Ride The Inexpensive Blue Line from O'Hare International Airport into Downtown Chicago

[@murielbolsa]

Super helpful, I’m traveling to Chicago in two weeks and my plane arrive at O’Hare at 11:30 pm, then I will take a Greyhound bus at 5:30am the next day. Would you recommend me taking the blue line at late night?

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thanks for watching, Jurgen. Are you going to a hotel downtown from the airport and then a Greyhound bus? I think your question depends on your destination. Perhaps I can give a better answer once I know that. Best, Sheila

[@murielbolsa]

I had the idea to wait at O’Hare and then going to Greyhound since a hotel would be expensive and just for some hours. Would it be a good idea (safe)? I also tought in going to Greyhound and wait there. Thanks and sorry for my English, Greetings from Peru 🇵🇪

[@SheilaSimkin]

Hi Jurgen in Peru. Your English is a heck of a lot better, actually far superior, to my remedial Spanish! Once you get your luggage at O'Hare there's nothing to do or places to sit except by baggage claim. You might as well just wait at Greyhound but I recommend staying in the station and not wandering around the neighborhood! Have a great trip and holiday. Regards, Sheila

[@murielbolsa]

So I wont have any problem going in the blue line with my luggage at late night (in terms of safety)? thanks for answering, your videos are very helpful

[@SheilaSimkin]

I don't know if it is safe, Jurgen. It's pretty late to be on the Blue Line and I can't really answer.. I think it's safe but don't know. Wish I could be of more help on this subject. Perhaps another viewer has the answer?

[@SheilaSimkin]

+cindi brady You are correct and it is a lot easier to get from Midway into Chicago. The Orange Line operates from Midway (on the southwest side of Chicago) to downtown via elevated tracks. (Once reaching downtown, trains travel clockwise around the Loop and then make all stops back to Midway.) The normal travel time to downtown from Midway is 20-25 minutes. Thanks for watching and your comment. Best regards, Sheila

[@elizabethmarrero8867]

Super helpful! My husband wanted me to find all the ins/outs of taking the Blue Line from the airport into downtown. Thank you!

[@SheilaSimkin]

I'm glad it worked for you. Unfortunately, our subway/metro lines are nothing like those we've ridden in other countries but they do get the job done. Thanks so much for visiting my channel and taking time to comment. Best regards, Sheila

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thank you so much for your nice comment and taking the time to visit my channel. I do hope to visit Sao Paulo one day! Best regards, Sheila

[@SheilaSimkin]

Right now the fare is $5 USD one way from O'Hare to downtown Chicago. I tried to put in the entire link but KZbin wouldn't let me. Try "transitchicago" add the .com and you should be good for all the information. Best regards, Sheila

[@esmailabbasi2693]

good

[@craiggoodwin5515]

You should be a travel agent You give great advise

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thank you so much. The entire point of the videos is to give other people information that we've, sometimes, learned the hard way. Most travel agents don't make much of a commission and as a result prefer to book "boiler-plate" tours and cruises that allow them to maximize their time. I don't blame them at all. Trips that I plan for Steve and myself take much time Googling, looking at different hotels, etc. Thanks again for watching and taking time to comment. Best regards, Sheila

[@SheilaSimkin]

If you are staying on Michigan Avenue around the Hancock building, my husband (who knows Chicago inside and out) said to take the Blue Line to Clark/Lake and catch a taxi. It is less than a mile to Hancock, or walk depending on whether it is a nice day, amount of luggage, etc. You could also transferring to a bus. I think using the Blue Line is best for those heading into the center of downtown Chicago. We stayed at the J.W. Marriott on Adams. The "W" was across the street.

[@SheilaSimkin]

You are welcome. Hope it helps with your transportation thoughts. Best regards, Sheila

[@SheilaSimkin]

It runs every 8-10 minutes, 24 hours around the clock, 7 days a week. There is no break. Thanks you for visiting my channel and hope you have a wonderful trip to Chicago.

[@smithraymond09029]

I appreciate this video. I'm traveling to O'hare in a few days. Being that I travel exclusively via public transportation here in Los Angeles, I see a lot of similarities between the CTA system in Chicago and the Metro system here in Los Angeles. Looking forward to visiting my hometown again!

