You just stepped off an Amtrak train. Your back is a little stiff from the ride, and now you’re standing in the Great Hall of Chicago Union Station, looking at that massive vaulted ceiling. It’s beautiful, sure, but you have a flight to catch. Getting from Chicago Union Station to O'Hare feels like it should be a straight shot. It’s only about 18 miles. But if you've spent more than twenty minutes in Chicago, you know that "18 miles" can mean 35 minutes or two hours depending on whether the Kennedy Expressway is feeling vengeful today.
Honestly, most people will tell you to just "hop on the Blue Line." That’s the default advice. It’s cheap. It’s iconic. But here’s the thing: Union Station and the Blue Line aren't actually in the same building. Not even close. If you’re hauling three suitcases through a Chicago slush-storm in January, that "easy" transfer becomes a miserable trek.
Let's break down how this actually works. No fluff. Just the reality of navigating the Loop to get to ORD.
The Clinton Street Walk vs. The Loop Shuffle
If you want the CTA Blue Line, you have a choice to make. When you exit Union Station, you are on the west side of the Chicago River. The nearest Blue Line stop is Clinton.
It’s about a two-block walk south from the station's Madison or Adams Street exits. Sounds easy? On a sunny May morning, it is. In a downpour? You’ll be soaked before you hit the turnstiles. The Clinton station is also "subway-lite"—it’s underground, but it doesn't have the heavy-duty elevators that some of the bigger stops have. If you have heavy gear, be prepared for some stairs.
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Once you’re on the Blue Line, it’s a flat $5.00 fare from the city to the airport (though it's $2.50 the other way). The train runs 24/7. That’s the superpower of the "L." You don't have to worry about a 4:00 PM gridlock on the I-90. You’ll sit there for about 45 to 50 minutes, rattling through neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Logan Square, until you finally pull into the O'Hare basement. It’s reliable. It’s gritty. It works.
The Metra North Central Service: The "Secret" Hack
Hardly anyone talks about this, but it is technically the "pro" move if the timing aligns. Metra, the commuter rail system, operates the North Central Service (NCS) line.
This train leaves directly from Union Station. You don't have to walk outside. You don't have to dodge traffic. You just walk from your Amtrak platform to the Metra platforms. You take the NCS train to the O'Hare Transfer station.
From there, you jump on the Airport Transit System (ATS)—that’s the shiny automated tram—and it zips you to the terminals.
Why doesn't everyone do this?
The schedule is thin. Very thin. The NCS is a commuter line designed for people living in the suburbs. It mostly runs toward the city in the morning and away from it in the afternoon. If you’re trying to get from Chicago Union Station to O'Hare at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday, you’re probably out of luck. But if your Amtrak arrives at 3:30 PM, check the Ventra app. If there’s an NCS train leaving soon, take it. It’s faster, cleaner, and much more comfortable than the CTA.
Rideshares and the Kennedy Gamble
Then there’s Uber and Lyft. Or a traditional taxi.
You’ll find the taxi line on Canal Street. It’s usually well-managed. An Uber or Lyft will likely cost you anywhere from $40 to $95 depending on surge pricing.
If you have kids, a lot of luggage, or just a general disdain for public transit, this is the way. But you have to respect the Kennedy Expressway (I-90). This stretch of road is notoriously one of the most congested in the United States. During rush hour—which in Chicago seems to last from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and again from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM—you are looking at a minimum of 70 minutes.
I’ve seen it take two hours.
If you see red on Google Maps, do not get in a car. Just don't. The Blue Line will beat the car every single time when the highway is crawling.
The Bus Alternative (Route 151 to the Blue Line)
If you don't want to walk to Clinton with your bags, you can grab the 151 bus right outside Union Station. Take it to the Washington/Dearborn area and transfer to the Blue Line at the Washington station.
The Washington Blue Line stop has better elevator access than Clinton. This is a solid "middle ground" option if the weather is trash and you have a Ventra card (or a contactless credit card) ready to go.
Practical Tips for the Transition
Navigating Chicago Union Station to O'Hare is really about managing your "dwell time." Union Station is a maze. The food court is in the basement. The Great Hall is on the main level. The Metra tracks are split between North and South concourses.
- Ventra is King: Don't faff around with paper tickets. You can tap your iPhone or Android phone at any CTA turnstile or on any bus. It’s instant.
- The "L" is Loud: If you’re taking the Blue Line, bring headphones. The screeching of the wheels in the tunnels near the Loop is legendary.
- Terminal 5 Warning: If you are flying international, the Blue Line drops you at the main terminal "core" (Terminals 1, 2, and 3). You will still need to take the ATS tram to get to Terminal 5. Factor in an extra 15 minutes for that.
- The Amtrak Connection: If your Amtrak train is delayed (which happens), don't panic. The Blue Line runs every 6 to 12 minutes during the day. You don't need a reservation.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake is overestimating your walking speed. Union Station covers a massive footprint. Getting from your Amtrak seat, through the station, across the river, and down into the Clinton Blue Line station takes at least 15 to 20 minutes if you aren't sprinting.
Also, people assume the "L" is dangerous. Look, it’s a big city subway. It’s busy. It can be a bit dirty. But thousands of travelers use it daily with suitcases in tow. Just stay aware of your surroundings, keep your bags close, and try to sit in the first car near the operator if you’re feeling nervous late at night.
Choosing Your Best Path
- The "I'm on a Budget" Path: Walk to the Clinton Blue Line station. Cost: $5.00. Time: 65 minutes.
- The "I Have Too Much Luggage" Path: Grab a taxi from the Canal Street exit. Cost: $50+. Time: 40 to 90 minutes.
- The "Timing is Perfect" Path: Check the Metra NCS schedule. If a train is leaving within 20 minutes, take it to the O'Hare Transfer. Cost: Around $6.25. Time: 35 minutes on the train plus the tram.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download the Ventra App: Do this before you even get to Chicago. You can check real-time Blue Line arrivals and Metra schedules in one place.
- Check Google Maps "Arrive By" Feature: Plug in your flight time and see what the historical traffic looks like for the I-90. If it shows a "deep red" line, commit to the train.
- Locate the Canal Street Exit: When you get off your Amtrak or Metra train, follow signs for Canal Street. This is the main artery for taxis and the easiest way to orient yourself for the walk to the Blue Line.
- Confirm your O'Hare Terminal: Not all airlines are in the same place. If you're on United, you're in Terminal 1. American is Terminal 3. Most international flights (and Delta) are in Terminal 5. This determines how much "extra" time you need once you actually arrive at the airport grounds.