Travel to Chicago

Due to possible significant delays in processing, be sure to get started on required travel documents now. Review the U.S. State Department/U.S. Visas web page for information about required travel documentation.

If you need a letter of invitation for your visa application please complete this form and it will be emailed to you directly.

Accessible Chicago

This accessibility guide has details on getting around Chicago by train, bus, taxi, and more for those with disabilities and/or mobility devices.

Train and Bus
The CTA operates Chicago’s eight ‘L’ train lines and 129 bus routes. Two train lines operate 24/7: the Blue Line, which connects O’Hare International Airport and downtown, and the Red Line, with service between the North and South Sides via downtown. Convenient CTA bus routes travel throughout the city, with stops every few blocks. Several lines offer Night Owl service, running until 2 a.m. or later. Get more information about extended hours of service.

Pay cash for single trip bus rides or purchase a reloadable Ventra Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass for both travel by ‘L’ train and bus. Download the Ventra app to track arrival/departure times for CTA buses and ‘L’ trains, and to reload your balance on the go. Find CTA fares, card retailers, maps, schedules, and train trackers.

Metra
The high-speed Metra commuter rail train connects outlying suburbs to downtown Chicago. Find fares and route maps. Tickets can be purchased before boarding via the Ventra app. Riders who are new to the Metra system can view the New Riders Guide for helpful information.

Taxi
In addition to hailing taxis throughout the city, you can e-hail and e-pay with CHICABS-approved apps ARRO and CURB. Credit cards are accepted in all taxis.

Rideshare
Download your free Lyft and/or Uber app for on-demand ridesharing throughout the city.

Find additional transportation options here.

Travel between the SSSP Annual Meeting and ASA Annual Meeting

Ways to travel between the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel to Hyatt Regency Chicago

Ways to travel between the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel to Swissotel Chicago

Plane

When taking public transportation from O’Hare International Airport, take the Blue Line train to Monroe/Dearborn stop. Take Monroe east to the hotel. The Palmer House is on the south side of the street. From Midway Airport, take the Orange Line from Midway to downtown. Get off at the Adams/Wabash stop. The Palmer House is located on the west side of Wabash Avenue.

Chicago-O’Hare International Airport
Distance from hotel: 18 mi.
Drive time: 35-60 min.

Directions: Follow signs for I-190 out of airport. Take I-190 to I-90/94 east (Kennedy Expressway). Take I-90/94 to Monroe Street exit, turn left on Monroe Street (East) , Approximately 8 blocks to The Palmer House Hilton. Hotel is on the right.

Chicago Midway Airport
Distance from hotel: 12 mi.
Drive time: 30-45 min.

Directions: North on Cicero Avenue. Take Stevenson Expressway (I-55) Northeast to Kennedy Expressway (I-90) West. Exit Monroe Street, turn right (East), 8 blocks to The Palmer House Hilton. Hotel is on the right.

Train
Chicago’s Union Station serves both Amtrak and Metra, the city’s commuter rail service. The Hyatt Regency Chicago is a 3-minute ride via Taxi or Rideshare from Union Station.

Car/Parking

For your convenience overnight self-parking is offered at 55 East Monroe Street and overnight Valet Parking is available at the Monroe Street entrance.

Self-parking at 55 East Monroe Parking Garage (across from hotel)
Self-parking is available at our downtown Chicago parking garage partner facility located at 55 East Monroe Street, directly across the street from the Palmer House Hilton. The garage can be accessed from Monroe Street (east bound traffic) only during this time as the Wabash/Adams Street (west bound traffic) entrance is currently under renovation and not accessible.

• Overnight guests can charge parking to their guest room for payment at check-out. Simply present your parking or valet ticket to a Guest Service Agent for validation prior to departure.
• For non-overnight guests, please note that parking must be paid in the 55 East Monroe Street lobby level prior to entering your car to exit the facility.

Self-Parking at 55 East Monroe Street – $57.00 per night

EV-Charging | 55 East Monroe Parking Garage (across from hotel)

A total of ten (10) EV charging stations are available at the 55 East Monroe Street parking facility, located across the street from the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel.

The charging stations all have Level 2 Chargers that are available for a fee on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, visit:  xealenergy.com.

Valet Parking - available at Monroe Street

Valet Parking with unlimited in and out privileges is available at the Palmer House Hilton 24 hours a day curbside at the Monroe Street entrance.

Overnight Hotel Guest Valet Parking – $85.00

• Attendant will issue a valet ticket upon arrival.
• Overnight guests can charge parking to their guest room for payment.
• To retrieve your vehicle, call Valet at extension 5172 or ask the operator to connect you and present your valet ticket number, or simply present your valet ticket to the attendant at the Monroe Street entrance.