[@SheilaSimkin]

I've never taken the metro in LA but good to know they are alike if I ever have the opportunity to do so. Have a good trip and best regards, Sheila

[@ScottysAir]

Hi Sheila, I am very good transportation skills. I know how to used ride on the bus, rail, and a few other, as well. I am very experienced to ride on rail, bus and a few other, as well. I remember when I rode on Blue Line from ORD to Clark/Lake station and where I stay in downtown Chicago. I visit Chicago for a few days to see my brother & his wife and the kids, too. I remember where we rode on Red Line to South Chicago where we have to go to Target store to buy a stuff.

[@SheilaSimkin]

Hi Scott. I am glad you had good experiences with the Chicago Transportation system. Did you have a good trip as well? Thanks for watching and best regards, Sheila

[@carlosLozanosilvercharlio]

thank you Shaila for share. Saludos desde MEXICO..GRACIAS!!

[@sfflyer123]

Wow, Sheila. I had no idea. I always take a Taxi or car service. If the subway is only 45 minutes, that's really not bad at all. The taxi usually is 35 to 45 minutes anyway, and if there's traffic, it can be worse. I usually stay near the John Hancock tower area. Which stop to get off if I stay there? This is a great tip, Sheila! Thank you

[@christianbennett619]

I just wanted to say if you're using the CTA late at night or early in the morning be careful. Only the blue and red line trains run 24/7. Also only select bus routes run 24/7 they're called night owls bus signs will usually tell you what time a bus stop. Just be sure to read schedules and plan ahead.

[@SheilaSimkin]

Hi Christopher. Thanks so much for all the information on the CTA. I'm sure other viewers will appreciate the wise suggestions and information, as do I, since I've only taken the Blue Line once into Chicago. We live in the suburbs and usually take a flat-rate taxi to the airport. Very best regards and if you do live in the Chicago area, hope the summer is going great for you. Best, Sheila

[@christianbennett619]

You can use Pace bus service to go to the suburbs of Chicago they actually go pretty far. You use the exact same card as CTA the Ventra card. The fare is only $1.75 and a transfer is.$0.75.

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thanks, Christian. I did not know anything about this!

[@anthonyargiro8203]

I love your videos and they are so helpful!! Is the CTA Blue Line safe for solo travelers?

[@rpf276]

Yes I would not hesitate to take the Blue line downtown even at night since Chicago has a vibrant and active downtown with people on the street like New York City.

[@waltbowlby1638]

Great video and presentation Sheila. Thanks!

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I just wish Chicago would update to modern and fast transportation from the airport like other countries we've visited. Very best regards, Sheila

[@jimwalsh233]

Are they going to extend the Blue Line to Racine?

[@gabrieleschmidgall2014]

Thank you so much Sheila!

[@SheilaSimkin]

You are very welcome! Hope you enjoy Chicago and thanks for watching. Best regards, Sheila

[@gabrieleschmidgall2014]

Yes, your video gave me courage to just go for the train. Just got to Chicago and used the CTA train. Yeah!

[@SheilaSimkin]

I hope you have a fabulous stay in Chicago!

[@SheilaSimkin]

@anthonyargiro The Blue Line is as safe as anything can possibly be in this crazy world.

[@anthonyargiro8203]

Thanks Sheila.

[@BassPlayerSusan]

The problem with Chicago's system is that it uses such teen-tiny subway cars. There's almost no place to put your luggage (unless you wanna put it on the seat next to you or in the aisle. It gets even worse if the train gets crowded. I've been on the Washington Metro, the Montreal Metro, the Toronto Subway, the BART, the New York Subway and they all use much larger, roomer cars that can handle large crowds. Why does a large system like Chicago's use such puny subway cars?

[@SheilaSimkin]

We have a junkie, antiquated, rumbly system that is pathetic. What can I say but thanks for taking time to watch and comment about Chicago's 3rd world system. It stinks. Best, Sheila

[@johncarrasco3821]

Hi Sheila! where do you get off /stop to get to downtown or millinieun pk?

