SELECTED STOP | California & Milwaukee (Blue Line) (Southbound) (2024)

FAQs

How long does the blue line take from O'Hare to downtown? ›

Blue Line trains run 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and all trains from the O'Hare station go through downtown on their way to Forest Park (or, during some hours, UIC-Halsted). The normal travel time on the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown, is 40-45 minutes.

Chicago's Blue Line and Red Line offer 24-hour service, every day, year-round.

BLUE LINE (CTA 'L')

The first stop of the BLUE LINE Chicago 'L' route is O'Hare and the last stop is Forest Park.

Washington Blue Line

To transfer to Red Line trains, exit via Randolph-Washington exit and use mezzanine-level pedway through Block 37 Center to Red Line trains. Farecard required for free transfer to Red Line.

Transit time: It will take you roughly 40 to 45 minutes to get downtown via the Blue Line. Estimated cost: A single-trip Ventra pass from ORD costs $5, is valid for up to three rides within two hours of use and can be purchased at the O'Hare station.

I am a frequent flyer who takes the Blue Line to and from O'Hare, it is faster and much less expensive than taking Uber/Lyft. Most commuters are civil and quiet - I have never felt unsafe on this train.

The blue line is generally safe. Ride in the front car with the train operator for added safety.

O'Hare Blue Line

Connections: Chicago-O'Hare International Airport, O'Hare ATS people mover to all terminals via Terminal 2 station; Terminals 1, 2, 3 by underground pedestrian walkways.

What is the history of the Blue Line? ›

The "blue" in "thin blue line" refers to the blue color of the uniforms of many police departments. The phrase originated as an allusion to The Thin Red Line incident during the Crimean War in 1854, wherein a Scottish regiment—wearing red uniforms—famously held off a Imperial Russian Army cavalry charge.

In the late 1950s, the original Forest Park Branch of Chicago's elevated train system was constructed, establishing a vital link of the Blue Line to connect Chicago-O'Hare International Airport to downtown.

The Blue Line (nee the Dearborn Subway) actually runs beneath the city's namesake river twice — once under Lake Street and once under Congress Parkway.

The total travel time from O'Hare to Union Station should be about 1 hour 15 minutes including all walking, waiting, and riding the train (about 1 hour 20 minutes if you are coming from the International terminal). The Blue line operates at all times, and so there is no last train to miss.

The State Street Red Line crosses under the river much closer to the surface than the Blue, so to complete construction, that section of the subway was prefabricated in a South Chicago shipyard then floated up the lake and sunk into the river.

Is there a direct train between Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) and Washington Station (CTA Blue Line)? Yes, there is a direct train departing from O'Hare and arriving at Washington-Blue. Services depart every 10 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 41 min.

Okay, there is nothing along the Blue Line that is dangerous between ORD and downtown, until you are south of the city, which you will never hit.

Blue Line 'L'

The CTA Blue Line provides 24-hour rapid transit train service between Chicago-O'Hare International Airport(Opens in a new window) and the Forest Park terminal, via downtown Chicago.

The average duration for this ride is 41 minutes. Before a trip starts, your app gives an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for when your driver is likely to arrive at ORD. After your trip starts, your app provides an ETA for when you are likely to arrive at Chicago IL.