Question for any Chicago area DIS'ers...

[Ihave3daughters]

Hey everybody, I'm coming to Chicago for the first time in November for a convention. I'll be staying at the Hotel Monaco downtown, and have been researching getting from O'Hare to downtown Chicago. The convention website said cab fare is about $45 each way, but I can use the 'El' for $2.25. So, quick question: Get a cab? Or soak up some of the local city flavor and use the train (saving $42.75 each way)? Keep in mind I'll have a suitcase with me...

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to the trip and seeing Chicago!

Thanks!
-Eric

 

[simonkodousek]

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[TinkerChelle]

I have taken the el a couple of times to Ohare from downtown with no issues. My only advice would be to try not to ride during rush hours-it will be pretty packed the closer you get to downtown. It would still be doable just more crowded. Also, I assume your not traveling during the night...I would not want to be on the el too late at night. Have a safe trip!

 

[jcb]

I've ridden the El from O'Hare to downtown during rush hour with a suitcase and had no problem. Our flight arrived at 5:10 pm. Of course, if you are getting into Chicago in the morning, you will be part of the rush not against it.

 

[john1928]

I'd take the El with or without a suitcase in tow...

In fact, even when I drive down rather than fly I'll often park out by the airport and take the El in rather than paying the higher downtown parking fees (and avoid the need to find ramps that will comfortably fit a truck).

 

[sayhello]

I've always taken the El from O'Hare to downtown, with a suitcase in tow. The only issue is, you have to lug the suitcase up & down stairs to/from the El unless you go all the way to the hub. But as long as you don't have a REALLY bad back, it's not a horrid issue.

Sayhello

 

[LeahZ]

We've done the El with suitcases several times and have not found it to be a problem. Like a previous poster said, the only issue might be carrying your suitcase up to the platform(depending on which stop you're using), but if you can lift your suitcase, I would definitely save the money on the cab!

 

[Tangaroa]

After spending a couple of hours in mid-afternoon traffic on the Kennedy expressway today I would have welcomed the L. It's a crap shoot as to what traffic will be like but the L will get you where you need to be. You'll get on at O'Hare and get off at the Clark/Lake stop.

From there it'll be a 3-4 block walk and you're there.

As long as you're not carrying a ton of stuff with you it should be a fairly straightforward commute. Taking the L you'll have more time (and $$) to spend exploring the city (one can blow time and money at Garretts Popcorn (try the Chicago Mix). Enjoy the trip!

 

[mom2knk]

Taking the L you'll have more time (and $$) to spend exploring the city (one can blow time and money at Garretts Popcorn (try the Chicago Mix). Enjoy the trip!

I can't comment on using the "L", but I DEFINITELY recommend Garretts! It's a must do anytime we find ourselves near the city!!!

~Lori

 

[SamIAm21]

I'm a little confused because the Blue Line runs to OHare and I think that's the subway, not the ELevated line. Either way suitcases are not a problem. They expected that when they ran it out to OHare.

 

[dkostel]

The subway and the "EL" are the same, the Blue line runs underground in the downtown area but above ground elsewhere. I take the blue line every weekday to work, it is fine. It is perfect for going to the hotel Monaco, you should have about a block walk at the most, there are no elevated platforms involved. You will get on and off at stations with escalators (and likely elevators). Getting on at O'Hare you should definitely have a seat and room for your suitcase as it is the beginning of the line. Now what I would question is the sense of flying into O'Hare. Midway is a much better airport.

 

[jaurban]

Your potential issue will be the weather when you are outside walking with luggage. Could be rain, could be wind, could be snow (ugh). Could be beautiful. It will be a bit more than $45 with a fuel surcharge and tip though. If not rush hour, cab is much faster if that is important.

 

[mmay60046]

If safety is your worry, you'll be fine on the EL.

You could also look into one of these services for around $30/person.
http://www.airportexpress.com/