Chicago car services?

[NotUrsula]

O/T, I know, but can anyone make a recommendation or issue a warning re: car services in Chicago? I'm not familiar with any of the car service firms in Chicago, so I'd be grateful for any info from someone who has the benefit of experience there.

I think that we are going to have to make a transfer from Midway to O'Hare to get an int'l flight, and I'm not sure I want to take the train with the amount of luggage that I'll have. (I know that there is a bus shuttle, but it's a long drive, and shuttles tend to be a miserable ride. If I'm going to rattle around that much and schlep my own bags, I might as well save money and take the train!)

 

[inkkognito]

Having gotten "burned" by car services in Chicago more times than I care to remember, I'd take the bus any day! I'm guessing that you're referring to Tri-State as the shuttle service. They have really nice, big tour-type buses with reclining seats, and I've gotten decent service from them. In contrast, I've tried several car services and have had two no-shows, plus one that didn't bother to tell me it was going to be a shared ride. They also didn't allow enough time to pick up two people, plus the other party wasn't ready because their pickup was supposed to be an hour later. We literally got on the plane just as they were about to close the exit door. At least the shuttles run regularly so you can count on them!
I am a big fan of car services in Orlando because Happy Limo has always been reliable, but in Chicago they are the pits. Usually we just drive, or I take the shuttle if I'm travelling for work.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[tinaluis]

You can also just take a cab between Midway and O'Hare for a flat rate -- I think it's about $34. I agree with you on the train situation if you'll have a lot of luggage -- it is a little hard to get around with suitcases trailing you. Omega Airport Transport runs between Midway and O'Hare too and there is some information on the Midway Airport Website under Ground Transport. Check it out at www.chicago-mdw.com . Good luck!

 

[marn913]

We used Airport Express to get us to and from Midway when we went to Florida in June for our wedding. The cost was about $16/person each way which, depending on traffic and the time of day could run about the same if not less than a cab. They were friendly and there is an airport express stand at the baggage claim at Midway Airport. You can book everything online and you just need to bring your confirmation number along with you. I wouldn't take the train (which would be the "L"), because you'd have to take the orange line into the loop from Midway and then transfer to the line that goes out to O'hare (blue line I think), again depending on the time of day, you probably wouldn't want to try to navigate this way with luggage (especially since many L stops have a lot of stairs in addition to the turnstyles to go up to reach the platform). Your second best alternative would be a cab, like the previous person stated, it would run about $35.

Marne