Posts Tagged ‘O’Hare’

Getting to O’Hare International Airport from the Vernon Hills Area

“It must take you forever to get to the airport!”  Back in the day of business travel and care-free, no-kids vacations, I heard many people lament the trip to O’Hare International Airport  from the Chicago Northwest Suburbs on my behalf.  Truth is, it’s neither complicated nor very time consuming to get to O’Hare from the Chicago Northwest Suburbs.  My personal best has been 23 minutes door-to-door (although I will admit to that particular trip starting at 4:30am).  Here are the three, easiest ways I have found to O’Hare plus one bonus:

Metra North Central Service

The Metra North Central Service (which includes service to Vernon Hills and Buffalo Grove) is a commuter service that stops at the O’Hare Transfer Station (located at Remote Parking Lot F).  Once there,  you can connect, via the airport shuttle bus system, to the People Mover.  I have to tell you, this is not my favorite way of getting to the airport, but it is the least expensive.  This is definitely best for those times when you can pack light.  For more information on the Metra North Central Service, click here.

Cab

Taking a cab is definitely my favorite way of getting to O’Hare and I have never been let down by American Taxi.  They have set fares to O’Hare and will pick you up any time, day or night.  Fares from Vernon Hills and Buffalo Grove are about $35 (there may be additional fees based on gas rates, etc.).  Tipping is expected and will increase your price tag from $7 – $10.  The best thing about a cab is the door-to-door service so you don’t have to leave the house earlier just to account for parking time.  One caveat, if you are taking a cab FROM O’Hare to the Chicago Northwest Suburbs, call ahead and schedule the service.  It is next to impossible to find a cab driver at the airport willing to take you that far out to the suburbs without a reservation.  It can also cost nearly $75 for the ride if you do find someone willing to make the drive.

Driving

If you are only traveling overnight, I would suggest driving to O’Hare and parking in the daily parking lot.  Parking runs $30 a day, but this lot is as close to the airport as you can get if you are driving a car.  Lot A, floors 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 offer the best access to the terminals. You can get the best spot if you call ahead and find out which terminal you need to access for your flight and park accordingly.  And if you really want convenience, $45 will get you valet service!  Best route I have found is take I-294 straight to the I-90 O’Hare exit.  Here’s a great website that give you great information about parking at O’Hare.

Park and Fly

Now, I haven’t tried this service myself, but I know people who swear by it.  You get the most bang for your buck with this service if you have an early morning flight and you really don’t want to leave the Northwest Suburbs at 4:00am to catch your flight.  There are participating hotels around O’Hare that offer a room for the night and then parking for your car for the duration of your trip.  For example, the Quality Inn’s package offers one night’s accommodation, 7 days of parking and shuttle service to and from the airport for $89.  Go to the Park Sleep Fly website at www.parksleepfly.com for more information and to make reservations.

As a former business traveler, I know that access to a major airport is on the top of a person’s list when deciding where to call home.  Thanks to Chicago’s and the Northwest Suburb’s investment in public transportation and roadways, you get the best of suburban life with direct access to one of the world’s largest airports.  Now, if only it was that easy to find your luggage once you get to your destination.

The above post, Traveling to O’Hare from Vernon Hills, IL, was written by Tara Arnold and Judy Greenberg of the Judy Greenberg Real Estate team at Coldwell Banker.

If you would like more information about the Chicago Northwest Suburbs,including Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake Zurich  please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 or email me at info@buffalogrovehomes.com

My websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com, and www.vernonhills.homes-for-sale.com

will provide you all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller!