I'm flying in for Lollapalooza next month -- which airport is better to arrive at, O'Hare or Midway? Which has easier access to downtown Chicago?

Radiohead























(just kidding...dont know which is better )

Ha! I'm sitting here thinking...what? Is it a reference to something I should know? I'm sometimes dumb like that.

You looking to take public trans. or take a cab/rent a car? I'd say O'Hare if you're taking the L. It's very simple. I've never personally done the L to or from Midway. O"Hare is just nicer, but a lot bigger.

I'm no help.

i've taken the L to midway and it's simple. midway is south of the city, ohare is northwest. both are fine. i'd just take whatever is the least expensive flight

That's what I'm looking at -- least expensive. So, Ryan, are ya saying that it's easy to take the L to Michigan Ave? I'm staying at the Best Western directly across from Lollapalooza -- will it be fairly easy for me to get to?

http://www.transitchicago.com/

This joint will help you plan your choo-choo trips. (use the "Trip Planner" link) The Blue Line will be taken from O'Hare. You're probably good just grabbing a cab (or walking even, if your bag isn't heavy) the 3 or 4 blocks to your hotel.

Wow....Aural's coming to Chicago? I may have to get in on this.

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From http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com/

From Midway

Take CTA ORANGE LINE TRAIN (ORANGE LINE - CLOCKWISE)
Depart: MIDWAY CTA At 09:26 PM
Arrive: ROOSEVELT CTA At 09:48 PM
Walk 0.2 mile NE to 1100 S MICHIGAN AVE

Regular Fare:
$ 1.75

or from O'Hare

Walk 0.1 mile NE from O'HARE AIRPORT to O'HARE CTA (BLUE - O'HARE)
Take CTA BLUE LINE TRAIN (TO FOREST PARK)
Depart: O'HARE CTA At 09:20 PM
Arrive: CLARK/LAKE CTA (BLU/BRN/GRN/ORNG/PRPL) At 10:00 PM
Transfer
Take CTA GREEN LINE TRAIN (TO COTTAGE GROVE)
Depart: CLARK/LAKE CTA (BLU/BRN/GRN/ORNG/PRPL) At 10:08 PM
Arrive: ROOSEVELT CTA At 10:14 PM
Walk 0.2 mile NE to 1100 S MICHIGAN AVE

Regular Fare:
$ 1.75

what phil said. looks like midway is the easiest way to go

Yes, indeed you should.

Thank you, boys, for the valuable information. I'm planning on doing all my travel booking this week (crossing fingers). I hope to arrive on Friday, meet some Obner types, do the L'palooza thang and leave Monday morning.

Tania,

Definitely Midway. Cab ride is simple as hell and if you take the L it takes you right to state & Roosevelt which is a block from Best Western(which I'm sure I mentioned is right BEHIND where Josh and I live), so you'll be right around the corner from us.

Let me know more of your plans when you get thme!! Plus I'm going to Lolla, josh can't go sat now but will be going sunday too. So I'm solo for saturday.

The main downside with Midway is that the Orange Line is about 20 minutes away... located on the far side of the parking lot. The Blue Line is right there at O'Hare.

There's frequent magic carpet rides from O'Hare to the city centre so I'd recommend it over Midway.

But remember the magic carpet drivers, who are all called Habib, only accept Arabian Riyal as currency so get some at a Bureau de Change before you leave.

Didn't know what you were talking about, Aural, until I realized that I'm flying into Midway on Thursday and flying out of O'Hare on Friday. Guess I'm a little slow this morning.

What Odds says is totally true...I always forget just how long that walk is.
And the elevator you take always plays the same two songs, "workin in a coalmine" and "Centerfield" Why, I have no idea.

Damn, Tania!!!
I've always found Midway to be less annoying (read: less crowded), and it does appear to be a simpler commute to downtown... go for it!!

And you gonna be here for just the weekend?
Details, please.
As all Obnarians/CMJers know, I am not usually available for get-togethers, but I still like to be kept in the loop, just in case. And to me, it looks like the Loop is exactly where you are staying!

Todd, sorry to say, I'll only be there for the weekend. I'm hoping to arrive early enough on Friday so that I can possibly make plans to meet some of you that evening (again, I'm crossing fingers).

Btw, does anyone know how much a cab ride costs from either airport to Grant Park? I'm trying to avoid having to rent a car being that I won't be doing much driving while there.

Also that 20 minute walk at Midway doesn't sound bad. I'll only have my weekend suitcase and backpack with me, so won't have a lot to cart around.

Don't bother with the cab, unles you're really nervous about public transport, Tania. The system is great, and there are maps posted on every train (of that line's stops), so you'll know when your stop is coming up. And getting on at the airport, you should have no trouble getting a seat.

I'm guessing that a cab ride from either airport will cost you in the $30 range, depending upon traffic and whether or not you're getting the flat airport rate. (Don't let them run the meter on you... it should be a flat rate from either airport.)

Aces! Sounds like it'll be easy peasy. I can't wait -- it's been quite awhile since I've been to Chicago and am looking forward to it.

Screw the cab... if anything do Airport Express. About $20 cheaper, but you might be commuting longer if anyone else is with you. A cab ride will run you $40 - $50 depending on the tip and time of day.

This is true... although some cabbie's can be rather surly!

wha? the orange line is right there. you have to walk a little bit, but it's no different than ohare

i mean it's not immediately in front of you once you get out of the plane, but it's certainly not an inconvenience to get to.

It's a long hike... and sucks, especially when it's 100 degrees or 50 below. I like to walk, but if you have a heavy bag it might not be too fun. I don't get why there's no shuttle?

You mean I don't get curbside service immediately leaving the plane? Forget it, I'm not going to Chicago!!

i guess I just don't see why it's such a long way, or substantially longer than ohare.