Getting Around Chicago Northwest

Chicago Northwest is made up of eight vibrant communities located just northwest of O’Hare International Airport and a short drive from downtown Chicago. Convenient access to major highways—including I-90, I-290, and I-355—makes getting to and around the region quick and easy for visitors, whether you're driving in from the city or suburbs. Plus, abundant free parking is available in Chicago Northwest, making it even easier to explore our shopping, dining, and attractions.

Find specific things to do in the Chicago Northwest suburbs with our Community Maps!

Ride-sharing or app-based services such as Uber and Lyft are available at O’Hare International Airport and throughout the Chicago Northwest region.

• Terminal 2 - waiting area is on the Upper Level with pickup poles marked with orange signage labeled 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 2G to designate pickup zones.
  • Passengers should wait in the designated pickup zone until their TNP arrives. A waiting area inside is available between vestibules 2A and 2D.
• Terminal 3 – waiting area is on the Upper Level with pickup poles marked with green signage labeled 3G, 3H, 3J and 3K.
• Black Car pickups continue to be offered on the lower level of all terminals.

If your plane arrives at Terminal 5, you will need to use the Airport Transit System (ATS). Look for signage — RIDESHARE PICKUP ZONE. Full details available on flychicago.com.

Uber

Download the Uber app.

Lyft

Download the Lyft app.

All suburban taxi cabs are operated as pre-arranged rides or dispatched rides. The suburban cabs are called to the terminals for specific passengers when you get to O’Hare’s Baggage Claim (lower level). You must call your suburban taxi cab after your collect your checked bag. Instructions will be given on where to meet your taxi and a taxi number will be given to identify the correct vehicle. You will meet your taxi in the center lane.

Be sure you know which terminal you are in when you call. Your taxi can usually be at the curb in 10 minutes or so from the time of your call, unless you are told otherwise. During “peak” travel times there are delays caused by the high volume of traffic entering the terminals. Due to security procedures in place at this time your assigned vehicle, cannot by law, wait at the curb for you.

View our current taxi partners

CAUTION: Avoid any City of Chicago taxi cabs or walk-up drivers

• Do not take City Taxis which are waiting in the first lane outside baggage claim as they will charge you time and a half. Confirm before you get in any car that it is NOT a City of Chicago taxi.
• Do not take a ride from someone who walks and offers you a ride.

If you have pre-booked car service, call the company once you have retrieved your luggage to learn which car number will pick you up. Proceed to the second curb/lane and look for the car there.

Take a look at our transportation page for our Charter and Town Car Service partners.

Personal vehicles, taxis, black car services and ride share services (Uber or Lyft) can drop off passengers at any terminal on the Departures level. No parking is allowed after unloading.

Metra

(312) 322-6777 | metra.com
Purchase your ticket at the ticket office, Ventra App, or on board (cash only and additional service charges may apply). Weekend pass is available.

Union Pacific Northwest Line
Arrives/Departs from Ogilvie Transportation Center, Chicago. Stops available in Arlington Heights and Arlington Park.

Milwaukee District West (MD-W)
Arrives/Departs from Union Station, Chicago. Stops available in Schaumburg, Roselle, Itasca and Wood Dale.

Download the Ventra app from the app store for smooth riding on Metra, CTA and PACE.