A little bit of browsing can help you find the smartest and cheapest methods to travel from the airport to downtown Chicago.

Chicago O'Hare airport ground Transportation

http://www.airwise.com/airports/us/ohare/transport.html

Shuttles leave the O'Hare airport every 15 minutes. For sub urban service and hotel service, the shuttle service starts at 5:30am and 4:00am respectively. The charges charged by the cabs are based on the mileage and time basis, so the rates vary accordingly. It is highly recommended that you reserve well in advance. They are required only if you opt for special services like going to a residential area and for your return to the airport.

Chicago Transportation

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/chicago_transportation.htm

A round trip transfer

http://www.partner.viator.com/en/2819/tours/Chicago/Chicago-Airport-Roundtrip-Transfer/d673-3178ORDAPTRND

O'Hare Airport: The cost for the shuttle service is quite nominal. It costs $27 for single person to move to downtown or from downtown to O'Hare airport. If you opt for round trip, you can save $5, as round trip costs only $49. Similarly, if two people travel together they charge $19 per person for one way and $35 per person for round trip. For more than three people, they charge $14 per person for one way and $27 for round trip.

Midway Airport: It costs $22 for one person for one-way trip to travel to downtown or from downtown from Midway airport. For a round trip, you need to pay only $37, saving $7. Similarly, there are other offers for two person and three persons, which you can see from their website.

Chicago transportation - 4 simple ways to get from the airport to downtown

http://ezinearticles.com/?Chicago-Transportation—4-Simple-Ways-to-Get-From-the-Airport-to-Downtown&id=4369972

The Chicago public transport includes initiatives by umbrella organizations including the CTA, Metra and Pace. The CTA Chicago Transit Authority offers trolley services during summer. A tourist to Chicago may find their site very helpful in planning their Chicago travel:

http://www.transitchicago.com/.

The CTA makes it possible for the tourist to buy gifts and check fare as well as other travel information on the organizations site. The organization also offers information on when buses have been rerouted giving the customer ample time for preparation. Other services offered by the CTA include Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus which make Chicago travel easier without having to carry money around. Guides for riding with their services as well as a historical calendar are also made available.

Chicago Trains and buses

Like any other big city this system is riddled with traffic issues. Chicago travel by car can be very frustrating coupled with the shortage of street parking. Public transport therefore makes for a very viable alternative. The CTA network of trains, subways and buses covers just about every major part of the city. The buses run on a regular schedule on most major streets.

Maps and Routines

Complete system maps are made available in both PDF and HTML. Bus numbers are indicated in the ovals along the routes while color coded lines distinguish bus, subway and train lines. The organization attempts to stream line its operations to fit the route and time of day. It is always advisable to reach the station on time if you dont have the schedule beforehand.

Other links to Chicago public transport include:

http://www.travellerspoint.com/search.cfm?q=Chicago%20public%20transport

Metra

Chicago travel is worth looking at all the available networks and the Metra transport network covers a big part of this including The Loop. Both the local and non-resident have a range of choices when it comes to commuting in Chicago.

The Chicago Transit Authority administers the larger part of Chicago's public transport. Therefore for any information that regards this part of your trip you will have to contact the CTA telephone lines or go to their official website.

The CTA offers a range of services which include the rapid transit system. Also known as the L, this is one of the most remarkable public transport services in the US. It offers the traveler an option to enjoy 24 hours of the fastest public transit in the city.

Travel to Chicago may be quite fun if you take to this system for your first itinerary through the city. The tickets can be bought online and the travel schedule obtained from the CTA offices. A lot of these resources being offered over the internet making your travel to Chicago duly smooth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_%27L%27

http://www.transitchicago.com/riding_cta/systemguide/blueline.aspx

http://www.transitchicago.com/riding_cta/systemguide/default.aspx

What should you know about the CTA?

The city offers a number of ways by which the passenger can pay for their travel. This includes transit cards as well as payment in cash. There is also the option to pay with the Chicago Card. This card offered by the CTA previously treated the holder to much lower fares.