Getting to Chicago
Chicago has two main airports: O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. O’Hare is located approximately 30 miles northwest of the University and is accessible by taxi, car, or a combination of public transportation options. A taxi from O’Hare to the University campus will cost approximately $50-60 and take 30-60minutes depending on the time of day and traffic. The CTA “L” Blue line runs from the airport to downtown and costs $5.00. From downtown there are a number of busses and other CTA “L” lines that connect to the south side of Chicago, including the 6, 2, and 28 (28 during rush hours only). Midway is located approximately 8 miles west of the University and is accessible by taxi, car, or public transportation. A taxi from Midway to downtown or the University campus will cost approximately $30 and take about 30 minutes. The Orange line runs from Midway to downtown and the 55 bus runs from Midway to the University campus.
Getting to the University of Chicago and Hyde Park
Public Transportation
From Midway
Follow the airport signs to the CTA Orange Line/transit center. At the transit center, walk outside to the CTA bus terminal and board the #55 Garfield bus. The bus runs east on 55th Street to the Museum of Science and Industry. The most common stops for the University of Chicago are Ellis, University, and Woodlawn.
From O’Hare
The Blue Line trains are the easiest and most affordable way to get to O’Hare International Airport from downtown via public transit. Please note there is a special fare from O’Hare (riding the Blue Line from the airport costs $5, instead of $2.25) The O’Hare Blue Line station is located in the lower level of Terminal 2. You can either walk to lower level Terminal 2 to reach the station, or take the Airport Transit System (ATS). The ATS connects each terminal and the remote parking lots as well and passes through the terminals about every 5-7 minutes. Take the CTA Blue Line train from the airport to the Jackson stop downtown. Exit the subway and walk one block east to State Street. The CTA #6 Jackson Park Express bus will take you from downtown Chicago to Hyde Park. Catch the bus southbound on State Street in the Loop. Get off at 57th or 59th Street, walk under the train tracks, and continue west to the campus.
From Downtown/Loop
The CTA #6 Jackson Park Express bus will take you from downtown Chicago to Hyde Park. Catch the bus southbound on State Street in the Loop. Get off at 57th or 59th Street, walk under the train tracks, and continue west to the campus.
Catch the Metra Electric commuter train at Millenium Station (Randolph St.), the Van Buren stop, or the Museum Campus (Roosevelt St.) station. Get off at 57th or 59th Street and walk west to the campus.
If you have questions about using the CTA and Metra we have fare and schedule information on the Public Transportation page.
By Taxi
A taxi ride to or from O’Hare Airport can range anywhere from $30 to $50 and a ride to or from Midway Airport can cost as much as $20. Taxi fare from Downtown Chicago to Hyde Park is about $18.
There are Taxi Stands at the lower-level curb front (outside of Baggage Claim) at each terminal at O’Hare Airport. At Midway taxi stands are located on the lower level curbfront of the terminals, and taxis are available on a first come, first serve basis. (Follow links for more detailed information about taxi and limo service to and from Chicago’s airports).