Open Travel Guide
Transportation in Illinois

Getting Around Illinois 2026

Transport in Illinois decoded — what to use for which journey, and what each option costs.

Illinois is a Midwestern US state best known for its largest city, Chicago — a global hub of architecture, culture, food, and commerce. From the iconic skyline and world-class museums to Lincoln's historic home in Springfield and the rugged beauty of Shawnee National Forest, Illinois offers an incredibly diverse travel experience.

Transportation details

Full breakdown of how to get around.

Illinois has excellent transportation infrastructure centered on Chicago, one of North America's greatest transit hubs. Chicago is served by two major airports, an extensive rapid transit system (the CTA 'L'), Metra commuter rail, Amtrak intercity trains, and extensive highway networks. A car is recommended for exploring areas outside Chicago.

Airports

ORD

O'Hare International Airport

MDW

Chicago Midway International Airport

RFD

Chicago Rockford International Airport

Transport tips

Travel smarter, not harder.

Tip

Buy multi-day or weekly transit passes if you'll use public transport more than twice a day.

Tip

Keep small change handy for buses and shorter trips where contactless may not work.

Tip

Avoid rush hour (typically 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) for a more comfortable journey.