Only two Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites are available on Emerald Harmony, making them our most exclusive suites. Enjoy your own private terrace, complete with a spacious hot tub for ultimate indulgence, as well as an extra roomy lounge and bedroom.
Blue Line vs the Metra North Central Service Linefor Chicago to O’Hare
When traveling from downtown Chicago to O’Hare International Airport, two primary rail options are available: the CTA Blue Line and Metra’s North Central Service (NCS). Each offers unique advantages depending on your travel needs, schedule, and comfort preferences.
CTA Blue Line: 24/7 Direct Transit Option
The CTA Blue Line is part of Chicago’s “L” rapid transit system and offers a direct connection between downtown and O’Hare Airport. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it one of the most reliable and convenient options for air travelers.
Trains run frequently, with intervals as short as four minutes during peak periods and up to 30 minutes late at night. The journey from downtown to the airport typically takes about 45 minutes. The O’Hare Blue Line station is located directly within the airport, providing easy pedestrian access to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via underground walkways. The cost for a one-way trip from O’Hare is $5.00, and CTA also offers a 1-day unlimited ride pass for the same price.
Advantages:
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Operates 24 hours a day, ideal for early or late flights
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Direct access to airport terminals, no need for transfers
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Frequent service throughout the day
Disadvantages:
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Can be crowded, especially during peak hours
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Less space for luggage compared to commuter rail options
Metra North Central Service: Comfortable but Limited
Metra’s North Central Service offers a commuter rail alternative between Chicago Union Station and the O’Hare Transfer station near the airport. While the train provides a quieter and more spacious ride than the Blue Line, it has limited weekday-only service.
The ride from Union Station to O’Hare Transfer takes approximately 35 minutes, but travelers must add an extra 15 minutes to connect to the terminals via the Airport Transit System (ATS), a people mover that links the station with airport facilities.
The NCS line runs only on weekdays and offers seven inbound and seven outbound trains daily, with no service on weekends. This limitation makes it less flexible than the Blue Line, especially for travelers with irregular schedules or weekend flights.
Advantages:
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More comfortable ride with spacious seating and quiet cars
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Faster rail portion of the trip compared to the Blue Line
Disadvantages:
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No weekend service and limited weekday schedule
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Requires an additional transfer via the ATS to reach terminals
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Not convenient for early morning or late-night flights
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CTA Blue Line | Metra North Central Service (NCS) |
|---|---|---|
| Service Hours | 24/7 | Weekdays only |
| Train Frequency | Every 4–30 minutes | 7 trains per direction per day |
| Travel Time | ~45 minutes | ~35 minutes (+15-minute transfer) |
| Direct to Terminals | Yes | No (transfer required) |
| Fare | $5.00 one-way | Varies by zone |
| Comfort Level | Basic transit seating | Spacious commuter seating |
| Best For | Most travelers at any time | Weekday travelers from Union Station |
For most travelers heading to O’Hare from downtown Chicago, the CTA Blue Line is the most accessible and dependable choice. Its 24/7 operation, affordability, and direct access to terminals make it especially appealing to those with tight schedules or late-night flights. However, if you’re traveling during a weekday and departing from Union Station, the Metra North Central Service provides a quieter and more comfortable experience—just be mindful of its limited schedule and the need to transfer via the ATS to reach the airport terminals.
