3hr layover at Chicago O'Hare. - enough time to leave into downtown and back?

[3peet]

My family will have a 3hr 20min layover in Chicago next month. Is that enough time to leave the airport to see Downtown and grab a quick bite? Wanna show em Millennial Park and a stop at Al's Beef sandwich.

Can anyone weigh in?

 

[RunMaker]

You got guts to do that. Maybe in a small city with a small airport you can play that game, but you're pressing your luck with that one.

 

[3peet]

I know if we took the train it takes around 30 mins to and from. However I'm just unsure about if we'll get delayed at security coming back.

 

[DesertDevil]

20% chance you can pull that off. Good luck if you pull the trigger.

 

[StevieRay]

Chicago traffic is awful

 

[Willie99]

Don't think 3 hours is enough time at any major airport in a major city, and you'll have to go through security when you return

Plus spending so little time in Chicago would be nothing more than a tease to begin with

My advice, find a good restaurant / bar at O'Hara and relax

 

[REDEYE]

I wouldn't do it.. I'm assuming O'Hare ….been thru there many of times... If you're going to risk it , will your layover be during a busy time ? busy means , security lines longer getting back in

 

[StevieRay]

Do Rosemont if need to kill time

 

[mase34]

Good luck if you do this .....

 

[Defying]

Almost no chance. I literally been in security for over 2 hours there at that was 5am.... Not a fan of that airport.

Also, Ohare is at least 45 mins from Millennial Park each way. That's half the time right there. Also your layover time is landing time to take off time. It'll probably take you 20+ mins to get off plane and to an uber, if youre lucky... At 1 hr 20 mins, Boarding usually happens 30ish mins before. So thats 1 hr 50 mins of your 3 hour and 20 mins not factoring in any time to get back through TSA and all best case scenario. Don't attempt this.

You can hope for they oversold the flight and you and the family get a voucher...

I'm pretty sure I had an italian beef in ohare last time i was there... Enjoy your trip otherwise.

 

[powerz]

We were in CHIC this time last year 55 mins into the city and then 45 mins back to Ohare by Taxi - The return trip was epic the guy was driving up the shoulder cutting in an out of traffic at first I was thinking slow down man we are in no rush. But at the end of the day it was an epic ride .

Having said that next time I would take the train both cabs were beaters the train is pretty old but it is an experience in itself too and just as efficient and way less $$

To Answer the OP question - no you don't have time.

 

[G.MONEY]

Go to Rosemont, Shopping, good dining options, and the Casino if you need that, its basically right next door.

 

[3peet]

Thanks fellas. So we arrive Sunday afternoon 5:15pm and flight takes off at 8:25. Sucks consensus looks like it won't do. Asked a distant cousin who lives in Oakpark. Said the risk isn't worth it. Security could be an hour and we'll be toast.

Will probably look into paying a small upgrade to kill time in the United lounge. Or maybe sneak over to Giordano's nearby. Hey at least they sell Garrett's Popcorn at the airport! that'll be the souvenir from Chitown.

 

[HarryCaray]

Rosemont is the correct answer.

 

[JackStraw77]

O'Hare is one of the most boring airports in the country. You would think they would modernize it and put some interesting restaurants there. I don't even think they have one of those places where you can nap for a couple hours.

 

[seldomseen]

Agree with Rosemont. They have a Geno's East and Giordanos there if you're looking for pizza.

 

[Willie99]

O'Hare is one of the most boring airports in the country. You would think they would modernize it and put some interesting restaurants there. I don't even think they have one of those places where you can nap for a couple hours.

There goes my idea, I would think that airport would be loaded

 

[HarryCaray]

There goes my idea, I would think that airport would be loaded

It's not that bad. Of course there is the requisite shopping and adequate dining options. Just not as "loaded" as you think it might be.

 

[Serbone]

No way you should try it.
Too many possibilities that there could be a huge problem.
Chicago is broke, streets that were already historically congested anyway are in disrepair, some are closed, many have those 4" high, 20 ft x 50 ft rectangular metal sheets in the street in lieu of proper cement job.
Downtown is awesome, but there is traffic all the time, festivals, things like that...
Do not do it.

 

[EveryGamblersDream]

Definitely doable but only if you have TSA Pre Check or one of the expedited security programs. I have been through all sorts of major airports at all times of the day from NYC to Mia to LA, etc... and never once has it taken me more than 3 minutes to go through security. However if you do not have it, it would be more of a risk depending on the time of day you would be attempting this.