Airports

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The University of Chicago campus is located in Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago, which is served by two major airports – O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Suggested travel options from these airports to the meeting location are listed below:

1. O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Located about 25 miles northwest of the University of Chicago campus (map) , O’Hare airport serves as the main point of entry for air travelers to the city of Chicago. Approximate taxi or private car ride from O’Hare to the meeting location on campus takes about 40 minutes without traffic; however, traffic can be slow during morning and evening rush hours.

Taxi: The cost of taxi service from O’Hare to campus is around $60; from O’Hare to downtown Chicago is around $40.

Public transportation: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers both train, known as the “L” system, and bus services throughout the city of Chicago.

Real-time train and bus trackers/schedules are available here.

Traveling via public transportation from O’Hare to campus requires a connection in downtown Chicago.

O’Hare – downtown Chicago

The Blue Line Trains are the easiest and most affordable way to travel between O’Hare and downtown Chicago. The Blue Line offers 24 hour service with more frequent service during weekday morning and evening rush hours.

The cost to/from O’Hare is $5. Discounted and student fares are available. You can purchase fare with cash or credit card using the vending machines located outside of the station.

The O’Hare Blue Line station is located in the lower level of Terminal 2. You can either walk OR take the Airport Transit System (ATS) to reach the station.

Getting off/on at “Jackson” station in downtown Chicago is the most convenient location to make your connection.

Downtown Chicago – University of Chicago campus

Two convenient options are available:

1. By CTA buses
   

   Reduced transfer rates are applicable if you combine CTA train ride with a CTA bus ride. Jackson station in downtown Chicago is served by CTA buses #2, #6, and #28. Check schedules/track buses here.
   CTA Bus #2 (Hyde Park Express): Operates only during rush hours during weekdays. If you are using #2, the most convenient location on campus is to use the “59th Street + Woodlawn” stop, which is 5-min walking distance to the meeting location.
   CTA Bus #6 (Jackson Park Express): Operates daily. If you are using #6, the most convenient location on campus is to use the “Stony Island + 59th Street” stop, which is 10-min walking distance to the meeting location.
   CTA Bus #28 (Stony Island): Operates daily. If you are using #28, the most convenient location on campus is to use the “Stony Island + 59th Street” stop, which is 10-min walking distance to the meeting location.

2. By Metra Rail
   

   Metra is an independent railway company, and reduced CTA transfer rates do not apply. The cost of one-way full fare between downtown Chicago and the campus is $3.50.
   There are several train lines that are operated by Metra. You should use Metra Electric District “Chicago-University Park” line to travel between downtown Chicago and the campus. Schedules are available here.
   The most convenient station in downtown is the “Van Buren” station, which is 5 minute walking distance to Jackson station for connecting to Blue Line train to O’Hare airport, or to Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren station for connecting to Orange Line train to Midway airport.
   The most convenient station on campus is the “59th St” stop, which is 10 minute walking distance to the meeting location.

Several other transportation options to get to/from the O’Hare airport are listed here.

2. Midway International Airport (MDW)

Located about 9 miles west of the University of Chicago campus (map), Midway airport is the second largest airport serving Chicago. Approximate taxi or private car ride from Midway to the meeting location on campus takes about 25 minutes without traffic; however, traffic can be slow during morning and evening rush hours.

Taxi: The cost of taxi service from Midway to campus is around $35; from Midway to downtown Chicago is around $35.

Public transportation: Traveling via public transportation from Midway to campus requires a connection in downtown Chicago.

Midway – downtown Chicago

The Orange Line Trains are the easiest and most affordable way to travel between Midway and downtown Chicago. The Orange Line service operates from 4:00am to 1:00am every day with more frequent service during weekday morning and evening rush hours.
The cost to/from Midway is $5. Discounted and student fares are available. You can purchase fare with cash or credit card using the vending machines located outside of the station.

The Midway Orange Line station is easily accessible from the airport by following the signs that read “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City.”

Getting off/on at “Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren” station in downtown Chicago is the most convenient location to make your connection.

Downtown Chicago – University of Chicago campus

See information listed above.

Several other transportation options to get to/from the Midway airport are listed here.