If you’re looking to fly into the Schaumburg, Illinois area, you’re probably wondering – what is the closest airport? With several options in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, it can get confusing figuring out which airport is most convenient.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: O’Hare International Airport is the closest major airport to Schaumburg, located about 15 miles east of the city.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting to Schaumburg from both O’Hare and Midway, the two major airports serving the Chicago area. We’ll compare the distance, transportation options, and travel time from both airports so you can easily figure out the best option for your trip.
Overview of Schaumburg
Schaumburg is a vibrant village located in Cook County, Illinois. It is a suburb of Chicago and is known for its thriving business community, diverse culture, and wide range of entertainment options. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, Schaumburg has something to offer for everyone.
Location and Geography
Schaumburg is conveniently located just 30 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. It is situated in the northwest part of Cook County and is bordered by Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, and Roselle. The village covers an area of approximately 20 square miles, making it a relatively large suburban community.
The village is easily accessible by major highways, including Interstate 90, Interstate 290, and Illinois Route 53. Additionally, O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, is only about 15 miles away from Schaumburg.
This makes it a convenient location for both business travelers and tourists.
Major Attractions and Events
Schaumburg offers a variety of attractions and events that cater to different interests. One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Woodfield Mall, which is one of the largest shopping centers in the United States.
It features a wide range of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
For nature lovers, the Spring Valley Nature Center and Volkening Heritage Farm are great places to explore. These natural areas provide opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and learning about the local flora and fauna.
Schaumburg also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Septemberfest, which is a community festival featuring live music, food vendors, and a carnival. The Prairie Arts Festival is another popular event that showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen.
Corporate Presence
Schaumburg is home to a thriving business community and is often referred to as the “business hub of the northwest suburbs.” The village is known for its corporate presence, with many major companies having their headquarters or regional offices in Schaumburg.
Some of the notable companies based in Schaumburg include Motorola Solutions, Zurich North America, and Verizon Wireless. These companies contribute to the economic growth of the village and provide employment opportunities for the local community.
O’Hare International Airport
Distance and travel time
O’Hare International Airport is the closest major airport to Schaumburg, Illinois. It is located approximately 13 miles east of Schaumburg, making it a convenient choice for travelers in the area. The travel time from Schaumburg to O’Hare Airport can vary depending on traffic conditions, but on average, it takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the airport by car.
Transportation options
There are several transportation options available for travelers to get to O’Hare International Airport from Schaumburg. One popular option is to take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft.
These services provide a convenient and hassle-free way to get to the airport, especially if you have a lot of luggage.
Another option is to take public transportation. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a Blue Line train that connects Schaumburg to downtown Chicago, where you can then transfer to the O’Hare Airport-bound train.
This option is more cost-effective, but it may take longer depending on the train schedule.
Parking and terminal information
O’Hare International Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are several parking garages and lots available at the airport, with different rates depending on the duration of your stay.
The airport also offers a convenient valet parking service for those who prefer a more hands-off approach.
When it comes to terminal information, O’Hare Airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Each terminal handles different airlines and has its own check-in counters, security checkpoints, and gate areas.
It’s important to check your airline and terminal before arriving at the airport to ensure a smooth and seamless travel experience.
Chicago Midway International Airport
Distance and travel time
Chicago Midway International Airport is the closest airport to Schaumburg, Illinois. Located approximately 25 miles southwest of Schaumburg, the airport offers convenient access for travelers in the area.
The average travel time from Schaumburg to Midway Airport is around 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Transportation options
There are several transportation options available for travelers looking to get to and from Chicago Midway International Airport. One popular option is to take a taxi or rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft. These services provide a convenient and comfortable way to travel to the airport.
Another option is to use public transportation. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the Orange Line, which provides direct service from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago. From there, travelers can connect to other train lines or buses to reach their final destination.
For those who prefer to drive, there are several car rental agencies located at the airport. This option allows travelers to have the flexibility of their own vehicle during their stay in Schaumburg.
Parking and terminal information
Chicago Midway International Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are both short-term and long-term parking lots available, as well as a cell phone lot for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers.
The airport also offers a convenient parking garage located directly across from the terminal building.
Inside the terminal, there are numerous amenities and services to make the travel experience more enjoyable. These include restaurants, shops, and lounges where passengers can relax before their flight.
The airport also has free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, allowing travelers to stay connected while they wait.
Comparing O’Hare and Midway for Travel to Schaumburg
Distance and travel time
When it comes to traveling to Schaumburg, Illinois, it’s important to consider which airport is the closest. The two main airports serving the Chicago area are O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.
O’Hare is located approximately 15 miles northeast of Schaumburg, while Midway is situated about 30 miles southwest.
While O’Hare is closer in distance, it’s worth noting that the travel time to Schaumburg can vary depending on traffic conditions. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to drive from O’Hare to Schaumburg, but during peak travel times, this can increase to an hour or more.
On the other hand, the drive from Midway to Schaumburg typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
Transportation options
Both O’Hare and Midway offer various transportation options to get to Schaumburg. For those who prefer public transportation, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the Blue Line, which connects O’Hare to downtown Chicago.
From there, travelers can transfer to a Pace bus or take a taxi to Schaumburg.
Midway, on the other hand, is served by the Orange Line, which also connects to downtown Chicago. Similarly, travelers can then take a Pace bus or taxi to reach Schaumburg. Additionally, both airports have car rental services available for those who prefer to drive themselves.
Other factors to consider
Aside from distance and transportation options, there are a few other factors to consider when deciding which airport to fly into when visiting Schaumburg. One important factor is the airlines that serve each airport.
O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. Midway, on the other hand, is smaller and primarily serves domestic flights.
Another factor to consider is the amenities and services available at each airport. O’Hare has a larger selection of shops, restaurants, and lounges, making it a more convenient option for those who have longer layovers or want to grab a bite to eat before heading to Schaumburg.
However, Midway still offers a decent selection of amenities for travelers.
Conclusion
To summarize, O’Hare International Airport is the best option for getting to Schaumburg. Located just 15 miles from Schaumburg, O’Hare offers the shortest travel time and most transportation choices for reaching the city.
However, Midway Airport could also be a feasible alternative depending on your priorities. While it is farther from Schaumburg at 45 miles away, Midway does offer cheaper parking and may have more affordable flights.
No matter which airport you choose, you’ll have convenient ground transportation options like rental cars, shared shuttles, public transit and taxis to get you to Schaumburg quickly and easily.
