The Airport Transit System (ATS) is a fully automated rail system that operates between the domestic and international terminals and the long-term parking area, the Metra station and the PACE stop at the O' Hare International Airport. The system covers 2.7 miles and can accommodate up to 2,400 passengers every hour. The journey from Terminal 1 to the final stop at Lot E takes only nine minutes. The ATS is available 24 hours a day and all passengers ride for free.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers service on the Blue Line "L" train from downtown Chicago to the O'Hare station. The station is located on the lower level concourse of the airport and is directly connected to Terminal 1, 2 and 3. Terminal 5 passengers arriving at O'Hare station can take the free automated Airport Transit System (ATS) from either Terminal 1, 2, or 3 and continue on to Terminal 5. Blue Line trains are available 24 hours a day and the journey from downtown takes approximately 45 minutes.
The Chicago Department of Aviation recommends three airport shuttles that operate between O'Hare International and neighboring destinations: Coach USA Wisconsin, Go Airport Express and Omega Airport Shuttle. Coach USA Wisconsin offers one-way and round-trip service from O'Hare to four Wisconsin destinations: Waukesha, Milwaukee (including Mitchell International Airport), Racine and Kenosha. The Omega Airport Shuttle provides hourly shuttle service between O'Hare and Midway airports and hourly service between Hyde Park (on the South Side of Chicago) and O'Hare. Go Airport Express departs O'Hare every 10 to 15 minutes for service to downtown Chicago hotels and businesses and to 187 suburbs of the city. The operating times of all three companies range from 6 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
O'Hare International Airport includes a bus and shuttle center located on the ground level in the main parking garage. This center is the primary pick-up location for all regional bus transportation and hotel and rental car courtesy shuttles. Seven different regional bus lines make stops at this center, including Act II Transportation, Tri-State United Limo, Van Galder, Wisconsin Coach Lines, Express Air Coach, LEX Lincolland Express and PACE Bus. The bus services includes a long list of regional destinations ranging from the Quad Cities in Iowa and Illinois to locations in both Indiana and Wisconsin.
