From Planes to TrainsChicago is the only city in the United States that provides rapid transit service (the 'L') to and from two major airports. For only $1.75 each way, the CTA provides frequent and convenient train service connecting both O'Hare and Midway airports to downtown Chicago.
CTA Blue Line trains provide frequent service from O'Hare Airport to downtown in only 45-50 minutes. The Blue Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
CTA Orange Line trains provide frequent service from Midway Airport to downtown in only 30-35 minutes. The Orange Line operates seven days a week, from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
O'Hare Blue Line and Midway Orange Line schedules
Here's how easy it is to use the CTA . . .
After collecting your luggage from the baggage claim area, just follow the overhead signs that read "Trains to City" to the CTA station.
CTA's Midway station is conveniently located just east of the airport. A skybridge with escalators, elevators and moving sidewalks connects the airport to our station.
CTA's O'Hare station is centrally located in the airport between Terminals 2 and 3.
After you follow the overhead "Trains to City" signs to the CTA station, CTA's Customer Assistants are available to help you. Our Customer Assistants will show you, step-by-step, just how easy it is to purchase your Transit Card from the vending machines. They will also answer travel-related questions to get you to your destination on the CTA.
After paying your fare at the station, proceed to the train platform. Train car signs indicate the train's destination. Both the Orange Line and Blue Line trains go downtown. Once you board the train, sit back, relax and enjoy your ride. Pre-recorded announcements notify passengers of each upcoming stop.
Trains going downtown make all stops along the route.
So be our guest and enjoy Chicago - let the CTA take you to all of the Windy City's destinations.
More information on O'Hare and Midway Airports
CTA Visitor Passes
CTA Visitor Passes are a must have item when breezing around Chicago. If you plan on making multiple trips on the CTA during your visit, CTA Visitor Passes are your best travel value. You can enjoy unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses with our 1, 2, 3, and 5-Day Visitor Passes. With unlimited rides, the more you ride, the more you save. Visitor Passes are available at both Midway and O'Hare CTA stations or you can purchase them in advance. More information on Visitor Passes
CTA Maps
Don't forget to pick-up complimentary CTA maps and brochures available at all CTA stations. CTA's Downtown Transit Sightseeing Guide shows just how easy it is to get around downtown Chicago on the CTA. You can ride the CTA to get to all major attractions including museums, theatres, State Street, Michigan Avenue and much more. You won't want to visit downtown Chicago without it. CTA System Maps show the entire bus and rail system serving downtown, neighborhoods, and the surrounding suburbs. This comprehensive map also includes Pace suburban bus service and Metra commuter rail lines. More information on CTA maps