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Parking & Getting Around Chicago

Check out the Choose Chicago website for more detailed information about getting around the city, including interactive wayfinding tools, how-to guides, and restaurant and sightseeing maps. 

 

Airports 

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 


Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Trains & Buses 

Trains

CTA operates eight “L” train lines. Read how to catch a train to your destination. Train fare is $2.50 per ride, with some exceptions. You can purchase train tickets online and through the Ventra mobile app, from Ventra vending machines in every L station, and at over 1,000 local businesses. 

The Metra Electric line provides direct access to the McCormick Place station on level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse in the South Building. Use the Ventra mobile app to purchase tickets. Standard rates apply.  

Busses

CTA operates 127 bus routes. Checkout CTA’s guides on how to ride the bus to your destination. You can purchase bus tickets online and through the Ventra mobile app, from Ventra vending machines in every L station, and at over 1,000 local businesses. Bus fare is $2.25 per ride and can also be purchased via cash when boarding. Please note that trains do not accept cash.  

Regional Metra Trains 

The Metra commuter rail train system connects downtown Chicago to surrounding areas. You can purchase tickets through the Ventra app. New riders can utilize the New Riders Guide and explore the Metra system map to get started. 


Taxi & Rideshare 

In addition to hailing taxis throughout the city, visitors can e-hail and e-pay for taxis with apps ARRO and Curb. Lyft and Uber also offer on-demand ridesharing. 

Yellow/Checker Cab

Call 312-829-4222 to request. Accepts all major credit cards. Wheelchair-accessible taxis available upon request. 

Divvy Bike Share 

Weather permitting, Divvy classic bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters are available through the city 24/7. Find Divvy locations and rates and explore the Chicago bike lane maps to get started. 


Accessible Transportation 

Check out Choose Chicago’s Accessibility Guide for information about getting around the city. The guide includes step-by-step information about how to catch the bus or train, the most accessible stations in the city, and accessibility FAQs. Passengers can request a ride in a wheelchair-accessible taxi by calling 1-888-928-2227 for WAV Cabs or by downloading the Curb app. 

 

Parking 

Street and lot parking are available throughout downtown. Attendees are encouraged to preselect their parking spots before arrival. Check out this interactive map of Chicago public parking facilities.  

McCormick Place has three dedicated parking garages. Lot C is the closest parking to McCormick Place Lakeside Center, where the AWP Conference & Bookfair will take place. 

Lot C: 

  • Rates start at $27 for up to 16 hrs, or prepay for a guaranteed spot at $40 per day. 

  • 6′4″ vehicle height clearance 

  • Lot C provides ramped access from the garage to McCormick Place Lakeside Center, but no elevator access.

Check out rates and prepurchase options on the McCormick Place parking page. Other useful parking and transportation resources: 

  • iParkit to browse hourly and monthly parking options and reserve a guaranteed spot 

  • ParkChicago to create an account and enter the zones number on any Chicago street meter parking sign to pay 

  • SpotHero to locate and prepurchase parking spots from your phone 

 

Special Offers 

Attendees can take advantage of Choose Chicago’s special offers and discounts from city partners. Check out the options to save on food and dining, transportation, and tours and attractions throughout the city.