Budget Car Rental vs Subway

We will be going to Chicago over Memorial Weekend. We will arrive at MDW airport on Friday and leaving Monday afternoon. We will be staying at the Marriortt Midway which is half a mile from the aiport. There is a complementary shuttle service between the MDW and the hotel and also free parking at the hotel.

We will mostly going to Chinatown for food and gifts. The rest of the time will be spent at Navy Pier, Sears Tower, Zoo, Casino, Magnificent Mile and downtown for the Memorial parade.

From what I can tell, the Orange Line is directly connected to the MDW airport. (Please correct me if this is not correct as I am basing my whole trip on this). Because there is a free shuttle service between the hotel and MDW, I was thinking we will go to the aiport everyday and take the Orange Line to Chinatown, Downtown, etc. Would this be a better option than renting a car? I know the Orange Line doesn%26#39;t take us to all the places we want to go to. We will need to use alternate transportation in that case. Which can be a hassle.

We have a $50 certificate that we can use towards Budget Car Rental, so it won%26#39;t be as expensive. The parking ramp rates will be high from what I read in the forum. What about availability? Are there always open spots on ramps?

The big question is, which should I choose? Has anyone gone to Chicago without renting a car?

Thanks Much :)

Budget Car Rental vs Subway

No need for a car here. Parking here is very expensive.

You are correct - the CTA orange line train connects MDW to downtown. When you%26#39;re downtown, you can transfer to other trains or buses. A CTA visitor pass might come in handy. You can get them at the MDW train station. Visit transitchcago.com for details.

Budget Car Rental vs Subway

No need for a car here. Parking is very expensive - up to $40 per day.

You are correct, the CTA orange line train will get you downtown from MDW. When you get downtown, you can transfer to other trains or buses to get to your final destination. A CTA visitor pass might come in handy for your visit. You can get them at the MDW station, Visit transitchicago.com for details.

Definitely take public transportation! Take the money you would have spent on car rental and parking and put it towards the fantastic dining options here.

You can purchase CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) passes ahead of time, which is cheaper than buying them per use.

You can take the orange line into the Loop, then pick up the red line to Chinatown. Personal recommendation: Three Happiness on the south side of Cermak (there%26#39;s a larger one on the north). It%26#39;s GREAT!!!

http://www.transitchicago.com

http://www.thelocaltourist.com/events/

Thanks! I heard of that restaurant before! I will definitely check it out :)