# Question about getting from Chicago O'Hare airport to downtown Hyatt Regency for less than $ 100.00 **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 16, 2009, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363 "2009-09-16T21:21:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![carsarenotthefuture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/76d3ee/32.png) [@carsarenotthefuture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carsarenotthefuture)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/21 "2009-09-17T01:02:16Z")
and after the Blue Line trip, make sure to use that $95.50 for a spectacular dinner and a bottle of wine. Don’t waste it for a seat on in a motor vehicle sitting in traffic. ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/22 "2009-09-17T01:33:30Z")
I just got back from Chicago two days ago, and used the blue line all the way to downtown. Not a problem at all, and we were going faster than traffic. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/23 "2009-09-17T01:35:23Z")
> [@BorgHunter](#): > > Well, now I’m curious…where _were_ these luggage racks? As it is, there isn’t a lot of empty space for such things to have once resided…a train car is all aisle and seats, except for the emergency ladder locked away in its cabinet. Were one of the “priority seats” (the sideways-facing ones by the doors) occupied by the luggage racks? When I first came to Chicago, some cars on the Blue Line had luggage racks in the space near the ceiling between the two doors. But that disappeared before the Orange Line opened. It’s not a problem - other than during the morning and afternoon rush, the Blue Line is generally not too crowded and you can get on and off with your luggage - especially if you’re going between the airport and downtown. Just please, whatever you do **don’t** stand in the doorway with your luggage. Move towards the middle or end of the car. Don’t worry, nearly everyone will be getting off where you are getting off. Edit: And remember - you paid for one seat. Set your luggage on the floor, not on the seat next to you. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/24 "2009-09-17T01:35:49Z")
As a Southerner, I’m more than a little surprised none of these Chicago Dopers have offered to give the OP a ride. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/25 "2009-09-17T01:44:17Z")
Since 1983 I have driven in downtown Chicago exactly once. I would seriously consider shooting myself before doing it again. You see, driving him in a car would result in the same traffic problems as attempting to use a cab or limo or shuttle to drive from O’Hare to the Loop Hyatt, as they are really not in close proximity to each other. One reason for the cost of transport being as high as it is, is that you’d probalby burn at least that much in gas while sitting in traffic. No, really - even now that I live in another state (Indiana) and I am nearly 100 miles from O’Hare, if I have reason to fly out of that airport I _still_ get on the train to do it. (Actually, from where I live, it’s _two_ trains: South Shore to the Loop, then Blue Line to O’Hare. If i’m going to Midway it’s the Orange Line) Seriously, I would not ask a friend or relative to _drive_ me to O’Hare as long I was able-bodied enough to use the train. Driving can be _that much_ a hassle. Let me put it another way: when the executives at the Big Name Insurance Company where I worked needed to leave from their Loop office to fly out of O’Hare as often as not _they_ would take the train. Big expense accounts and perks be damned, particularly during rush hour the train was _faster_ and often the only way to guarantee getting there in time to make a flight. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/26 "2009-09-17T02:19:12Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > As a Southerner, I’m more than a little surprised none of these Chicago Dopers have offered to give the OP a ride. We don’t have cars. I’d offer to meet **Astro** at the airport, but it really is very simple to get from the airport to downtown. **Astro** , do you need a guide? ---
**Author:** ![J\_Cubed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c6cbf5/32.png) [@J\_Cubed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/J_Cubed)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/27 "2009-09-17T03:02:26Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > As a Southerner, I’m more than a little surprised none of these Chicago Dopers have offered to give the OP a ride. I wouldn’t give my **mom** a ride from O’Hare to downtown on a Friday. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/28 "2009-09-17T03:15:05Z")
> [@gaffa](#): > > We don’t have cars. I’d offer to meet **Astro** at the airport, but it really is very simple to get from the airport to downtown. > > **Astro** , do you need a guide? Thanks - we’re good! ---
**Author:** ![HorseloverFat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@HorseloverFat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HorseloverFat)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/29 "2009-09-17T13:52:44Z")
FWIW, I sometimes pay for a cab or even parking when I fly out of O’Hare. The blue line always has some problem: construction, closed stops which require a bus ride, slow zones, etc. Sometimes its well over an hour to get downtown and if you get caught in weekend construction and you need to take a bus expect 90+ minutes. The line is suicidal during rush hour, with just barely enough room to stand to be crushed between four other people. 40 bucks gets you there in a cab. If its not rush hour its surprisingly quick. ---
