Plan Your Visit

The RTA manages the three public transit operations in northeastern Illinois: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra commuter rail and Pace suburban bus. For information on routes and schedules, contact the RTA via the web at rtachicago.org or call the Transit Information Hotline at 312-836-7000.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides bus services and runs approximately every 15 minutes. Drop off is located at the main entrance to the South Building on Martin Luther King Drive.

• The #3 King Drive bus is the most common bus route to McCormick Place as it runs north/south along Michigan Avenue serving many downtown hotels and the Magnificent Mile and Water Tower Place.

• The #21 Cermak bus runs east and west along W. Cermak Rd., covering a 10-mile distance west of McCormick Place campus. This is the bus to take to transfer to the Green or Red “L” trains.

The McCormick Place stop is located at 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago and is in front of our main entrance.

One-way bus fare is $2.25 and it is recommended to pre-purchase a Ventra card prior to using the bus system.

Located on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse in the South Building, the METRA Electric commuter railroad provides direct service within seven minutes to and from downtown Chicago.

Service from the Millennium (Randolph St.) Station (near the Fairmont Hotel) to McCormick Place begins early morning, with more frequent pick-ups during rush hour.

• Single trip: $4.00 and up based on zones traveled

• 10-ride pass: $38.00 and up based on zones traveled.

For exact fares and route maps, visit the Metra website.

Taxis are plentiful, easy-to-hail downtown and at the airports and offer a convenient way to get around the city. Credit cards are accepted in all cabs by city mandate. It is standard to tip the driver about 15-20% of the fare, plus $1-2 per bag if the driver helps you with luggage.

Please note that all fares are subject to change. Sample taxi fare between downtown and O’Hare Airport is $40-50, and between Midway Airport is $30-35.

Rideshare drop off/pick up locations at McCormick Place:

• South/North Buildings: Gate 4.5

• West Building: Gate 40.5

• Lakeside Building: Gate 38

O’Hare International Airport, located 17 miles from downtown, is one of the largest airports in the world. It is North America’s major international gateway airport, servicing over 83 million passengers to and from over 260 destinations around the globe.

Midway International Airport is located 10 miles from downtown Chicago and offers another convenient travel option for visitors. It is the nation’s premier point-to-point airport, offering value-oriented leisure and business travel to over 80 destinations.

Visit flychicago.com for details on parking, amenities, flight status, terminal maps and more for both O’Hare and Midway airports.

2301 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616 (8′ height clearance) is a six level garage with 2,100 parking spaces located on Martin Luther King Drive, adjacent to the West Building. Covered walkways from Lot A leading directly into McCormick Place and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel also provide added convenience.

The parking rate is $27 for up to 16 hours and $40 from 16 to 24 hours.

There are no in-and-out privileges. Overnight parking is available in Lot A only. Lost tickets will pay the $40 (overnight) fee per day.

3050 South Moe Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 (also known as 31st Street Lot) is an outdoor surface parking lot located at 31st Street near Lake Shore Drive South and Moe Drive. It holds over 1,800 vehicles.

The parking rate is a flat fee of $18 per day with no in-and-out privileges.

This parking lot is open throughout event hours. Overnight parking is not available.

Fort Dearborn Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 (6′4″ height clearance) is an underground garage with 1,900 parking spaces and is located on Ft. Dearborn Drive, adjacent to the Lakeside Center.

The parking rate is $27 for up to 16 hours and $40 from 16 to 24 hours.

This parking lot is open throughout event hours.

Driving directions, parking locations, and public transportation information can be found at McCormick Place’s website.

Complimentary shuttle service is available to and from the convention center and designated event hotels during show days for those attendees who book their hotel rooms through onPeak, the official housing provider.

Physical badges can be picked up upon arrival at McCormick Place in the registration areas.

For more information, see Badging and Registration.

Explore detailed parking information at McCormick Place, including comprehensive rates, convenient facility locations, and helpful tips for a hassle-free visit. Discover the best parking options to suit your needs and simplify your experience.