How to get from Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) ✈️ to the City Center
Chicago Airport (ORD), also known as O’Hare International Airport, serves both domestic and international flights and is located about 23 km northwest of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Chicago by Metro, Taxi, Private Transfer, Uber or Lyft.
This guide compares all available airport transfers at Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
Transfer comparison
Overview of all transfer options from O’Hare International Airport to Downtown Chicago
Transport | Travel time | Cost | Metro | 55 Min. | 5 US$ | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
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Taxi | 35 Min. | 45‑60 US$ | Details |
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Private Transfer |
45 Min. | 85 US$ | Details |
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Uber | 35 Min. | 40‑90 US$ | Details |
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Lyft | 35 Min. | 30‑100 US$ | Details |
Notices:
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Private Transfer) is the more faster and comfortable option.
Chicago Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Chicago:
Tours and attractions in Chicago

Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
55 minutesCost:
5 US$ ppDescription:
CTA Metro Line ‘L’ (blue) from Chicago O’Hare Airport (CTA Station in Terminals 1, 2 & 3) to “LaSalle Station” in Downtown
Official local taxis
Travel time:
35 minutesCost:
45-60 US$Description:
Taxi from Chicago O’Hare airport (all terminals) to downtown Chicago or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Book a Private Transfer ↗
Travel time:
35 minutesCost:
85 US$Description:
Comfortable private transfer from O’Hare Airport (nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Chicago or to your accommodation
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
35 minutesCost:
40-90 US$Description:
Uber from Chicago O’Hare Airport (pickup location according to Uber app) to central Chicago or to your accommodation
Order a Lyft ride ↗
Travel time:
35 minutesCost:
30-100 US$Description:
Lyft from Chicago O’Hare Airport (pickup location according to Lyft app) to central Chicago or directly to your accommodationRoute from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Downtown Chicago
Things to know about Chicago:
1. Route 66 starts in Chicago
2. Batman’s iconic Gotham City was based on Chicago
3. Chicago is the third largest city in the U.S. and is home to an estimated 2.7M residents