It's really easy to catch a taxi in Chicago. In urban areas like downtown, just raise your hand and a taxi will come right away. If the light on top is on, it's in service, so don't hesitate to hop in. There are designated taxi stands near airports, train stations, and hotels for even more convenience.

At the airport, taxis are lined up waiting outside the terminals. It costs about $40 to $50 from O'Hare International Airport to downtown, and about $30 to $40 from Midway Airport, but enjoying the Chicago skyline from inside the car makes the fare totally worth it.

Chicago taxis are not as expensive as New York, but still, the fares are not insignificant for an American city.
  • Base fare: $3.25
  • After that, $0.20 is added for every 1/9 mile, and $0.20 is also added for every 36 seconds of waiting.
  • There is a $1.00 night surcharge from 8 PM to 4 AM, and an additional $5.00 fee on holidays, so keep that in mind.

You can pay with cash or card, so there's no need to worry, but if you pay by card, don't forget to tip the driver! It's nice to give about 15-20% of the fare.

Cloud Gate
This massive sculpture in Millennium Park is a must-see on your Chicago trip! You can get there in under 10 minutes by taxi from downtown hotels. The grand cityscape unfolds in the taxi, making it a delightful experience.

Navy Pier
Navy Pier, a bit away from downtown, is a great place to visit by taxi. Especially at night, you can enjoy the sparkling lights and the romantic scenery of the lake.

The Magnificent Mile
If you want to enjoy shopping, head to The Magnificent Mile! After a comfortable taxi ride, carrying a bunch of shopping bags and taking another taxi back to your hotel is a great tip.

Useful Tips for Taking a Taxi

  1. Prepare your destination address.
    Most drivers are friendly, but providing an exact destination address or major landmarks makes it easier to get around.

  2. Avoid rush hour traffic!
    Chicago can have heavy traffic during rush hours. In such cases, considering public transportation instead of a taxi might be a good idea.

  3. Reservations via apps!
    While hailing a taxi on the street is good, reserving in advance with taxi apps like CURB can save time and help you check fares.

Taxi vs. Uber, which is better?

In Chicago, taxi services are very popular alongside ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.

  • Taxi: Can be caught immediately, with almost no wait time in major urban areas.
  • Uber/Lyft: Sometimes cheaper than taxis, but fares can rise significantly during peak times.

From my experience, taxis were convenient for short distances or airport trips, while Uber was more economical for longer distances. Choose wisely based on the situation!

Chicago taxis are more than just a means of transportation; they enrich your travel experience. The moments spent enjoying the Chicago skyline while moving are a part of the journey that can be fully enjoyed in a taxi. On your next trip to Chicago, take a taxi and discover the charm of this new city!