How to get to The Drake from Chicago airports (ORD & MDW)

The Drake does not provide an airport shuttle from either O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW). The simplest ways to get there are taxi/rideshare or a pre-booked car service; public transit (CTA trains + a short walk) is the lowest-cost option.
In this guide
Before you leave the airport
The Drake (140 E Walton Place) does not operate an airport shuttle from ORD or MDW. Plan to use taxi/rideshare, car service, rental car, or public transit.
Have the hotel address and the BookResorts agent phone (+1 (888) 605-1350) ready if the driver needs directions. If you plan to drive and park, the hotel offers self-parking and valet for a daily fee.
- Hotel address: 140 E Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611
- BookResorts agents (24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
- No airport shuttle provided by the hotel
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Hotel address and phone | Driver/directions |
| Confirmation/booking info | If using pre-booked car service |
| Credit card or transit card | Taxis/rideshares or CTA fare |
Taxi or rideshare (ORD & MDW)
For door-to-door convenience, take a licensed taxi or use rideshare apps (Uber/Lyft) from either airport. Drivers can drop you at the hotel entrance on Walton Place near the north end of the Magnificent Mile.
Taxis and rideshares are the fastest option if you have luggage or arrive late. Ask your driver to pull up to the hotel's main entrance on Walton/Delaware side if traffic conditions allow.
- No hotel-arranged shuttle available — use taxi or rideshare pickup zones at each airport
- Taxis accept major cards and cash; rideshare trips are app-based
- Tipping taxi drivers is customary in Chicago
| From | Practical note |
|---|---|
| O'Hare (ORD) | Direct taxi/rideshare to the hotel (no hotel shuttle) |
| Midway (MDW) | Direct taxi/rideshare to the hotel (no hotel shuttle) |

Public transit: CTA trains + walk
Public transit is the lowest-cost option. From O'Hare, take the CTA Blue Line toward downtown; from Midway, take the CTA Orange Line into downtown and transfer as needed. The nearest CTA Red Line station (Chicago) is about an 8-minute walk to The Drake.
Expect a short walk from the downtown stations and allow extra time if you have heavy luggage. The hotel sits at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, so follow signs toward Oak Street/Michigan Avenue to reach Walton Place.
- O'Hare: CTA Blue Line into downtown (change to Red Line or walk from a downtown station)
- Midway: CTA Orange Line into downtown (transfer to Red Line or other downtown connections)
- Nearest Red Line station to the hotel: Chicago (about an 8-minute, 2,000-foot walk)
| Airport | CTA route (example) |
|---|---|
| O'Hare (ORD) | Blue Line → downtown transfer → walk or Red Line |
| Midway (MDW) | Orange Line → transfer downtown → walk or Red Line |
| On arrival downtown | Walk to 140 E Walton Place (north end of Magnificent Mile) |
Pre-booked car service or shared shuttles
If you prefer a fixed price and meet-and-greet service, pre-book a car service or airport transfer before you arrive. Confirm the vehicle can access the hotel's entrance on Walton Place.
Shared airport shuttles are sometimes available through private operators; they can be cheaper than private cars but will make multiple stops and take longer.
- Confirm pickup point and drop-off instructions with the operator
- Provide the hotel address and phone if the driver needs directions
- Shared shuttles may have curbside meeting points at each airport
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Private car service | Luggage, fixed price, direct drop-off |
| Shared airport shuttle | Lower cost, more stops, longer travel time |

Driving and parking at The Drake
The Drake offers both self-parking and valet parking for a daily fee; self-parking includes in/out privileges. If you rent a car at the airport, check the hotel's current parking options and directions before arrival.
If you bring a vehicle, note that EV charging is available nearby (about 1 mile away) rather than directly at the hotel. The hotel lists covered, secured parking.
- Self-parking and valet parking are available (daily fees apply)
- Self-parking includes in/out privileges
- EV charging stations are available nearby (about 1 mile away)
| Topic | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Parking type | Self-parking vs. valet |
| In/out privileges | Self-parking includes in/out |
| EV charging | Nearby, roughly 1 mile away |
Arriving at the hotel — check-in details
Check-in at The Drake begins at 3:00 PM; the front desk is open 24 hours. The reservation holder must be at least 21 years old and present a photo ID and a credit card at check-in.
The Drake welcomes guests of all ages. If you’re traveling with children, the property offers cribs and connecting rooms, and Palm Court offers a Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea for ages 3–12.
- Check-in begins at 3:00 PM; front desk open 24 hours
- Reservation holder must be 21+ with photo ID and credit card
- Children of all ages are welcome; cribs and connecting rooms available
| Need to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Check-in time | 3:00 PM |
| Check-out time | 12:00 PM (noon) |
| Reservation holder age | Must be 21+ at check-in |

If you need accessibility or special assistance
The Drake provides accessible features including accessible paths to elevators, a wheelchair-accessible registration desk, and accessible parking. If you need assistance from the curb or help with stairs, request porter service from the front desk on arrival.
If you require an accessible guest room, book one of the property's accessible room types in advance — the hotel lists Room, Lake View (Mobility & Hearing) and Room (Mobility & Hearing) among its room types.
- Accessible registration desk and elevator paths available
- Accessible rooms are listed among the room types; request when booking
- Ask the front desk for porter service or extra assistance on arrival
| Accessible feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Accessible parking | Dedicated accessible parking spaces available |
| Accessible rooms | Specific Room (Mobility & Hearing) and Room, Lake View (Mobility & Hearing) categories exist |
| On-site assistance | Porter service and accessible paths to elevators |


