Transportation

O’Hare Airport
One of two nearby airports the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (this is also the busiest airport). Airport Code: ORD

Lyft or Uber: About a 45-50-minute ride from O’Hare into downtown; public transportation via the “L” Train is also available, though would likely take more time.

Midway Airport
Midway International Airport is smaller and easier to navigate through. Airport Code: MDW

There is a free shuttle from Midway to O’Hare, but then travel from O’Hare into downtown is either via public transportation or via Lyft/Uber, each about 40-50 minutes. Travel via Lyft/Uber from Midway directly to the Palmer House is about a 30-minute ride.

Public Transportation while in Chicago

Lyft App: Very Safe

Uber App: Very Safe

Pace Bus Chicago: This is the public bus system. Inexpensive but please know which one to get on and where you are going.

Subway System: You can photograph here but avoid getting on the subway at night.

The “L” Train System: This transportation can be difficult and confusing as there are many different lines. If you are not familiar, please avoid using the “L”.

Big Bus Tours of Chicago: Very Safe. This is a double decker bus that will take you up and down the loop area of Chicago all day and into the evening. You can hop on and hop off at any time. Pick-up / Drop-off is in front of The Palmer House. Tickets prices vary.

PARKING

Parking at Chicago hotels can cost upwards of $80/day and is not only expensive but can be hard to navigate. We highly recommend you avoid parking directly at the Palmer House. You can utilize your favorite parking app such as SpotHero or ParkWhiz, but ClickCon recommends parking at The Grant Park North Garage (Millennium Parking Garages).

Please note that when selecting a garage, Grant Park North is closest at only two blocks west of the hotel on Michigan Avenue. You may want to check-in to the hotel first, unload your things, and then go park your car. We suggest this so you don’t have to carry all your luggage and camera gear for the short walk from the parking garage back to the hotel!

**As with any large city, know your surroundings and do not travel to places which you are not familiar. We have hundreds of photo and video locations within a 5-10 minute walk in the surrounding area of the hotel. The area we are in is a tourist area and is heavily policed and safe. Please check out our recommended shooting locations on our site for great opportunities and portfolio building.

**As with any large city, theft will always be a problem. You hear about these instances at ALL conferences. Travel in groups and keep your items with you at all times. Think Tank has an incredible bag with cable locks (Airport series). This is a great way to be able to set your bag down and cable lock it near by. If you do not have this option, we suggest find a way to do this. This is a great concept for any and all conferences that you travel to!

Neither ClickCon nor its staff, volunteers, or directors NOR The Palmer House shall be held responsible for any stolen, lost, or damaged items.