McCormick Place Transportation Guide
Quick Answer
McCormick Place is located at 2301 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, about 22 miles from O'Hare (45-75 min) and 12 miles from Midway (25-40 min). For reliable transportation during conventions, professional black car service offers direct drop-off at your building entrance, avoiding the rideshare pickup chaos that plagues major events.
Understanding McCormick Place
McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America, spanning 2.6 million square feet. It consists of four interconnected buildings:
- North Building: 2301 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
- South Building: 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
- West Building: 2301 S. Indiana Avenue
- Lakeside Center: 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive (east)
Important: Know which building your event is in before booking transportation. The buildings are connected inside but have separate entrances. Your driver should drop you at the correct building to save 10-15 minutes of walking.
Transportation from O'Hare Airport
O'Hare (ORD) is 22 miles north of McCormick Place. Travel time varies significantly based on traffic:
| Time of Day | Expected Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (5-7 AM) | 35-45 minutes | I-90 → I-94 → Lake Shore Drive |
| Morning Rush (7-9 AM) | 60-90 minutes | I-90 → I-94 or I-290 |
| Midday (10 AM - 3 PM) | 45-60 minutes | I-90 → I-94 → Lake Shore Drive |
| Evening Rush (4-7 PM) | 75-105 minutes | Variable - driver's choice |
| Evening (After 7 PM) | 35-45 minutes | I-90 → I-94 → Lake Shore Drive |
Transportation from Midway Airport
Midway (MDW) is only 12 miles southwest of McCormick Place, making it the preferred airport for convention travelers:
| Time of Day | Expected Duration |
|---|---|
| Off-Peak | 20-30 minutes |
| Rush Hour | 35-50 minutes |
| Major Convention Days | 40-60 minutes |
Transportation Options Compared
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- Pros: Familiar, available on demand
- Cons: Surge pricing during conventions, long pickup lines at McCormick Place
- Cost: $45-120 from O'Hare (variable)
- Convention Reality: After major events end, expect 30-45 minute waits
CTA Blue/Orange Line + Bus
- Pros: Cheapest option ($5 total)
- Cons: 1.5-2 hours, requires transfers, luggage handling
- Route: Blue Line to Clark/Lake → Bus #3 or #4
- Best For: Budget travelers with minimal luggage
Metra Electric Line
- Pros: Direct to McCormick Place station ($5-7)
- Cons: Limited schedule, no airport connection
- Station: McCormick Place (Metra Electric District)
- Best For: Travel from downtown hotels to convention
Professional Black Car Service
- Pros: Door-to-door, fixed pricing, no surge, no wait
- Cons: Higher base cost than transit
- Cost: $75-120 from O'Hare (fixed)
- Convention Advantage: Driver drops at your building entrance, waits for you at exact time
Why Convention Attendees Choose Black Car
During major conventions like the Chicago Auto Show, NRA Annual Meeting, or IMTS, rideshare pricing can exceed black car rates while offering inferior service:
- No fighting for rideshare pickup spot
- Driver knows the specific building entrance
- Schedule exact pickup times
- Look professional arriving to meetings
Major Conventions at McCormick Place
Plan transportation early for these high-demand events:
| Event | Typical Month | Attendees |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Auto Show | February | 1,000,000+ |
| RSNA (Radiology) | November | 50,000+ |
| IMTS (Manufacturing) | September (even years) | 100,000+ |
| Pack Expo | October/November | 45,000+ |
| Graph Expo | September | 20,000+ |
| NRA Show (Restaurant) | May | 65,000+ |
Drop-Off and Pickup Locations
North Building
Main entrance on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Most taxi/rideshare pickup here. Professional car service can use VIP entrance on Indiana Avenue.
South Building
Entrance on 23rd Street or Lake Shore Drive. Connected to Hyatt Regency McCormick Place via pedway.
West Building
Indiana Avenue entrance. Closest to Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Lakeside Center
Lake Shore Drive entrance. Often used for smaller events and concerts at Arie Crown Theater.
Pro Tip: Tell your driver which hall your booth or session is in. A knowledgeable chauffeur will drop you at the closest entrance, saving significant walking time in this massive complex.
Hotels Near McCormick Place
If you're staying nearby, here are the closest options:
- Hyatt Regency McCormick Place: Connected via pedway (South Building)
- Marriott Marquis Chicago: 0.3 miles, walking distance
- Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront: 0.5 miles
- Hilton Chicago: 1 mile, $10-15 Uber or free shuttle during major events
For downtown hotels (Magnificent Mile, River North, Loop), expect 10-20 minute drives to McCormick Place.
Corporate Group Transportation
Bringing a team to the convention? Group transportation options include:
- Executive Sedan: 1-3 passengers with luggage
- SUV: 4-6 passengers or extra luggage/equipment
- Executive Sprinter: 7-14 passengers
- Charter Bus: 15-55 passengers for large groups
Coordinating multiple arrivals? Professional services can dispatch multiple vehicles to meet team members on different flights, consolidating everyone at the hotel or convention center.
McCormick Place Transportation
Fixed pricing from both airports. Direct building drop-off. No convention surge. Book now for your next trade show.