Getting to Chicago

  • Airports: Flying into either of the 2 Chicago airports is convenient and accessible to public transportation. O’hare International Airport can be accessed at www.chicago-ord.com/. Midway International airport can be accessed at www.chicago-mdw.com/. To get almost anywhere in the city from either of these airport you can access the wonderful public transportation system of chicago at www.transitchicago.com. From O’hare you will use the Blue Line Train to get into the city and from Midway you will access the Orange Line Train.
  • Amtrak: Yup, Chicago has an Amtrak station too, it is located at 225 South Canal Street Chicago, IL 60606. you can access Amtrak information at www.amtrak.com.
  • Mega Bus: This option is limited to those traveling to Chicago from another midwest state. It is a very affordable option, check out www.megabus.com for additional information.
  • Greyhound: An option that may not be worth your time depending on where your travels begin, but it is an option to checkout. www.greyhound.com

Getting your Bike to Chicago
If you are going to be coming from outside of Chicago, you are going to have to also get your bike here too!
Don’t worry there are several options. The common denominator is that unless you have your local bike shop pack your bike for you (that can be pricey but worth the look) you will be responsible for breaking down your bike and boxing up your bike in a bike box. Check this link for info on what parts need to be removed and how you can protect your bike on its journey to you! Once it’s packed you have several options to get the bike to you.

Amtrak
This is a great resource to get your bike to Chicago, it is affordable, easy to access and reliable. Contact your local Amtrak station to find out more about this option.  You will be responsible for packing your bike up for shipping, but you do not have to travel via Amtrak with your bike in order to ship it.  Your  bike will arrive at the Amtrak station in Chicago approximately 3 days after shipping.


Greyhound
You can bring your boxed bike to Greyhound and they will ship it to your destination. It is not as costly an option(around$50) From experience please call your station to see how much time it will take to get to Chicago. The website says one thing your local station has the real info. Your bike is an afterthought to folks who are traveling so they can take your bike off, if you are not traveling with it, to accommodate passenger luggage. Expect your  bike will arrive at the Amtrak station in Chicago approximately 3 days after shipping.

Ship it via FedEx
This is a great option if you just want your bike to show up at your destination. Just bring your packed bike and they will get it there. Spoke N’ Hearters have used this method twice and were pleased – to ship from Atlanta to San Francisco was roughly $40.

Flying with your bike
Check with your airline to see how much they will charge. The fees vary and range from $50-$175.