How to go from Chicago Union Station to four Airports

Chicago Union Station serves as the city’s rail hub, central to Amtrak’s routes across the Midwest and many long-distance trains. Sometimes, our train journeys start or end with a flight, making air travel part of the adventure. This article covers travel options from Chicago Union Station and nearby stations to O’Hare, Midway, Milwaukee Mitchell, and South Bend International Airports.

I frequently take Amtrak or Metra to Union Station before heading to Midway or, occasionally, O’Hare for a flight. I’ve also connected to airports in Milwaukee and South Bend.

In this guide, I will explain how to travel from Chicago Union Station to four different airports using a combination of trains and public transit. Additionally, I will share travel tips to help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Whether you are heading out or returning home, this roadmap will assist you in navigating train-to-plane travel effectively.

Overview of Your Options

Chicago offers convenient options for traveling to and from several airports! This article covers Chicago Airports, Milwaukee, WI, and South Bend, IN.

Major Airports in the Chicago Area

Chicago has two main commercial airports:

• Midway International Airport (MDW)
• O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Some travelers also consider Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) a solid alternative—especially if there’s a great fare or you’re already up north.

While Amtrak doesn’t stop directly at Chicago’s airports, once you arrive at Chicago Union Station (CHI), there are several ways to reach them. You can connect to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), use Metra (for O’Hare), or take a taxi or rideshare.

Walking is technically possible, but I wouldn’t recommend it, especially with luggage.

Alternative Airport Options Nearby

Although these airports are not very close, they could be good options if the circumstances align.

• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE): Amtrak offers direct service to this airport from Union Station. (Details coming up!)
• South Bend International Airport (SBN): Take a short walk to Millennium Station, then ride the South Shore Line to Indiana.

Traveling Between Midway Airport (MDW) And Chicago Union Station

Midway is the smaller of Chicago’s two airports, making navigation easier. It is my favorite airport in Chicago, and I have followed these instructions several times.

Midway Airport serves a variety of domestic and international airlines, including Southwest Airlines, low-cost carriers like Allegiant, and regional international airlines such as Porter. Here is a complete list of airlines that operate from Midway.

The easiest way to reach Midway from downtown Chicago is the CTA Orange Line, which provides direct train service from the Loop to the airport.

Train Option: CTA Orange Line

1. Walk 0.3 miles to Quincy Station (past the Willis “Sears” Tower).
2. Board the Orange Line (inner/eastern track).
3. Ride ~25 minutes to Midway CTA Station.
4. Walk ~0.3 miles to the airport.

⏳ Estimated Time: ~30+45 minutes
💰 Cost: $2.50 (CTA fare)
💳 Payment Options: Ventra card, contactless payment, or cash at vending machines.

The Orange Line starts and ends at the airport, so you won’t have to worry about missing your stop. One important note: There is a short walk between the CTA station and the airport. However, it’s fully ADA accessible and indoors, so no need to worry about the weather!

Getting to O’Hare Airport (ORD) from Chicago Union Station

O’Hare offers more flights, from discounts to many international flights. If you travel here, you want to allow extra time because this airport can get very busy.

If you are looking to fly in or out of this airport, here are the airlines you can use from this place.

Option 1: CTA Blue Line

1. Walk 900 feet to Clinton Station (it is underground).
2. Take the Blue Line directly to O’Hare (~45 minutes).
3. The Blue Line ends at Terminal 2 Station.
4. Walk or take airport transportation to your terminal.

⏳ Estimated Time: ~40-60 minutes
💰 Cost: $2.50 (CTA fare)
💳 Payment Options: Use a Ventra card, contactless payment, or cash at vending machines.

Option 2: Metra North Central Service (Weekdays Only)

1. Board the Metra North Central Service at Chicago Union Station (North Gate).
2. Ride ~33 minutes to O’Hare Transfer Station.
3. Walk to the airport transportation building.
4. Take the free Airport Transit System (ATS) to your terminal.

⏳ Estimated Time: ~40–50 minutes
💰 Cost: $3.75 (Metra fare)
📅 Note: This limited Metra service is only available on weekdays.
💳 Payment Options: Purchase Metra tickets at Union Station if you are heading to O’Hare. For southbound travel, you can purchase tickets on board with cash. Or you can use the Ventra App.

Heading to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Milwaukee is a practical option for traveling to or from Chicago. Plus, you can use the Recombobulation Area, a unique feature of Milwaukee Airport (MKE).

To reach Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), hop on the Hiawatha or Borealis trains from Chicago Union Station or Glenview, IL—both provide direct service to the airport station.

