A Visitor’s Guide to Getting Around Chicago

Updated September 2026 · Written by the All Star Limo dispatch team — serving Chicagoland since 2014, licensed and insured, with a 5.0 Google rating.

Quick answer: Most visitors land at O’Hare (about 17-20 miles northwest of downtown) or Midway (about 10-11 miles southwest), then need transportation into the Loop, Michigan Avenue, or wherever their hotel or event is based. A pre-booked chauffeured transfer confirms the vehicle, driver, and flat rate before you land — useful for a first-time visitor navigating an unfamiliar city, or a convention traveler with a tight schedule.

At a glance

• From O’Hare: flat-rate sedan transfers into downtown Chicago start at $90
• From Midway: flat-rate sedan transfers into downtown Chicago start at $85
• Downtown areas: the Loop, Michigan Avenue, River North, Gold Coast are the most common visitor destinations
• Suburbs served: Naperville, Oak Brook, Evanston, Schaumburg, Rosemont, and more across Chicagoland
• Groups & conventions: Sprinter vans handle larger visiting groups or convention teams together

Getting from the airport into the city

Both of Chicago’s airports connect to downtown by highway, and a chauffeured transfer means the pickup is coordinated to your actual flight — arrival time, terminal, and luggage handling included — rather than figuring out ground transportation after a long flight. See the O’Hare vs. Midway comparison for the differences between the two airports.

Getting around once you’re downtown

Most visitor destinations — the Loop’s business district, the shops and hotels along Michigan Avenue, River North’s restaurants, and the Gold Coast — sit close enough together that a chauffeured vehicle for the day or an as-directed hourly booking works well for multi-stop visits, meetings, or sightseeing without needing to plan parking at each stop.

Traveling for a convention or business trip

Chicago hosts major conventions throughout the year, and a chauffeured service means a group can move together between the airport, hotel, and convention center without splitting into separate rides. A Sprinter van keeps a visiting team together for the whole trip. See corporate limo service.

Book your Chicago transfer

Call (708) 998-6336 or book online with your flight details and destination for a flat-rate quote before you land.

FAQ

What’s the flat rate from O’Hare to downtown Chicago?

All Star Limo’s sedan transfers from O’Hare to downtown start at $90.

What’s the flat rate from Midway to downtown Chicago?

Sedan transfers from Midway to downtown start at $85.

Can a chauffeured service handle a group visiting for a convention?

Yes — Sprinter vans and SUVs are available to keep a visiting group together between the airport, hotel, and event venue.

Do I need to know my flight details in advance to book a transfer?

Providing your flight number lets the chauffeur track it in real time, so pickup timing adjusts automatically if your flight is early or delayed.

Which Chicago neighborhoods do most visitors stay in?

The Loop, Michigan Avenue, River North, and the Gold Coast are the most common areas for visitor hotels and attractions.

Related All Star Limo guides

See the Chicago airport limo service overview, the service areas across Chicago and the suburbs, and the Chicago limo pricing guide.