FLIGHTS
HOLIDAYS
HOTELS
CAR HIRE
CRUISE
CITY BREAKS
SKI BREAKS
REAL-DEALS
UK Breaks 
DESTINATIONS 
Quizzes 
compare travel insurance 
Holiday Deals 
Sign up to our Newsletter 
BLOG
Travel to Chicago
Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a big and bustling city with plenty to do and see. The Magnificent Mile is a must during any holiday in Chicago and is lined by skyscrapers, shops, trendy apartments and jazz bars. It's also home to the fascinating National History Museum, Millennium Park and the old Water Tower. For the best beaches head to the north where you'll find Rogers Park or if you're after buzzing nightlife Lakeview is a must. The best views of the city can be had by taking the lift to the Sears Tower Skydeck.
Airlines including British Airways, American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic offer direct flights to Chicago from both London Heathrow and Manchester arriving at O'Hare International Airport. The journey time is around nine hours. You can also fly indirectly from a wider selection of airports in UK including Edinburgh, Birmingham and Cardiff with airlines such as Delta, Lufthansa and Aer Lingus. Although indirect flights take longer they are cheaper than taking a direct flight to Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport is located 29 kilometres northwest of the city centre and there are plenty of ways for getting to your Chicago hotel from the airport. The cheapest option is by bus which will take you to the city in around an hour. The Subway runs to and from the city centre from the airport and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you're arriving at Terminal 5, you'll need to get the free shuttle service to the station. If you plan on using the Subway, the cheapest option is to pick up a CTA travel card from the self-service kiosks at the airport. Taxis are also readily available at the airport but are a lot more expensive compared to using public transport.
Although there is plenty of accommodation in the city, finding cheap hotels in Chicago, especially in the downtown area, can be difficult. If you are on a budget look away from the city centre and aim for the suburbs that have good public transport links to the centre such as Lincoln Park and Roger Park. Shop around online for the best deals and be sure to book in advance to avoid missing out on cheaper accommodation
.Chicago is a big city so the best way to get around during your holiday in Chicago is by public transport which is both cheap and efficient. If you plan on using buses and trains frequently, consider purchasing a Visitor Pass which offers unlimited travel for a set fee. Cycling is another cost effective way of seeing the city and there are plenty of cycle lanes. Although it's not advisable to drive in the very congested downtown area, if you want to see all of Chicago and the surrounding areas, car hire in Chicago is a great way of exploring and roads are well maintained and well signposted. Be sure to book in advance for the best deals.
Our Travel Deals
Updated 15th May 2013
Recent Blog Posts
"The British love affair with the Spanish resorts is decades old now – I may be too young to remember how it began, but I can clearly remember my..." 17 May 2013
"The UN has announced this week that we, by which I mean people, not just the dealchecker population, need to eat more insects. In the words of Alice i..." 16 May 2013
"It is my belief that no one is safe from the sultry charms of a truly great city-centre view. You know the kind – that perilously gorgeous, vert..." 15 May 2013
Your Travel Tips
-
Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows
posted by qstraub
Why this attraction isn't given more staus i'll never know! A fantastic and beautiful collection of stained glass, complete with a dozen Tiffany items! -
Northerly Island
posted by fbeard
This former airfield is now a beautiful park clinging to the edge of the lake. There is even a beach right by it! We spent the day hiking around and enjoying a picnic in the sun and had a totally alternative but great day out in the "city"!
