Visitor Travel Information Being centrally located Chicago is accessible by Plane, Train and Auto. Choose your favorite method of transportation. You have many options. O'Hare International Airport (773-686-2200) handles more passengers than any other airport in the world. For visitors needing information or directions, airport information booths are located on the lower levels of the domestic terminals and on the upper and lower levels of the International Terminal. A foreign currency exchange is located on the lower level of the International Terminal. O'Hare is located about 25 miles from downtown Chicago. Midway Airport (773-838-0600) is located at 5700 Cicero Avenue, 20 minutes (13 miles) from downtown Chicago. The one-building airport is divided into three terminals, A, B and C. The main lobby at the airport's center entrance is where the information booth and all vehicle pick-up services are available. For additional details see: http://www.flychicago.com/ Transporation from both airports to downtown Chicago is available by taxi, limo, and/or public transport (see items below for more details) UA Meeting Plus ID code: 537TF Amtrak is a national rail train service serving Chicago and most of the continental United States. Trains arrive and depart primarily from the two major Chicago train stations, Union Station and Northwestern Station. For additional details see http://www.amtrak.com/ or phone Amtrak toll-free at 1-800-USA-RAIL for details. Metra Rail Trains, the Metropolitan Railroad operates 12 surface train lines serving the six-county area which hub into downtown Chicago from the outlying Chicago suburbs. See http://www.metrarail.com or call Metra Passenger Services at 312-322-6777 for details.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers fast, direct train service from both airports to downtown, and convenient bus and train lines to major attractions, simple fare cards, easy-to-use maps and brochures, and custom trip planning for groups. Here are links to their latest fare and transit info page. Getting around Chicago is simple and quick, thanks to buses and the "L," a system of elevated trains operated 24 hours a day. System Maps, are available at most subway stations. Buses run every five to fifteen minutes during rush hours and every eight to twenty minutes at most other times. Rapid transit trains run every five to fifteen minutes during the day and every fifteen to sixty minutes all night. Lines are color-coded and denoted by route rather than destination. For route, fare and schedule information, call 312-836-7000 every day from 5 a.m.-1 a.m. (CST). The CTA system map and Downtown Sightseeing Guide are available at all train stations, both airports, visitor information centers and hotels. The fare for one ride is $1.75 for ages 12 and up if you buy a prepaid card ($5 minimum) otherwise expect $2.00 at the "vending machine). You can purchase CTA Transit Cards, which automatically deduct fares and transfers and can be used on trains and buses, at any CTA train station for any amount between $5 and $91. You can take two additional trips in the next two hours for the cost of a transfer (25 cents). If you plan on using the CTA to get around, Visitor Passes are your best value. Available for 1-Day ($5), 2-Day($9), 3-Day($12) and 5-Day($18), they allow unlimited rides on buses and trains. Purchase passes at both airports, visitor information centers, Union Station and select Chicago attractions. You can also plan your trip online! (http://www.yourcta.com). Taxicabs: Cabs can be hailed anytime in the Loop and other central neighborhoods as well as all airports; otherwise call Yellow (tel 312/829-4222) or Checker taxis (tel 312/243-2537). As of the Summer 2005, this is how taxicab fares are determined and paid in the City of Chicago, rules in the suburbs differ.
Fares will vary, depending on traffic conditions and distance typical Cab Fares from State and Madison Streets (Middle of Downtown Chicago) to airport destinations are: State and Madison to O'Hare Airport : $40 - $50. State and Madison to Midway Airport: $25 - $30. Private Limousine and Car Services: Are available to and from both airports, within the city and areas beyond. Rates vary, from $40-$60 , see http://www.choosechicago.com for a listing of various services. Automobile Driving/Parking There is a major construction project going on along the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-94) South from Downtown Chicago to about the I-57 Interchange (see this map). Expect major delays during peak rush hours on this road or on arteries connnecting to it. Expressways North and West are generally fine unless you are trying to connect to the Dan Ryan. Off rush hour is managable.
If you're driving into Chicago, parking can be found in the many downtown garages and lots as well as lots in hotels. Parking costs for 1-4 hours range from $7-17, 5-24 hour fees can range from $15-30. Hotels will charge extra for use of their parking lots. There are 1600 parking spots available at Navy Pier, but it is moderately expensive, expect to spend about ~$30/day. Alternate Lots are located at: Hotels Mouse Click to Enlarge
June 30, 2006, All hotel rooms in the MM2006 block have been sold out. Follow this link to get information on how to still find a room or to find other On-line Services which should be able to find you a room in the Downtown Chicago area.
Saturday 7:30am-5:00pm Sunday 7:30am-5:00pm Monday 7:00am-5:00pm Tuesday 7:30am-5:00pm Wednesday 7:30am-5:00pm Thursday 7:30am-3:00pm
Commercial Exhibition Hours |
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