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RV + ORD Situation

Hi,

We're travelling with an RV (large Class A Motorhome) through the Chicago area, and we have to drop off our son at O'hare to take a flight Sunday evening. I'm comfortable driving the RV, but not sure it's a great idea going into the airport with it. I think I have the following three options and would be grateful for thoughts from people who know the area -

1. Go into O'hare after all with the RV (bus size), not sure what the policy is there about buses.

2. Park the RV next to some train/bus station that go to O'hare. That I think would be ideal if someone can tell me what station has service to O'hare and should be easy to find a nearby place to park the RV.

3. Park somewhere and take an Uber/Taxi back and forth. Would rather avoid that (for the cost).

Thanks,

Roy

Traveling with a large Class A motorhome in the Chicago area, especially near O'Hare, can be tricky due to parking and access restrictions. Here are some thoughts on the three options you mentioned:

  • Option 1: Go into O'Hare with the RV: While it might seem like the most convenient option, taking a large RV into O'Hare is generally not advisable. O'Hare is a major airport with limited space for large vehicles like buses or RVs. Most of the terminals have parking garages that do not accommodate oversized vehicles, and navigating through the airport can be stressful. Additionally, there are often restrictions for RVs at both parking areas and airport drop-off zones. It's also important to consider the difficulty of maneuvering such a large vehicle in a busy area. Checking the airport's website or calling in advance for confirmation on their bus/RV policy would be a good idea if you decide to go this route.
  • Option 2: Park the RV near a train/bus station with service to O'Hare: This is a great alternative if you'd prefer to avoid the hassle of driving into the airport itself. There are several suburban train stations with ample parking where you can park your RV and take public transit to O'Hare. The Blue Line of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs directly to O'Hare and has several Park-and-Ride lots at stations along the line. Some good options for parking your RV include:

    • Rosemont Station - Located just a few miles from O'Hare, this station has a large parking lot where you could potentially park your RV. It’s connected to O'Hare via the Blue Line, which makes this a convenient option.
    • Jefferson Park Station - Another option on the Blue Line with parking facilities that may accommodate RVs. It’s a bit further from O'Hare but still offers a direct route.
    • Elmhurst Station - A bit farther out, but a good option if you are willing to park further away and take the Blue Line into the airport.

    Make sure to check if the parking lots have any size restrictions before arriving. Some lots may limit the size of vehicles, so it’s best to verify this beforehand.

  • Option 3: Park somewhere and take an Uber/Taxi: This is an option you mentioned you’d like to avoid due to cost, and for good reason. Taking an Uber or taxi from a more remote parking area or from your RV location to O'Hare could be pricey, especially if you're making multiple trips. However, if you don't mind the added cost and want to minimize the hassle of finding a nearby transit station, it’s an option. You could park at a larger, long-term parking lot outside of the airport and arrange a ride to the terminal. Many of these lots offer shuttle services or are located close enough for an Uber or taxi ride. Be sure to check rates for long-term parking at places like Park 'N' Fly or Park Chicago for long-term stays.

Overall, I would recommend Option 2 (parking at a nearby train station) if you're comfortable with public transit. It's affordable, easy, and avoids the stress of navigating O'Hare with an RV. Additionally, Chicago’s public transit system is generally safe, and the Blue Line to O'Hare is reliable. Just double-check the parking availability at the chosen train station to ensure the RV will fit in their designated spots.

Safe travels, and enjoy your time in the Chicago area!

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