Ground Transportation
Air Transportation
Shuttle Bus Service (back to top)
Complimentary shuttle bus service will be provided for Show attendees and exhibitors between the official hotels and McCormick Place during morning and evening hours during the Show.
The on-site shuttle bus service office is operational from Saturday, March 10 to Tuesday, March 13, 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after the daily scheduled hours of shuttle service. The following number is available for your convenience during service days only for shuttle information and special needs transportation (877) 589-2671. Please call at least 20 minutes prior to desired pick-up time.
Shuttle Bus Schedule + Routes
Map of Official Hotels
Public Transportation(back to top)
Amtrak
Amtrak is the United States’ passenger rail provider, connecting Chicago to 45 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces using 21,000 route miles. Each day, Amtrak moves 300 trains to more than 500 destinations, including Chicago’s Union Station.
Metra
The Metra, Chicago's commuter train system, provides rail service between the downtown stations of Millennium Park (Randolph St.), Van Buren St., Museum Campus at 11th St. and McCormick Place. Metra stations are within walking distance to many of the Show’s official hotels. IHA is providing complimentary Metra passes that will be valid March 8-14 for unlimited rides between McCormick Place and the downtown stations. For more information on Metra's service during the Show and for Show Service Schedules, click here.
The "L" - Train Service
The “L” is Chicago’s 24-hour rapid transit system. It is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and is the third-busiest rail mass transit system in the United States. There are eight separate transit lines, two of which take passengers to Chicago’s major airports; the Blue Line to O’Hare International Airport and the Orange Line to Midway International Airport. Also, use the "L" to get around Chicago during your stay! Fare cards can be pruchased at each "L" stop. The cost is $2.25 for a one-way trip.
Bus Service
Chicago’s Transit Authority (CTA) provides bus service throughout the Chicagoland area. With 140 routes and close to 12,000 bus stops, the CTA helps move travelers to their desired locations, including McCormick Place. Express services are available in addition to 24-hour service, known as "Owl Service." CTA bus #3 runs to and from McCormick Place on Michigan Avenue. There are many stops that are within walking distance of most hotels! The cost is $2.00 for a one-way trip. (Note: If you do not have a fare card, you must have exact change)
Taxis (back to top)
Chicago has the second largest taxi fleet in the country, with over 6,500 vehicles. Taxis are an easy and convenient way to get around the city.
Taxi Ride Share
- Saturday - Tuesday: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- During this period, ALL TAXIS will be ride share.
- Ride Share is up to four (4) passengers to share a taxicab from McCormick Place to any destination(s) within the boundaries of Roosevelt Rd. (South), North Ave. (North), Halsted Ave. (West) and Lake Michigan (East).
- Passengers will be grouped according to their destination.
- A fare of $7.00 per person will apply to all shared rides during this period.
- Note: It is customary to tip your driver 15%-20% for good service.
Taxi Pick-Up Locations
- Lakeside Center, Level 2, Gate 30
- North Building, Level 1, Gate 22
- South Building, Level 1, McCormick Square, Gate 4
McCormick Place(back to top)
Getting to and from McCormick Place convention facility is both easy and convenient. McCormick Place is mere minutes from downtown Chicago. Below you will find helpful information on parking, directions and gate locations.
McCormick Place Information/Directions
McCormick Place Attendee Parking
There are three parking lots on the McCormick Place campus. All are in close proximity and walking distance to the convention center. Attendees needing access to Lakeside Center should use Lot C , while attendees needing access to the North or South Buildings should use either Lot A or Lot B.
Lot A - Located on Martin Luther King Drive and connects to the West Building. This parking lot is a six level garage with 2,100 available parking spaces. It also has covered walkways leading directly into McCormick Place and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel. The daily parking rate is $19 for up to 16 hours and $30 from 16 to 24 hours. There are no in-and-out privileges and overnight parking is available.
Lot B – Located at 31st Street, near Lake Shore Drive and Moe Drive. It is an outdoor surface parking lot with 1,800 available parking spaces. Overnight parking is not available. The parking rate is a flat fee of $14 per day with no in-and-out privileges.
Lot C – Located on Ft. Dearborn Drive and connects to Lakeside Center. It is an underground garage with 1,900 available parking spaces. The daily parking rate is $19 with no in-and-out privileges. Overnight parking is not available.
Parking fees can be paid by cash or credit card; VISA, MasterCard and American Express are accepted.
McCormick Place Exhibitor Guaranteed Parking
A limited number of guaranteed parking spaces are available to exhibitors in Parking Lot A
and Parking Lot C by advance order of an Exhibitor Parking Permit. This permit allows
access to the garages with in-and-out privileges. Parking spaces are guaranteed even if lots
fill to capacity. Spaces can be reserved for move-in, move-out, and Show days. Spaces are
unassigned and available on a self-park basis. Exhibitor Parking Permits are available at a
rate of $23.75 per day (rates subject to change without notice).
You can order parking online (an additional $5.00 online fee applies.)
Gate Locations
Click here to view the McCormick Place Gate Locations – your Roadmap to the “Ins and Outs” of McCormick Place.
Limousine and Private Charter Information
To avoid confusion in the tunnels, IHA will have a Limousine and Private Charter Dispatch area. Vehicles will be notified through a radio as exhibitors and attendees arrive at the appropriate gate. Please communicate these pickup and drop-off locations to your limousine or charter bus service company.
Designated Limo Pickup & Drop-Off Locations
- Lakeside Center, Level 2, Gate 38
- North & South Buildings, Level 1 East Lobby of the South Building, Gate 27 (2 levels below the Grand Concourse). Limos should enter from 31st Street at Moe Drive and follow directions.
Designated Private Charter Pickup & Drop-Off Locations
- Lakeside Center, Level 2, Gate 38
- North & South Buildings, Level 1 East Lobby of the South Building, Gate 26 (2 levels below the Grand Concourse). Private Charters should enter from 31st Street at Moe Drive and follow directions.
Airport Information:
Chicago is accessible by two major airports. For additional information on the transportation options and approximate travel times to and from each Chicago airport, please select one of the following.
Airport Express Bus Service:
Airport Express offers affordable and reliable service to and from O’Hare and Midway Airports. Airport shuttles provide convenient ground transportation throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Make your reservation in advance and take advantage of the coupon provided by IHA for $2.00 off your one way trip or $4.00 off round trip (more information on coupon above).
The “L” – Train Service to Airport:
The “L” is Chicago’s 24-hour rapid transit system. It is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and is the third-busiest rail mass transit system in the United States. There are eight separate transit lines, two of which take passengers to Chicago’s major airports.
Reserve Discount Airfare with American Airlines: (return to top)
American Airlines is pleased to be your official Show airline, offering discounts up to 7% on any eligible, applicable published fare and discounts up to 10% off any eligible, applicable business or first class fare booked in F and J inventories. Click here for information on how to reserve discount airfare.