[@Tlrose76]

This was extremely helpful!! We are visiting Chicago next month and I didn't want to pay for an uber or taxi from the airport. We are staying at the Central Loop hotel and I'm thinking the Monroe stop would be best - do you agree?

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thanks for watching, Tammy. To answer your question, I am inserting a link to the transit line www.transitchicago.com/blueline/ and hope this is helpful (if you haven’t visited the link before). But I do agree that Monroe is probably best. Have a great trip to my city and best regards, Sheila 😍

[@elizabethhiggins5584]

Thank you so much, Sheila! This helps me tremendously! :)

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thanks for taking time to watch and post a comment, Elizabeth. I'm so glad the video helped you out. Are you visiting Chicago as a tourist, business or for family? Just curious! 😍 Best regards, Sheila

[@s.v4243]

Thank you for your video I found it very useful

[@SheilaSimkin]

I'm so glad! And thank you for taking time to watch and comment. Regards, Sheila 😍

[@benmoore3092]

I'm arriving at O'hare airport with my fiance at 11:30 p.m. I have never been to chicago. We are staying at Omni chicago. Would you recommend taking the train this late at night? I will most definitely be taking the train to airport when we leave chicago.

[@SheilaSimkin]

Ben Moore I would bite the bullet and take a taxi at that hour. It's not much fun getting off a plane so late (and who knows if you'll actually land on time), and then worry about finding your hotel. Just do what you said and take public transportation back to the airport. Hope you enjoy our city with so much to see and do, and thanks for watching the video. Best regards, Sheila

[@benmoore3092]

Sheila Simkin Thanks so much. Any suggestions on passes for touring activities?

[@SheilaSimkin]

Ben Moore Oh my, there's so much to see and do. When are you coming? How many days? What are your interests?

[@benmoore3092]

Sheila Simkin We will be there late august for weekend. We are going to a concert late saturday but have all day friday and litte bit of saturday and sunday to enjoy the city. I had looked at doing a river tour of all the architecture and going to sears tower. The only thing I have really based to do list is by searching top things to do in chicago.

[@SheilaSimkin]

Ben Moore If you are good walkers, it's about 1 mile to Navy Pier with "stuff" to do and great views of the Chicago skyline; walk down Michigan Avenue - expensive stores on Oak Street, walk the bike path along the lake. If museums interest you, we have the really wonderful Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium. Millennium Park; in downtown Chicago, the Picasso, historic el making it's way around the loop. Ethnic neighborhoods, Lincoln Park Zoo with its fabulous Ape house and still free! Steve and I usually just go with the flow. See how the weather is and go from there.

[@KylePapin]

thank you Sheila.

[@Arkthurius]

I am Artur from MX, thank you very much.

[@SheilaSimkin]

Hi Artur. Thanks for visiting my channel and posting a comment. Hope you have a great holiday season. Regards, Sheila

[@hadjnabil4811]

thank you lot's lovely sheila simkin ,god bless you and your familly

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thank you Hadji, and blessing on you and your family. Thanks for watching and have a Happy New Year! Best regards, Sheila

[@zixzeroslots1670]

Thanks for your tips

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thank you for taking time to watch and post a comment. Hope you have a great holiday season. Best regards, Sheila

[@SheilaSimkin]

You are most welcome.

[@SheilaSimkin]

They raised the prices from O'Hare into Chicago, but it still costs less from Chicago out to O'Hare.

[@JonRS]

Thank you Sheila! Your video are so helpfull!!! I'm from Brazil, an I intend to travel to Chicago in December, but I have a question, please can you help me? I found a PDF in cta site about blue line schedules, and I need to leave the Hotel at 6:00 am on Monday, so according to the PDF file the last train leaving Forest Park at 4:35am and then the next one will depart just 7:00 am right? Is there a break between 4:35am to 7:00am? Thanks

[@hermeshs720]

Thank you Sheila! I like so much your videos, and I think you are so much frindly! You need to know São Paulo - Brazil!!!! Bye

[@kinshiroitoro5788]

Thank you very much

[@SheilaSimkin]

You are very welcome, Jason. I hope it was helpful and thanks for taking time to watch! Regards, Sheila 😍

[@msj2]

Does $5 cover the entire length from O'Hare to Forest Park?

