Transportation
COABE ProLiteracy Joint Conference 2010
Transportation
Conference Hotel
Chicago Hilton
720 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60605
Website
Arriving by Air
There are two major airports in the Chicago area. COABE participants may use either airport. Both serve major airlines, have taxi or shuttle service, and are linked to public transportation. They are:Transportation from O’Hare Airport to Chicago Hilton:
Public Transportation – Take the CTA Blue Line train to the Jackson Station (approximately 45 minutes). Walk east on Jackson Street for approximately 3 blocks. Turn right onto S. Michigan Avenue. Walk south on S. Michigan Avenue for approximately 4 blocks to arrive at 720 S. Michigan Avenue.
Cost: $2.25.
Taxis
There is a taxi stand on the lower level of each terminal at O’Hare. Taxis to the city generally cost between $35-45 and might take about 45-60 minutes during normal hours, and well over an hour at rush hour.
Shuttles
Shuttles are available to provide transportation between O’Hare and Chicago. Some shuttles may be reserved in advance, and some do not require reservations. One of the more popular shuttle companies is Airport Express which charges $28 one way. Fare options for round trip and group rates are also available – see the website for more information.
Transportation from Midway Airport to Chicago Hilton:
Public Transportation
Take the CTA Orange Line train to the Roosevelt Station (approximately 22 minutes). Walk east on Roosevelt Road for 1 block. Turn left on S. Michigan Avenue. Walk north on S. Michigan Avenue for 3 blocks to arrive at 720 S. Michigan Avenue. Cost: $2.25.
Taxis
Taxis from Midway to the city generally cost between $25-35. The trip may take 30 minutes or longer depending on traffic
Shuttles
Shuttles are available to provide transportation between Midway and Chicago. Some shuttles may be reserved in advance, and some do not require reservations. One of the more popular shuttle companies is Airport Express which charges $23 one way. Fare options for round trip and group rates are also available – see the website for more information.
Check back after February 1, 2010 to see about availability of discount coupons for shuttle service from the airports.
Arriving by Car
Directions
The Chicago Hilton Website has detailed driving directions that allow you to enter your point of departure and get step by step directions to the hotel.
Parking
Self-parking at the Chicago Hilton costs $43 per day. Valet parking costs $55 per day. Prices are valid as of summer, 2009. Check the Chicago Hilton Website for the most up-to-date prices.
Arriving by Train
Amtrak
Amtrak trains arrive at Chicago’s Union Station. From Union Station, you can easily find a taxi, or you can utilize public transportation. See the Chicago Transit Authority information in the “Getting Around Town” section.
Getting Around Town
Chicago has plenty of buses, trains, and subways to get you where you want to go. Take advantage of online trip planners to help you plan your excursions.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
These trains are sometimes underground, and are sometimes above ground as the famous “EL” trains. Buses are also part of this system. Use the CTA to get nearly anywhere you want to go in Chicago and nearby suburbs. Tickets are easy to purchase, and nearly all stations have staff available who can help you. Learn more about CTA by reading the CTA Visitor Information. There is also an online Trip Planner.
Taxis
Taxis are generally easy to get from most parts of the Chicago Loop. Either look for a taxi stand or hail one from the street.
Metra
The Metra trains are commuter trains that are useful for getting to suburbs. They are not generally used for travel within the city of Chicago. For more information, see the Metra New Rider's Guide.
For more information on visiting Chicago, please see:
