What's the cheapest way to go from O'Hare airport to the Palmer House Hilton downtown?
I'm trying to find a shuttle or another cheap alternative.
So far I've only found "limo services" that you have to book in advance. Isn't there a bus you can simply buy a ticket for at the airport that stops around the various hotels in downtown Chicago?
We're traveling with 2 small children and lots of luggage - according to the hotel's website, the Monroe/State station is 8 blocks away!
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Comments on What's the cheapest way to go from O'Hare airport to the Palmer House Hilton downtown?
Done this trip many times…go to the bottom of Ohare and follow signs that say "Trains to City". There is an "EL" station that terminates at Ohare (the Blue line), pay $2 and ride it downtown to the State/Monroe stop. The Palmer house should be just outside the station.
The advice below is incorrect. Although there is a train stop just outside the Palmer House on the Wabash Street side, it's for the Orange, Green, Pink and Brown Lines. The BLUE Line, which is the O'Hare train, runs along Dearborn Street and you would get off at the Monroe stop. There are no elevators, so you'd walk up the stairs to the street level and then walk east 1 street (from Dearborn to State). I STRONGLY suggest that you go to the City of Chicago Tourism/Information desk at O'Hare and make sure the Blue Line is running without interruption. We've had construction re-routes which will be a nightmare if you have children. The info desk personnel are usually very well informed. Also, you can ask the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) personnel who always man the entrance to the trains if there are any service interruptions.
Having said all that, since you have luggage and kids, I recommend the airport shuttle bus. And yes, you can buy the tickets right there. They run every 20 minutes (approximately). There's a transportation desk at the airport right by baggage claim. Here's the link:
I don't know your financial situation but kids under 5 are free, kids 6-12 are $15 and it goes right to the Palmer House door on the Wabash side of the hotel.
While you're here - be sure to take the kids to the Children's Museum on Navy Pier!
I know the Blue Line like the back of my hand. The Monroe Blue Line stop is two short blocks away. It is the cheapest option, and it is easy. However, with lots of luggage and two very young children, you might face difficulty, especially if it's crowded. As another poster pointed out, there is no elevator at this stop.