[@m0llux]

Yep.

[@abookwalter]

I am planning a day trip MSI. We will be flying in and out of O'Hare on Tuesday. what do you suggest is our best transportation to and from? blue line then what? Thanks!!

[@SheilaSimkin]

Sorry but I'm dense. What does MSI mean? And what do you plan to do?

[@briansivley2001]

+Sheila Simkin Museum of Science and Industry. It's one of my favorite museums here in Chicago😊.

[@briansivley2001]

And for you just take the CTA Blue Line to Jackson and transfer to The CTA Red Line going towards 95th Street and get off at Garfield. Then once more transfer to the CTA 55 Bus going east and it will drop you off at the Museum of Science and Industry. Alternatively you can take the CTA Blue Line to Jackson and get out of the station and walk east towards State Street and get the CTA 10 Bus which goes straight to The Museum of Science and Industry. If you need any more help getting around Chicago just message me and I'll tell you how to get around because I've practically was raised here and at school I would use free time to read maps of the city and the transit system so I can rely on myself to get around and not electronic. Also I wanted to learn how to get around the city so I might be able to help people who might need to get to places in the city.

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thanks so much for answering Amy's comment. I am really, really dense not to realize MSI was Museum of Science and Industry. It was also very thoughtful of you to give all the details. Thanks again for your time and efforts. Best regards, Sheila

[@briansivley2001]

+Sheila Simkin Your not dense you just didn't know that. It seems like you were visiting Chicago so it's only natural that you wouldn't realize that MSI stands for Museum of Science and Industry. I used to be like you but that was when I was learning how to get around the city so I could rely on myself and not in electronics or people on the transit information phone line. I just don't like it when people think they're either dense or dumb because if they're not from around here of course they might not know what it meant unless they visit the place. I've lived in Chicago for the majority of my life and I love it here though I do want to move forward with my life and leave here because of my past. I would like to move to Seattle and start a new life there but being I'm poor I highly doubt that will happen.

[@yusimarrero9428]

Hi Sheila i am going in march with my daughter & i am going to be staying by the millennium downtown should i ask my hotel is there a train stop closed to them? Or once i get off in downtown do i take uber to hotel?

[@SheilaSimkin]

Hi Yusima, I just did a lot of googling and if you are staying at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel on Walton, I would say no. If this hotel is not correct, please let me know because that changes the Blue Line question. The Blue line stop is quite a distance from the hotel. You'd have to get off, take a bus or taxi from there. Is your daughter a child, or adult because that adds in to the yes or not. There is Airport Transport service from O'hare to your hotel (a bus) but I think you should send an e-mail to the Knickerbocker if that is where you are staying. Hope this helps and best regards, Sheila

[@yusimarrero9428]

Sheila Simkin hi sheila no my daughter is 21 we r having a bonding mom & daughter vacation. We will b staying by the Hilton Garden downtown chicago first time visiting chicago we r very excited. Should i take the train? Is it close to me? & thank u for answering me sorry i took so long

[@SheilaSimkin]

Hi Yusima: If you are staying at the Hilton Garden Inn on Grand, the Blue line is still too far. Here is the link www.transitchicago.com/blueline/#map. There is another Hilton Garden Inn on Wacker, still too far. I think you are better off asking at O'Hare about a shuttle unless you want to transfer to a bus. Good luck, Sheila

[@yusimarrero9428]

Sheila Simkin hi Sheila i called the hotel & they told me i think the red line train is 5 minutes walk from the hilton garden inn wacker i wonder if is the same train? She told me was $2.50 and is like a 40 minute ride.. thank you so much sheila just a litt nervous 1st time in chicago we seen picts & we can't wait

[@SheilaSimkin]

No. The red line is not the same as the Blue line! I suggest looking at the links to CTA transportation that I sent. You can transfer to a bus but I don't know. Again, I suggest you ask when arriving at the airport. Good luck, Sheila

[@MrLazboy68]

Great video!

[@SheilaSimkin]

+MrLazboy68 Glad you enjoyed it. Our Blue Line is such a dumpy, antiquated line but it is a money-saver. Best regards, Sheila

[@gabriela7291]

Great video, easiest way for sure into the city...just hold your breath on the elevators...