**Author:** ![BorgHunter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@BorgHunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BorgHunter)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/30 "2009-09-17T15:02:15Z")
> [@HorseloverFat](#): > > The blue line always has some problem: construction, closed stops which require a bus ride, slow zones, etc. Well, the construction (to fix the slow zones) has finished in the north half of everything. The weekend closures are all going to be south of Clark/Lake now, which is excellent news for us Blue Line riders. But yeah, those line cuts/bus shuttles slowed things down considerably. I’m not sorry to see them move on south. ---
**Author:** ![Beadalin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Beadalin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beadalin)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/31 "2009-09-17T15:15:15Z")
O’Hare in particular is great in helping people share cab rides into downtown. You and your daughter could ride with two other people and then the fare is split equally among the 4 of you. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/32 "2009-09-17T15:26:59Z")
Another blue liner chiming in. My wife and I were just up in Chicago last weekend for the U2 concert and we took the blue line in from O’Hare and back. Our hotel was only a block south and west of the Clark and Lake station so it was an easy walk with the rolling luggage. [slight hijack] Is the construction on the blue line the reason they were letting everyone on for free all weekend at Clark and Lake?[/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/33 "2009-09-18T01:14:41Z")
Thanks for all info. Made it in on the blue line + cab (split between 4 people) was less than $ 6 each. Chicago is a toddlin’ town. Our conference is on the 80th floor of the Aon Center and the views are amazing. Ate too much pizza at Giordianos at a group dinner so I’m tuckered and it’s time for beddy bye. Have to come back sometime and spend more time here. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/34 "2009-09-18T01:57:41Z")
Ah, this thread brings back memories. Memories of catching an overnight Amtrak train into downtown Chicago and then having to walk with luggage to the closest Blue Line stop to either stay on the Blue Line to go to O’Hare or to switch to the Orange Line somewhere in the Loop to go to Midway. Not too bad at 8 AM; rather unpleasant around 10 PM. Doubly so in early March snow. One of my best travel stories came from a trip through Chicago one Saturday in March. Anyway, glad the Blue Line worked for you. FYI, the Orange Line is about as easy, though I found getting from the stop to the entrance to Midway to be less intuitive than O’Hare and it’s not as nice a ride, though it is shorter. ---
**Author:** ![J\_Cubed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c6cbf5/32.png) [@J\_Cubed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/J_Cubed)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/35 "2009-09-18T02:36:51Z")
> [@astro](#): > > Ate too much pizza at Giordianos at a group dinner so I’m tuckered and it’s time for beddy bye. We should have warned you about that! ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/36 "2009-09-18T02:39:59Z")
> [@J\_Cubed](#): > > We should have warned you about that! Damn right. Chicago pizza is gross. Deep, thick puddles of cheese. Yech. Give me a good New York pizza any day. ---
**Author:** ![MikeS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MikeS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeS)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/37 "2009-09-18T12:40:31Z")
> [@astro](#): > > Ate too much pizza at Giordianos at a group dinner so I’m tuckered and it’s time for beddy bye. Eating Chicago-style pizza has been described as being like “eating a manhole cover made of cheese”. If this sounds as delicious to you as it does to me, then you’re a true Chicagoan at heart. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363/38 "2009-09-18T19:05:04Z")
> [@asterion](#): > > Ah, this thread brings back memories. Memories of catching an overnight Amtrak train into downtown Chicago and then having to walk with luggage to the closest Blue Line stop to either stay on the Blue Line to go to O’Hare or to switch to the Orange Line somewhere in the Loop to go to Midway. Not too bad at 8 AM; rather unpleasant around 10 PM. Doubly so in early March snow. One of my best travel stories came from a trip through Chicago one Saturday in March. Yeah, the Clinton stop on the Blue line is pretty dodgy, being located under a highway overpass that is a nice warm place to sleep for the homeless. There is a tunnel from Union Station that goes to the parking garage between Jackson and Van Buren that I wish they’d extend to the Clinton stop. That would make the Union Station to Blue line trip much more pleasant. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-getting-from-chicago-ohare-airport-to-downtown-hyatt-regency-for-less-than-100-00/510363.md?page=1)