Chicago O'Hare Airport — CTA #250 + Airport Express bus
Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) to Chicago — Updated 2026
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) has multiple bus + rail combos to downtown. CTA Blue Line rail (from ORD station in Terminal 2) direct to downtown Chicago in 45 min for $5 — the default option. CTA bus #250 connects to Blue Line at Rosemont for $2.50 — extra transfer but cheaper. Chicago Downtown Airport Express bus at $32 is expensive but drops directly at Loop hotels. GO Airport Shuttle at $25-40 offers hotel-specific routes.
CTA #250 + Airport Express bus stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ORD Arrivals (T2 for CTA station) | 0 min | CTA Blue Line station in Terminal 2 |
| Rosemont (Blue Line) | ~5 min | CTA #250 bus stop for other CTA routes |
| Cumberland | ~15 min | Northwest suburbs |
| Logan Square | ~30 min | North Chicago neighborhood |
| Downtown (Clark/Lake) | ~45 min | Loop financial district |
Getting out of Chicago
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car in Chicago? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Chicago
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Chicago and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse ChicagoJust need timed-entry attraction tickets in Chicago? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Chicago.Flights to Chicago
Compare ORD fares from 750+ airlines.
CTA #250 + Airport Express bus vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTA Blue Line | $5 | 45 min direct | Best value + fastest. |
| Airport Express Bus | $32 | 45 min direct | Loop hotels drop-off. |
| GO Airport Shuttle | $25-40 shared | 60-90 min | Hotel-specific + door-to-door. |
| Uber/Lyft | $40-70 | 30-60 min | App-based, direct. |
| Yellow taxi (medallion) | $45-60 | 30-60 min | Metered + $4 airport surcharge. |
FAQ
CTA Blue Line or Airport Express Bus from ORD?+
CTA Blue Line: $5, 45 min, direct to Loop, every 5-10 min. Airport Express Bus: $32, 45 min, drops at Loop hotels. Blue Line wins on price 6x. Airport Express only if you're staying at a specific Loop hotel + want direct drop-off.
Where's the CTA station at O'Hare?+
In Terminal 2, connected via walkways to Terminals 1, 3, and 5. Follow 'CTA' signs from arrivals. Ventra card required (buy at station, $5 deposit + $5 fare = $10 initial). Or contactless card/phone tap directly at gates.
How safe is CTA Blue Line from O'Hare?+
Very safe daytime; caution advised late-night (23:00+) as CTA has documented crime incidents on trains + at stations. If arriving late: Uber/Lyft or Airport Express Bus preferable to Blue Line.
What is GO Airport Shuttle?+
GO Airport Shuttle: shared-ride van service to Chicago hotels + suburbs. $25-40 per person. 60-90 min door-to-door (multiple stops). Reservations required. Convenient if your hotel is not near CTA Blue Line.
Hotels in Chicago
Find hotels in Chicago
1.4M+ properties · Trip.com