[@sfflyer123]

THank you!

[@evanhuang4464]

I heard that when taking a taxi, if the taxi encounters traffic, it adds to the cost of the ride

[@SheilaSimkin]

That is so true! I cringe while sitting in traffic and watch the meter ticking away. This is similar to every place in the world and I still remember a time along the Bund in Shanghai when traffic was so bad, Steve and I finally told the taxi to pull over, we paid, jumped out and walked the remaining distance. Thanks for your time to view and comment, Evan, and I hope my response helps you. Best to you, Sheila 😍

[@kennygoetz2010]

Just to clarify, it's only $5.00 when leaving the airport, it's only $2.25 to get back, hope this clears things up.

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thanks for making the situation clearer. Best regards, Sheila

[@sqwishdabug]

Thank you! I will be attempting this tomorrow all alone. Ahh! :O

[@SheilaSimkin]

I hope it worked out okay, Rachel! My fingers are crossed and thanks for watching. Best regards, Sheila

[@christianbennett619]

My final piece of advice is this. (I've never tried it but if someone wants to try this feel free to tell us what happened) You might be able to go to like Pace kiss & fly at the O'Hare tap your ventra card then go back to CTA and get on the train. If this trick works, it would only cost you $2.00!

[@isasum]

Thank you

[@SheilaSimkin]

I hope it helps!

[@isasum]

yes, the video helps...we just rode the blue line yesterday, we went from o'hare to union station..saves time and money, just $5 each. had big luggage (28") and a backpack.Every station the train door opens and closes in 10 seconds, so had to be ready...also, we exit Clinton station. and had to walk up in stairs, no ramp..and walk a couple of block to union station. it was very interesting, for a guy who never been to Chicago, again thanks...

[@SheilaSimkin]

You are very welcome. Hope you enjoyed Chicago.

[@mariekayethehealthandheali8984]

My friend and I did the same thing. I was a little concerned being a country girl getting off the CTA train and seeing no signs to get to the street..had big luggage and we were both a bit nervous. Wish I had seen this video before, luckily I was guided by a detailed explanation about the trip that I cam across as well. This is great you did this....You tube videos for everything it seems :)

[@SheilaSimkin]

+Marie Cknabe I try my best because I know how difficult travel is. Whether it is a one-day trip or multi-country extravaganza, there are constant decisions. Should I do this? Is this safe? Can I eat this? Etc. Glad that your experience turned out happily and thanks for taking your time to comment. Have a Happy 2016 and best regards Sheila

[@catboypjmasksakaevangarcia1671]

2:25 “Blue line runs 1H 20MINS.” “Maps are posted in each car and station too.”

[@SheilaSimkin]

Thanks, Evan, for your view and time to comment. All additional information is helpful to viewers and again, thanks. Best, Sheila 😍

[@nobodyelse9451]

Inexspensive my hat lmfao

[@SheilaSimkin]

I think it all depends what you are referencing it to. But thanks for taking time to watch and I hope you have a great New Year! Regards, Sheila

[@margaretskarzynske9182]

I miss the old days when u only pay 50 cents with a paper transfer. Ahhhh the good old days

[@SheilaSimkin]

I also remember those days! Best regards, Sheila

[@margaretskarzynske9182]

Thank u

[@MPIEMDRailfan4]

Margaret Skarzynske The CTA charges 50 cents for some tranfers :)

[@SheilaSimkin]

Railfan64 I guess that's the best we can all do these days 😀

[@davebethel7159]

Yes, before the corrupt democrat politicians became adept at skimming.

[@Quad8track]

$5? It was just $1.75 when I used it just a few year ago.

[@robertpreston2220]

5 dollars is for people who buy the card and then use it all the time and add money to it

[@matthewsimmons3277]

Used to be $3.00 lol

[@SheilaSimkin]

Sigh. Everything just keeps going up and up! So sorry Matthew, for the very late reply to your comment but KZbin just added something to my site that shows comments that I never received! Bad KZbin, especially since I try to reply to all viewers! Thanks for watching the video and taking time to post a comment. Regards, Sheila😍