Chicago has public transit service from both airports. Check out the article here to check out the basic guide for public transit.

O’Hare is located on the northwest side & Midway is located on the southwest side.

Both airports are the start of one of Chicago’s Elevated rail lines, the “L”. O’Hare is the start of the Blue Line. Midway is the start of the Orange Line. To find out specifics on using the L to get to any destination, check out the CTA Trip Planner.

Here’s the details on each line.

O’Hare Blue Line

The Blue Line offers service 24 hours a day. The most frequent service will be during weekday morning and evening rush hours. To see the most up-to-date schedule and timetable, visit here.

When traveling from O’Hare to downtown, there is a premium full fare of $5. Travelling from downtown to O’Hare is the regular full fare of $2.50.

If arriving in the domestic terminal, follow the “Trains to City” on the overhead wayfinding signs. If arriving at the international terminal, follow signs to the Airport Transit System (ATS). Ride the next train to Terminal 2 and then follow the “Trains to City” sign.

Midway Orange Line

The Orange Line offers service from approximately 4 to 4:30 am to approximately 1 am every day. The most frequent service will be during weekday morning and evening rush hours. The overnight “owl” service is available via the N62 Archer bus. The Orange Line operates from Midway to downtown. Once reaching downtown, trains travel clockwise around the Loop and make all stops back to Midway. To see the most up-to-date schedule and timetable, visit the here.

When traveling from Midway, there is no premium full fare. The fare is the regular full fare of $2.50 either way.

The Midway station is located just east of the airport terminal building at the Midway Transportation Center and is connected via an enclosed walkway. Follow the “Trains to City” or “CTA Trains” signs.

That covers the basics on how to use public transit from O’Hare and Midway.