Travel & Lodgings
Flight
Chicago Airports
For guests traveling in, the city is served by two major airports: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). O’Hare is the larger airport with more flight options, while Midway is smaller and often very easy to navigate.
Hotel
voco by IHG
Click the link below to reserve at the block rate of $239 per night at the voco Chicago Downtown hotel. The hotel is in a very walkable area with river views, but guests are also welcome to book anywhere that is comfortable to you.
Travel Note
🧭 Getting Around Chicago
Once you arrive, renting a car usually isn’t necessary. Chicago is a very transit-friendly city, and parking can be limited and expensive. Public transportation here is easy and reliable. The “L” train system connects both airports to downtown and many neighborhoods, and it’s often the fastest way to get around. You can also use buses, rideshare apps like Lyft, or taxis if that’s more convenient.
Train
🚊 The “L” Train
Chicago’s train system, often called the “L”, is one of the easiest ways to travel across the city. - Trains run frequently throughout the day and late into the night - A typical ride costs about $2.50, though rides from O’Hare cost about $5. - You can pay using a Ventra card, contactless credit card, or mobile wallet - To ride, simply tap your card or phone at the station turnstile before entering the platform.
Travel Note
🚗 Rideshares
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are widely available across Chicago. Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city and are easy to request through their mobile apps. This is often the most convenient option late at night or for direct trips across town.
Travel Note
🚌 CTA Buses
Chicago’s bus network is extensive and fills in the gaps between train lines. - Bus stops are typically every few blocks - Bus fare is about $2.25 per ride - You can pay with a Ventra card, contactless payment, or cash (exact change) Buses are great for shorter trips or reaching neighborhoods that aren’t directly on a train line.
Travel Note
🚲 Divvy Bikes
Chicago has a large bike-share system called Divvy, with docking stations across the city. - Bikes can be unlocked through the Divvy app and returned to any station - They’re great for quick rides along the lakefront, between neighborhoods, or for shorter distances. - Divvy stations are often located near CTA train stations, making it easy to combine biking with transit.
Travel Note
🛴 Electric Scooters
Chicago also has shared electric scooters available through various apps. - Scooters are typically unlocked via an app - Cost is usually charged by the minute - They’re ideal for short trips of 1–2 miles or rides on the lakefront - Usually parked in designated areas or docking zones around the city
Travel Note
🚶 Walking
Chicago is one of the most walkable major cities in the U.S. Most neighborhoods are laid out in a grid, making it easy to navigate. Sidewalks are generally wide and well maintained. If you’re staying near downtown or the wedding venue, you’ll likely be able to walk to restaurants, bars, and attractions.
Travel Note
📱 Helpful Transit Apps
A few apps can make getting around even easier: Ventra – buy transit passes and pay for CTA trains and buses. Google Maps or Apple Maps – both include step-by-step transit directions using buses and trains. With all these options—train, bus, bikes, scooters, rideshare, and walking—it’s usually easy to get anywhere in Chicago without needing a car. 🚇🚲