O'hare to Hi Chicago Hostel

Question

How do I get there mid week about 1pm? On a hostelers budget

Answer

If you're traveling on a budget from O'Hare Airport to the Hi Chicago Hostel, you have a few affordable transportation options to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to get there around 1 PM during the week:

1. Public Transit (Best Budget Option)

CTA Blue Line (Train): The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line is the most affordable way to get from O'Hare to downtown Chicago. The Blue Line runs 24/7, and the ride typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your stop. From O'Hare, board the Blue Line at the airport station heading towards Forest Park.
Transfer to Red Line: Once you get to the UIC-Halsted station, you'll transfer to the Red Line (which runs north-south). You’ll need to head south on the Red Line to the Monroe station. The Hi Chicago Hostel is about a 10-minute walk from Monroe Station (located at 24 E. Congress Parkway).
Cost: The entire trip will cost you about $5 USD (one-way), which is the most budget-friendly option. Be prepared for possible delays if you’re traveling during rush hours, although at 1 PM, it shouldn’t be too bad.

2. Shuttle or Airport Express (Moderately Affordable)

Airport Express Shuttle: Several shuttle services run from O'Hare to various destinations in Chicago. You can catch these shuttles outside of the airport’s terminals. Although it may be slightly more expensive than the CTA (usually $20-$25 USD one-way), it’s still affordable compared to a taxi or ride-share service.
Cost and Time: Expect the shuttle ride to take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. You might need to make stops along the way to drop off passengers, but it’s a direct route, and they often drop you close to your accommodation.

3. Budget Ride-Sharing (If You Prefer a Direct Ride)

Uber or Lyft: While taxis are a more expensive option, you can use Uber or Lyft for a budget-friendly ride. If you use a ride-sharing app, the cost for a standard ride from O'Hare to Hi Chicago Hostel can vary between $30-$40, depending on traffic and the time of day. The price could be a bit higher if you need a larger vehicle, but it can still be affordable if you're splitting the fare with others.
Cost and Time: Ride-sharing options take about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic, but they will drop you directly at the hostel.

4. Buses (Least Convenient, but Very Cheap)

CTA Bus #257: You can also take the CTA Bus #257 (O'Hare-Jefferson Park Express), which connects O'Hare to the Jefferson Park Transit Center. From there, you can transfer to the CTA Blue Line. However, this route will take longer, typically over 1.5 hours, and may involve more transfers.
Cost: This is the cheapest option at just $2.50, but it is less convenient than the train and takes significantly more time.

5. Walking or Biking (If You’re Adventurous)

Walking: If you're feeling adventurous, you could take a long walk to the hostel from the airport, although this is not recommended due to the distance (about 14 miles). It's not particularly pedestrian-friendly due to the expressways.
Biking: If you’re an avid cyclist and comfortable with the traffic, you could rent a bike and ride to the hostel. However, it’s quite a long ride (around 45-60 minutes). You'll want to check if bike rentals are available near O'Hare.

Recommendation: The CTA Blue Line train is your best bet for a budget-friendly and convenient option. It's quick, affordable, and directly connects you to the city. Once you arrive at the Monroe station, it’s only a short walk to the hostel, so you won’t have to deal with any complicated transfers.

O'hare to Hi Chicago Hostel

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