Getting to Illinois
Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state.
Getting to Illinois by Plane
Airports
Most domestic and international flights to Illinois arrive in Chicago. The two main airports are O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.
There are many public airports throughout Illinois. Domestic travelers can fly direct to destinations like Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, Moline and Bloomington-Normal.
Getting to and from O’Hare & Midway
Chicago Transit Authority trains run 24/7. The Blue Line ‘L’ train takes you from O’Hare to downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes. Follow the “Trains to the City” signs. If you arrive at the international terminal, follow the signs to the Airport Transit System where you can get a free ride to Terminal 2 and catch the L train to the City. The CTA Orange Line train takes about 25 minutes from Midway to downtown Chicago. Here's more info on catching public transport to and from the Chicago airports.
Regular shuttles to many Chicago downtown hotels leave from airport bus pick-up points. You can also taxi, Uber, hire a limo or rent a car.
Driving to Illinois
Highways
Chicago is a major hub, so Illinois is served by many interstate highways, including I-24, I-39, I-41, I-55, I-57, I-64, I-70, I-72, I-74, I-80, I-88, I-90 and I-94.
Driving Distances to Chicago
From |
Distance |
Time |
| Cincinnati | 300 miles | 5 hours |
| Cleveland | 350 miles | 6 hours |
| Detroit | 285 miles | 5 hours |
| Indianapolis | 180 miles | 3 hours |
| Kansas City | 530 miles | 9 hours |
| Milwaukee | 95 miles | 2 hours |
| Minneapolis | 410 miles | 7 hours |
| Pittsburgh | 460 miles | 8 hours |
| Quad Cities | 170 miles | 3 hours |
| St. Louis | 295 miles | 5 hours |
| Toronto | 500 miles | 9 hours |
Using a toll road or missed a toll? No problem! Visit here to set up I-PASS or Pay-By-Plate.
Getting to Illinois by Train
Trains
Chicago is one of Amtrak’s main hubs, coming to a stop at Union Station in downtown Chicago. Amtrak also serves 25 additional cities throughout Illinois.
Getting to Illinois by Bus
Buses
Greyhound Lines runs express routes to Chicago from 20 major US Cities, and serves other Illinois destinations, including Bloomington Normal, Carbondale, Champaign, Danville, Decatur, DeKalb, Dixon, Effingham, Freeport, Galesburg, Kankakee, La Salle, Marion, Markham, Mattoon, Moline, Mount Vernon, Naperville, Peoria, Quincy, Rochelle, Rockford, Springfield and Vienna.
Getting Around Illinois
Driving in Illinois
Highways
Illinois highways and roads are well maintained and provide posted signage for drivers. Taking a road trip is a breeze. Be sure to browse our 100+ road trip itineraries for inspiration!
Electric Vehicles in Illinois
EV Charging Stations & Road Trips
Illinois is a great place to explore by electric vehicle. There are over 1200 charging stations throughout the state and we've created custom road trip itineraries designed specifically for electric vehicles. Click the link below and start exploring sustainably!
Rules of the Road
State law requires you to wear a seatbelt when travelling by car, and if you are a motorcyclist, you must wear a helmet. Speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph) and vary between 70 mph on rural interstates and freeways and 65 mph on urban interstates and freeways.
You may not use your cell phone for texting while driving and you must use hands-free technology to make calls. You can download rules of the road for Illinois here.
Public Transport in Chicago & Illinois
Trains & Buses
Metra run commuter rail services from downtown Chicago to outlying suburbs and surrounding cities. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) serves Chicago and its suburbs.
Additional Public Transportation
Amtrak runs trains to 25 cities in Illinois and Greyhound Lines serves most major Illinois cities.
Want something more private for your group to get around Chicago? Try chartering a bus with National Charter Bus Chicago.
Cycling in Chicago & Illinois
Cycling
Illinois is a great state to explore by bike, with an extensive network of trails and terrain, from flat prairie to river bluffs and lakesides. Cruise Chicago's lakefront trail or explore the outdoors with ease.
Bike Share Program
Chicago has a bike sharing program and you can find information on bike lanes and bike parking here. Find more useful information about Illinois cycling routes from Ride Illinois and Map My Ride. You can download rules of the road for cyclists in Illinois here.
Biking in Southern Illinois
Find useful information on biking in Southern Illinois. The Bike SoILL map was created to display all of the existing infrastructure for cycling and mountain biking in the region.
Get Inspired at our Tourist Information Centers
Travel Information
Illinois has a network of visitor information centers. The main Chicago Visitor Center is located within Macy’s at 111 N. State Street. There are seven Tourist Information Centers throughout the state.