Getting Around Chicago
There are many ways to access the city and to keep moving while you are here.
Chicago International Airports
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 Amtrak and Commuter Train System
Chicago Union Station Chicago is one of largest passenger rail hubs in the United States. Traveling in and out of downtown Union Station, travelers can reach major cities across the United States.
The station serves numerous Amtrak routes daily making train travel in and out Chicago an efficient and environmentally friendly option to access the city.
The high-speed Metra commuter rail train connects outlying suburbs to downtown Chicago, and is a fast and easy way to travel to the heart of the city.
The station serves numerous Amtrak routes daily making train travel in and out Chicago an efficient and environmentally friendly option to access the city.
The high-speed Metra commuter rail train connects outlying suburbs to downtown Chicago, and is a fast and easy way to travel to the heart of the city.
Chicago Highways and Interstates
Chicago’s central location & its position as a hub for the nation’s major interstates make it a convenient drive from anywhere in the country.
We are within a 5-hour drive from major Midwest cities including: Milwaukee, Detroit, Indianapolis, Louisville, & St. Louis. And within a 9-hour drive from: Minneapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines & Columbus.
Chicago is accessible via several major interstates & highways: I-90 (Kennedy Expressway), I-94 (Dan Ryan Expressway), I-55 (Stevenson Expressway), I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway), & I-294 (Tri-State Tollway).
We are within a 5-hour drive from major Midwest cities including: Milwaukee, Detroit, Indianapolis, Louisville, & St. Louis. And within a 9-hour drive from: Minneapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines & Columbus.
Chicago is accessible via several major interstates & highways: I-90 (Kennedy Expressway), I-94 (Dan Ryan Expressway), I-55 (Stevenson Expressway), I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway), & I-294 (Tri-State Tollway).
Chicago Transit System
The nation’s second largest public transportation system, the Chciago Transit Authority (CTA) operates Chicago’s eight ‘L’ train lines & 129 bus routes.
Not all of the system’s train lines are elevated (which is where the term ‘L’ comes from). They do, however, connect the city via above-ground, street-level, & subway trains, & serve 145 rail stations all over town. Two lines operate 24/7: the Blue Line, which connects Chicago O’Hare International Airport & downtown, & the Red Line, with service between the North & South Sides via downtown.
Convenient CTA bus routes travel throughout the city, with stops every few blocks. Several lines offer Night Owl service, running until 2 a.m. or later.
Pay cash for single trip bus rides or purchase a reloadable Ventra Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass for both travel by ‘L’ train & bus.
Not all of the system’s train lines are elevated (which is where the term ‘L’ comes from). They do, however, connect the city via above-ground, street-level, & subway trains, & serve 145 rail stations all over town. Two lines operate 24/7: the Blue Line, which connects Chicago O’Hare International Airport & downtown, & the Red Line, with service between the North & South Sides via downtown.
Convenient CTA bus routes travel throughout the city, with stops every few blocks. Several lines offer Night Owl service, running until 2 a.m. or later.
Pay cash for single trip bus rides or purchase a reloadable Ventra Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass for both travel by ‘L’ train & bus.
Chicago Northwest Ground Transportation
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.
