If you are flying into Chicago, you will land at either O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway Airport (MDW). O'Hare is one of the world's busiest airports and offers plenty of options and extras - it's also 40 miles outside the Loop. That said, we recommend flying into Midway if at all possible. Many economy carriers (Southwest / ATA) serve this smaller airport, which recently got a sparkling facelift. It's also about a 10-mile trip to the Loop.

To get into and around the city, we recommend using public transportation:

Chicago Transit Athority (CTA) offers fast, direct train service from both airports to downtown, convenient bus and train lines to major attractions, simple fare cards, easy-to-use maps and brochures, and custom trip planning for groups.

For route, fare and schedule information, call 312-836-7000 every day from 5 a.m.-1 a.m. (CT). The CTA system map and Downtown Sightseeing Guide are available at all train stations, both airports, visitor information centers and hotels. You can also plan your trip online at www.transitchicago.com !

The fare for one ride is $1.75 for ages 12 and up. You can purchase CTA Transit Cards, which automatically deduct fares and transfers and can be used on trains and buses, at any CTA train station for any amount between $1.75 and $91. You can take two additional trips in the next two hours for the cost of a transfer (25 cents).

If you plan on using the CTA to get around, Visitor Passes are your best value. Available for 1-Day ($5), 2-Day($9), 3-Day($12) and 5-Day($18), they allow unlimited rides on buses and trains. Purchase passes at both airports, visitor information centers, Union Station and select Chicago attractions.

From O'Hare International, take the Blue line train into the city.

From Midway, take the Orange line train.

If you want to take a cab from the airport, it'll cost around $40 from O'Hare and around $20 from Midway.

Of course, car rental is another option, but parking in Chicago is tricky and expensive at best. If you have a car, we suggest parking it in our super secret spot - read FREE - and hoofing it about town. Drop us an e-mail for directions. Parking at hotels can cost about $30/nite and nearby lots are not that much cheaper. Welcome to the big city!