Traveling From Chicago Airports to Your RSNA 2020 Hotel
Planning a trip to Chicago for a major radiology meeting requires more than choosing a room. Airport distance, winter weather, luggage, transportation costs, and the location of your hotel can all affect the first and last parts of the journey. For RSNA attendees, these details were especially important when arranging accommodation around the 29 November–4 December 2020 meeting dates.
Chicago is served by two major commercial airports: O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. Both offer reliable connections into the city, although the best choice depends on your airline, arrival time, hotel location, and whether you are traveling alone or with a radiology delegation.
Although RSNA 2020 ultimately took place in a virtual format, the event’s planning materials and accommodation services were designed for professionals preparing to gather in Chicago. The same airport-to-hotel considerations remain useful for understanding the original travel arrangements and for planning future meetings in the city.
Choosing Between O’Hare And Midway
O’Hare is the larger international gateway and generally offers the widest selection of long-haul and connecting flights. It is located northwest of central Chicago, so a taxi or rideshare to the Loop, River North, or McCormick Place area may take 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Travel times can increase substantially during weekday rush periods or winter storms.
Midway is closer to downtown and often provides a quicker road journey to central hotels. Its flight network is more concentrated on domestic routes, making it convenient for visitors arriving from within the United States. The Orange Line also connects Midway with the downtown area, while O’Hare is served by the Blue Line.
Airport Rail And Public Transit
The Chicago Transit Authority offers an economical way to reach many hotels. The Blue Line runs between O’Hare and downtown, with stops near the Loop and connections to other rail routes. The Orange Line links Midway with the Loop. Both services can be useful for independent travelers carrying manageable luggage and staying close to a station.
Rail travel is less attractive when arriving late at night, managing several cases, or traveling with colleagues who need to reach different properties. Check service schedules before departure, particularly for early-morning or weekend travel. A short walk from a station can also become inconvenient in Chicago’s cold late-November and early-December weather.
| Arrival option | Best for | Main advantage | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTA Blue Line from O’Hare | Budget-conscious solo travelers | Direct rail connection to downtown | Longer journey and limited luggage comfort |
| CTA Orange Line from Midway | Visitors near the Loop | Affordable access to central Chicago | May require a transfer or walk |
| Taxi or rideshare | Couples, families, and late arrivals | Door-to-door service | Traffic and surge pricing can raise costs |
| Private group transfer | Delegations and room-block guests | Coordinated pickup and shared billing | Requires advance scheduling |
| Hotel shuttle | Selected airport hotels | Convenient for properties offering the service | Usually unavailable for downtown hotels |
Taxis, Rideshares, And Private Cars
Airport taxis provide a straightforward door-to-door option, especially when arriving with presentation materials, display equipment, or several pieces of luggage. Taxi stands are located outside the terminals, and the fare to central Chicago varies with traffic and destination. Confirm the hotel address before leaving the airport because similarly named properties may be located in different neighborhoods.
Rideshare services can be convenient when travelers prefer app-based payment and live driver updates. Pickup areas may differ by terminal, so follow airport signs rather than requesting a car from the baggage claim curb. For a team, a prearranged van or executive car service can simplify coordination, although the vehicle should be sized for both passengers and luggage.
Matching Hotels To Your Arrival Route
A hotel in the Loop or near the traditional McCormick Place meeting area may reduce the daily journey to conference activities, but it can cost more than an airport property. Downtown accommodation is generally more practical for attendees who want access to restaurants, business districts, and evening networking locations.
Airport hotels can be sensible for a very early departure, a late arrival, or a short overnight stay. They are less convenient for delegates attending several days of programming because commuting into central Chicago adds time. Teams comparing properties should consider room rates alongside transportation, breakfast, meeting space, and cancellation terms. Guidance on booking a team room block can help organizers coordinate those decisions.
Planning For Groups And Delegations
A radiology department or professional society delegation should gather flight details before selecting a transfer method. If everyone arrives within a narrow window, one or two vans may be more efficient than separate taxis. Staggered arrivals may require a flexible transport plan, with individual rail or rideshare journeys for later travelers.
Keep the hotel’s full address, reservation reference, and an emergency contact in both digital and printed form. Group leaders should also identify who is responsible for late arrivals, accessibility needs, and changes caused by delayed flights. A shared itinerary reduces confusion when colleagues arrive at different terminals or discover that weather has disrupted road travel.
Practical Arrival Checks
Chicago’s late-autumn conditions can change quickly, so travelers should allow extra time between the airport and hotel. A delayed flight, congested expressway, or crowded baggage area can affect a planned registration or team meeting. Reviewing the event schedule and logistical expectations in what to expect at the scientific assembly also helps visitors connect arrival timing with their professional priorities.
Before leaving home, organize the essential details:
- Confirm whether your flight arrives at O’Hare or Midway.
- Save the hotel address, phone number, and check-in policy offline.
- Compare CTA, taxi, rideshare, and private-transfer prices.
- Reserve accessible or group transportation in advance.
- Allow additional time for winter traffic and baggage delays.
A simple plan is usually enough for an individual traveler, while larger groups benefit from a written transfer schedule. When accommodation, airport transport, and meeting commitments are planned together, the journey from the terminal to the hotel becomes far more predictable. Use the available RSNA accommodation information to align your hotel choice with your arrival airport, travel party, and professional schedule.