The Empire Builder does not stop at the airport, though it does pass by. If you’re traveling from the West on the Empire Builder and need to reach MKE Airport, you’ll need to get off in Milwaukee and transfer to either:

• Hiawatha or Borealis Service (for a short train ride to the airport stop)
• Amtrak Connecting Bus service: MKE to MKB
• Milwaukee County Transit (local bus service)

How It Works:

• Book your ticket Hiawatha or Borealis tickets for the Milwaukee Airport Station (MKA).
• From there, take the free airport shuttle to the terminal.
  • You must handle your luggage from the train to the shuttle and check it with your airline.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Here are a few tips to remember while planning your trip.

• Plan for additional travel time. Like all forms of transportation, trains can get delayed, and you will still need to take the shuttle. Therefore, account for this when scheduling your train and flight tickets.
• Handle your luggage. MKA does not provide checked baggage services for train passengers, and you are responsible for transporting your luggage between the train, shuttle, and airport.
• Shuttle Frequency: During peak times, it runs every 15-20 minutes, but if it is not there when you arrive, you can call, and it will come and get you.

Booking Note – use the correct station code when you book

Milwaukee has three Amtrak station codes, so knowing the right one is key!

• MKE – Milwaukee Intermodal Station (Downtown)
  • Train and connecting buses
• MKA – Milwaukee Airport Rail Station
  • A train station with a shuttle service connects it to the airport.
• MKB – Amtrak Connecting Bus Stop
  • This stop is for the connecting bus service outside Terminal Exit 1.

The Amtrak bus can take you between MKB and MKE if needed.

Going Between Chicago Union Station and the South Bend Airport via the South Shore Line

Yes! You can travel from Chicago Union Station to South Bend International Airport (SBN) with a quick transfer.

Here’s how it works:

1. From Union Station, head to Millennium Station (151 E. Randolph Street).
2. Catch the South Shore Line, which runs directly to South Bend Airport. The South Shore Line terminates at the airport so that you won’t miss your stop.

Getting to Millennium Station from Union Station

Since the South Shore Line doesn’t run out of Union Station, you must get to Millennium Station. Here are your options:

• Walk: It’s about a 20-minute walk east. I’ve done this many times, and honestly, it can be just as fast—or faster—than taking public transit, depending on the time of day.
• CTA (“L”) or Bus: Several CTA routes can get you there. I recommend using a transit app like Google Maps to find the best option based on your timing. (Your route to the airport might not be the same as your route back.)
• Taxi or Rideshare: This is a convenient choice if you’ve got luggage or want a simple transfer.

🧳 Travel Tip: If you’re walking or using the CTA, remember that you’ll need to carry your luggage up and down stairs—so pack light if you can! There are elevators, but there is not much room on busy trains.

Take the South Shore Line to South Bend Airport

Upon arriving at Millennium Station, proceed to the underground level.

• At Millennium Station, follow signs for the South Shore Line.
• Buy tickets at the station or on the South Shore Line app.
• Your stop is South Bend Airport (SBN), the last stop on the line.
  • Both the Millennium and South Bend Stops are the endpoints, so you won’t be able to miss it.
• The ride takes about 2.5 hours.

Arrive at the Airport

The South Shore drops you off at the airport, with a walkway connecting you to the terminal.

Travel Tips

• Check the schedule at mysouthshoreline.com — trains don’t run all day, and not all trains go to South Bend.
• Luggage is allowed; in most cases, there are overhead luggage racks.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

Taking the train to area airports can be a convenient, less stressful, and, in some cases, cheaper option than driving, especially if parking is required.

While we all love train travel, sometimes we must fly, and knowing our options is helpful.

• Check schedules in advance – train and transit schedules can change.
• Allow extra time, especially during peak hours or bad weather, which can lead to delays.
• Explore different transportation options—Metra, CTA, and Amtrak connections may differ in convenience.
• Travel light – especially when making multiple transfers.
• Have a backup plan – rideshares and taxis are beneficial if transit schedules don’t align with your flight.
• Useful Links: For current schedules and service alerts, refer to the official Amtrak, CTA, and Metra websites.

With some planning, taking the train to the airport can be a smooth and stress-free experience! 🚆✈️

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Final Thoughts: From Rails to Runways

Whether flying in or out of Midway, O’Hare, Milwaukee, or South Bend, Chicago Union Station can be the perfect launch point for your next adventure. With options ranging from the CTA to Amtrak connections and even the South Shore Line, you’ve got choices—each with its perks.

I have found that taking the train to or from the airport might require some planning. But it can save money, reduce stress, and even add fun to your journey. As always, check those schedules, travel light when you can, and give yourself some wiggle room for the unexpected.

And remember—just because your trip starts or ends with a plane doesn’t mean the train can’t be part of the adventure!