minutes from Schaumburg/Woodfield area
Airlines Hub: Dual hub for United Airlines and American Airlines; Southwest Airlines also serves ORD
Accessibility: Direct highway connections (I-90, I-294, I-190) for quick transfers
Size: 4 passenger terminals, 193 gates, nonstop flights to 200+ global destinations
Ground Transit: Airport shuttles, taxi stands, rideshare (Uber, Lyft), car rentals, and CTA Blue Line downtown rail link
Location: O’Hare International Airport is ~15–20 minutes from Schaumburg/Woodfield area
Airlines Hub: Dual hub for United Airlines and American Airlines; Southwest Airlines also serves ORD
Accessibility: Direct highway connections (I-90, I-294, I-190) for quick transfers
Size: 4 passenger terminals, 193 gates, nonstop flights to 200+ global destinations
Ground Transit: Airport shuttles, taxi stands, rideshare (Uber, Lyft), car rentals, and CTA Blue Line downtown rail link
Chicago Northwest Ground information
The Chicago Northwest area is well connected to Chicago’s broader transportation system, making them convenient for both convention guests and leisure visitors. Commuter trains, regional buses, and local trolleys ensure seamless access to the city and suburbs.
Metra Rail (Commuter Service)
Union Pacific Northwest Line: Runs between Northwest suburbs and downtown Chicago, terminating at Ogilvie Transportation Center (Madison & Canal Streets).
Milwaukee District West Line: Connects the Northwest to downtown Chicago via Union Station (Canal Street between Adams & Jackson).
PACE Bus Service
One of the largest suburban bus services in the U.S.
Covers 3,500 square miles with 193 fixed routes serving Chicago, suburbs, and convention areas.
Direct routes provide access to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.
Schaumburg Trolley
Free weekend service: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Connects major shopping, dining, and entertainment areas in Schaumburg/Woodfield.
Taxis & Rideshare
Suburban taxis available via courtesy phones inside O’Hare baggage claim.
Flat suburban taxi fares preferred; taxis from airport stands can cost nearly double to Schaumburg area.
Rideshares (Uber, Lyft) and rental cars also widely available for suburban access.
Metra Rail (Commuter Service)
Union Pacific Northwest Line: Runs between Northwest suburbs and downtown Chicago, terminating at Ogilvie Transportation Center (Madison & Canal Streets).
Milwaukee District West Line: Connects the Northwest to downtown Chicago via Union Station (Canal Street between Adams & Jackson).
PACE Bus Service
One of the largest suburban bus services in the U.S.
Covers 3,500 square miles with 193 fixed routes serving Chicago, suburbs, and convention areas.
Direct routes provide access to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.
Schaumburg Trolley
Free weekend service: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Connects major shopping, dining, and entertainment areas in Schaumburg/Woodfield.
Taxis & Rideshare
Suburban taxis available via courtesy phones inside O’Hare baggage claim.
Flat suburban taxi fares preferred; taxis from airport stands can cost nearly double to Schaumburg area.
Rideshares (Uber, Lyft) and rental cars also widely available for suburban access.
