Transportation from ORD to Palmer House

Question

We are former Chicagoans (lived in Naperville for 17 years). And we would take Metra for commuting or drive into the city as need be. My husband (for work purposes) 'lived' at OHare - but would drive and park or we had a driver. All that being said.... we moved away 6 years ago and have only connected via ORD for travels. Now we are flying back in May for a wedding.

Can someone update us on the transport from ORD to Palmer House? I know we could take the train - but we don't want to mess with it for various reasons. There used to be a super shuttle of sorts that would go to the various hotels. I googled it but found it is now either a taxi express or limo, or....? Obviously, even living in Naperville, we never needed to worry about getting from ORD to the city!

Is there a similar service - or what do you locals recommend?

Thanks!

Answer

Welcome back to Chicago! It sounds like you're excited to return for the wedding, and getting from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to the Palmer House Hotel in downtown Chicago has become a bit more streamlined since your last visit. Here are some of the best transportation options for getting to the Palmer House from ORD:

1. Airport Shuttle Services

The traditional Super Shuttle service has indeed been discontinued, but there are still shared ride options that might be worth considering. Several companies now operate at O'Hare offering shared rides to various hotels, including the Palmer House:

Go Airport Express: This service offers shared and private rides to and from O'Hare, and they provide direct shuttle service to downtown Chicago hotels, including the Palmer House. You can reserve in advance online, or you can book at the airport.
Chicago Shuttle Service: Another option for shared and private rides, which operates out of O'Hare and services downtown hotels. They also offer door-to-door service, which is convenient if you want to avoid dealing with public transportation.

2. Taxi or Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft)

If you're looking for a quicker, more direct route and don’t mind spending a little extra, both taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available at O'Hare. The taxi line is located outside of the baggage claim area, and there are designated pickup zones for Uber and Lyft. Here are the estimated costs and travel times:

Taxi: A taxi from O'Hare to the Palmer House typically costs around $40–$50, depending on traffic, and the trip takes about 30–45 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Uber/Lyft: The prices for ride-sharing services will vary depending on the demand, but expect to pay around $30–$45 for a ride from the airport to downtown. The travel time is similar to a taxi, around 30–45 minutes.

3. Private Car Services

If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, there are many private car services you can book in advance. This is often a more expensive option but might be worth it for special occasions like a wedding. Some popular private car companies include:

Blacklane: A high-end private car service that you can book in advance. They provide a range of vehicle options, from standard sedans to luxury cars.
Execucar: Another option for private transfers that can be booked in advance, offering a range of vehicles for a more comfortable ride.

4. The "L" Train (CTA Blue Line) - If You Change Your Mind

While you mentioned not wanting to take the train, it’s still worth noting that the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown is very convenient and affordable if you change your mind. The trip from O'Hare to the Clinton station (which is about 5 blocks from Palmer House) takes about 45 minutes, and the cost is just $5. However, since you’re not keen on public transportation, this might not be the best choice for you.

5. Rental Cars

If you’re comfortable with driving, you can always rent a car at O'Hare and drive into the city. However, parking can be expensive and limited at downtown hotels, so unless you plan to use the car during your stay, it's probably better to avoid the hassle and cost of parking. The Palmer House does offer valet parking, but it can be pricey (around $60 per day). If you don’t need the car once you’re in the city, you can return it once you get to the hotel.

Recommendation: Since you’re looking for convenience and ease, I’d recommend taking either a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Uber/Lyft. These options will get you directly to the Palmer House without any hassle and will be the quickest and most straightforward choice for you. If you want to save a bit of money, Go Airport Express is a good middle-ground option, especially if you don’t mind sharing the ride with others.

Safe travels, and enjoy your time back in Chicago!