CTA service to both major Chicago airports will provide Thanksgiving travelers with reliable and economical transportation. Air travel is expected to be heavy from Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30. CTA will increase service frequency on the Orange and Blue Lines on Wednesday, November 26 to accommodate additional airport travelers.
As a result of CTA’s aggressive efforts to eliminate slow zones along the O’Hare Branch of the Blue Line, air travelers now can reach O’Hare Airport in approximately 40 – 45 minutes from the Clark/Lake station in the Loop. Elevated rail customers can transfer to the Blue Line for free at the Clark/Lake station, and Red Line customers can connect to the Blue Line by using the pedestrian transfer tunnel at Jackson.
Also, customers can transfer to the Blue Line from all east-west bus routes between Grand and Foster, and from many north-south bus routes.
Orange Line trains provide direct service to Midway Airport. In the Loop, customers can transfer to Orange Line trains at the Clark/Lake station. Red Line customers can transfer to the Orange Line at the Roosevelt station.
To avoid traffic congestion, those driving to pick up or drop off air travelers using O’Hare, or who go downtown to shop, may wish to park at Blue Line stations near O’Hare and complete their trips by train. Parking is available for approximately 6,700 cars at CTA’s 18 Park & Ride facilities, mainly at rail terminals, throughout the CTA system.
Park & Ride stations are listed on CTA’s system map and on the CTA’s web site at www.transitchicago.com. Customers may also obtain information on Park & Ride facilities by calling 836-7000 from any local area code.