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Airports & Transfers

The major gateway to Chicago is O'Hare International Airport (ORD). One of the world's busiest airports, it's 19 mi from downtown, in the far northwest corner of the city. Midway Airport (MDW), which is about 11 mi southwest from downtown, primarily serves budget airlines. Both airports are served by the CTA, the city's public transportation system of buses and trains. Security screenings at both airports are fairly quick (it takes about 15 minutes or less to get through security lines); however, during peak holiday travel, you should arrive about two hours before your flight.

Airport Information

Midway Airport (773/838-0600. www.ohare.com/midway/home.asp). O'Hare International Airport (773/686-2200 or 800/832-6352. www.ohare.com).

Airport Transfers

If you're traveling to or from the airport by bus or car during morning or afternoon rush hours, factor in some extra time -- ground transport to or from both O'Hare and Midway airports can be slow.

BY BUS: Shuttle buses run between O'Hare and Midway airports and to and from either airport and various points in the city. When taking an airport shuttle bus to O'Hare or Midway to catch a departing flight, be sure to allow at least 1 1/2 hours. When going to either airport, it's a good idea to make a reservation 24 hours in advance. Though some shuttles make regular stops at the major hotels and don't require reservations, it's best to check. Reservations are not necessary from the airports. Omega Airport Shuttle runs an hourly shuttle between the two airports for approximately $16 per person. Travel time is approximately one hour. Omega Airport Shuttle also provides an hourly service from the two airports and Hyde Park. The fare is $25 from O'Hare to Hyde Park and $16 from Midway to Hyde Park. Continental Airport Express coaches provide service from both airports to major downtown and Near North locations and the northern suburbs. The trip downtown from O'Hare takes at least 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions; the fare is $24, $44 round-trip. The trip downtown from Midway takes at least a half hour; the fare is $19, $34 round-trip. Call to find out times and prices for other destinations.

BY CAR: Depending on traffic and the time of day, driving to and from O'Hare takes about an hour, and driving to and from Midway takes at least 45 minutes. From O'Hare, follow the signs to I-90 east (Kennedy Expressway), which merges with I-94 (Edens Expressway). Take the eastbound exit at Ohio Street for Near North locations, the Washington or Monroe Street exit for downtown. After you exit, continue east about a mile to get to Michigan Avenue. From Midway, follow the signs to I-55 east, which leads to I-90.

BY TAXI: Metered taxicab service is available at both O'Hare and Midway airports. Trips to and from O'Hare may incur a $1 surcharge to compensate for changing fuel costs. Expect to pay about $40-$45 plus tip from O'Hare to Near North and downtown locations, about $30-$35 plus tip from Midway. Some cabs, such as Checker Taxi and Yellow Cab, participate in a share-a-ride program in which each cab carries up to four individual passengers going from the airport to downtown. The cost per person is substantially lower than the full rate, which is approximately $50.

BY TRAIN: Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains are the cheapest way to and from the airports; they can also be the most convenient transfer. Trains to City signs will guide you to the subway or elevated train line. In O'Hare Airport the Blue Line station is in the underground concourse between terminals. Travel time to the city is about 45 minutes. Get off at the station closest to your hotel, or from the first stop in the Loop (Washington and Dearborn streets) you can take a taxi to your hotel or change to other transit lines. At Midway Airport the Orange Line El runs to the Loop. The stop at Adams Street and Wabash Avenue is the closest to the hotels on South Michigan Avenue; for others, the simplest strategy is to get off anywhere in the Loop and hail a cab to your final destination. Train fare is $1.75, which you'll need in dollar bills (turnstiles don't give change) and/or coins. A fare card is another option. Pick up brochures outside the entrances to the platforms that detail the stops of the train lines; the "Downtown Transit Sightseeing Guide" is also helpful.

Taxis & Shuttles

American United Cab Co. (773/248-7600). Continental Airport Express (312/454-7800 or 800/654-7871. www.airportexpress.com). Checker Taxi (312/243-2537). Flash Cab (773/561-1444). Omega Airport Shuttle (773/483-6634. www.omegashuttle.com). Yellow Cab Co. (312/829-4222).

Public Transit Information

CTA (312/836-7000. www.transitchicago.com).