Situated squarely in the centre of the country, Chicago is accessible from virtually anywhere
Chicago has 2,815 daily inbound-outbound flights to more than 200 destinations, allowing attendees to travel here from nearly anywhere. With 168 direct domestic flights and 72 direct international flights, Chicago is an expert in hassle-free flying. In fact, O'Hare International Airport was voted "Best Airport in North America” by readers of Global Traveller magazine 14 years in a row. In 2014, O'Hare regained its status as the world's busiest airport for flight operations and the new International Terminal 5 was lauded for its $26 million transformation that includes 24 new retail and dining spots. Midway International Airport's main terminal building is a brand new facility with three new concourses. Both airports are within 20 miles of downtown Chicago and 80 airlines serve O'Hare and Midway, so attendees can easily travel on the airline of their choice. Flights to Chicago from many major North American destinations are a quick two hours.
Seven class-one North American railroads converge in Chicago, offering many freight delivery options. Amtrak boasts frequent passenger service with 56 trains arriving and departing from the city daily, creating a multitude of travel times to work around attendees' schedules. Travel is faster than ever with several Amtrak routes servicing Chicago, such as those from Michigan and downstate Illinois, and recently increased speeds of 110 mph. Chicago's Union Station is centrally located, featuring check-in kiosks and ticket agents, meeting and event space, wheelchair accessibility, shipping services, eateries, retail shops, and even a day spa.
Chicago is within a one-day drive for more than 46 million people, meaning attendees are most likely nearby. Because we're in the heart of the country, our roadways offer straight routes. Many major highways funnel into Chicago, making up a network of more than 550 miles of highways in the county alone. We also have plenty of buses. Greyhound has five metro-Chicago locations, including two 24-hour stations and 20 express routes to cities like New York and Atlanta.
Chicago is a short drive from many nearby cities
| Cincinnati | 300 miles | approx. 5 hours |
| Des Moines | 333 miles | approx. 5 hours |
| Detroit | 285 miles | approx. 5 hours |
| Grand Rapids | 180 miles | approx. 3 hours |
| Indianapolis | 180 miles | approx. 3 hours |
| Kansas City | 530 miles | approx. 9 hours |
| Louisville | 300 miles | approx. 5 hours |
| Milwaukee | 95 miles | approx. 2 hours |
| Minneapolis | 410 miles | approx. 7 hours |
| Pittsburgh | 460 miles | approx. 8 hours |
| St. Louis | 300 miles | approx. 5 hours |
| Toronto | 500 miles | approx. 9 hours |
O'Hare International Airport is installing 52 acres of solar panels and is home to the world's first airport aeroponic garden, providing fresh produce and herbs to the airport's restaurants year-round. Concessions at both O'Hare International and Midway Airport engage in eco-friendly practices, such as avoiding Styrofoam, and using biodegradable cutlery and locally grown ingredients.
Generally, non-U.S. citizens need a visa and a passport to visit the United States. Find detailed visa/passport information at ChooseChicago.com and find flying regulation details at tsa.gov. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries (there are currently over 30 including Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, UK, Chile) to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all the listed requirements and are approved through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
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