O'Hare to Springfield - cheap style!

April 4, 2008 5:59 AM

I'm travelling to Chicago in a few months, what's the cheapest way to get from O'Hare to Springfield and back again?

I touch down at 1pm, and depart a week later at 5pm. What is the cheapest way for me to get from Chicago O'Hare airport to Springfield? I'm not fussy about the method, just the cost. I'd love to be able to see bits of Chicago too, so if anyone has any suggestions of the logistics for that it would be most welcome! Thanks.

posted by samstarling to travel & transportation (5 comments total)

I think your choices are Amtrak or Greyhound. Both are around $50 round trip, and both leave from downtown Chicago, so you'll have to take the blue line train ($2) into the loop. This would be a great opportunity to see downtown before you catch your train to Springfield (do not, NOT take Greyhound).

If you are a student, a veteran, disabled, or retired, Amtrak offers additional discounts.
posted by desjardins at 6:18 AM on April 4

There is an Amtrak route that goes between Chicago and Springfield. Tickets range from around $18 to $50 depending on the time of day. You'd also have to take a train from O'Hare to Chicago's Union Station but that would give you some time to see the city.
posted by mcroft at 6:20 AM on April 4

The blue line takes about 50 minutes to go between the loop and O'Hare, so don't forget to plan for that.
posted by Dec One at 6:41 AM on April 4

Gotta do the Billy Goat Tavern at least once. Take a taxi tho' and make sure it's the original restaurant (map and addresses on site). "Cheezeborger, cheesborger, No Coke, Pepsi!"
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 7:24 AM on April 4

The Amtrak station downtown has lockers you can rent using a credit card. Leave your crap there while you see the sights.
posted by desjardins at 7:43 AM on April 4