Travel Logistics
Getting here, parking, and navigating the South Side.
Getting Around Chicago
Accessibility guide to Chicago
Chicago makes a strong effort to accommodate local and visiting travelers with a physical disability and/or mobility device.
Choose Chicago released an accessibility guide for individuals interested in public transportation around Chicago by train, bus, taxi, and more.
Navigating Chicago
Taxis and rideshare
In addition to hailing taxis throughout the city, you can e-hail and e-pay with apps ARRO and Curb. Credit cards are accepted in all taxis.
Use Lyft and/or Uber for on-demand ridesharing throughout the city. Simply enter your current location and destination, review fare options, and request your ride.
Shuttles and car services
Traveling with a large group or simply looking to travel in style? Arrange a shuttle, chauffeured car, or limousine services in Chicago.
Parking on South Side of Chicago
Driving to the city or around Chicago? Here are some useful resources and apps:
- Metropolis: Garage parking pay by phone at Obama Presidential Center.
- iParkit: Browse hourly and monthly parking options and reserve a guaranteed parking spot.
- Parking.com: Search for parking, compare options, and reserve a spot.
- ParkChicago: Create an account linked to your car's license plate and enter the zone number on any Chicago street meter car parking sign to pay.
- SpotHero: Locate and pre-purchase parking spots around the city from your phone.
- Interactive map of public parking facilities in downtown Chicago.
Warning: Some small shopping centers with free parking have published restrictions. Private property owners can and will tow your vehicle if you wander away from the shopping center while parked in their lot.
Check out road rules. And find traffic and road conditions from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Note there are areas on the South Side that have FREE street parking on Sunday. Always check the meter or the ParkChicago app.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains
Not all of the system's train lines are elevated (where the term 'L' originates from). The color-coded system connects the city via above-ground, street-level, and subway trains, and serves 145 rail stations all over town.
CTA trains would not be the best option for the Culture Coast Museums, but if part of your trip includes airport to downtown, then the CTA can be an inexpensive option to get into the city.
Two lines operate 24/7: the Blue Line, which connects Chicago O'Hare International Airport and downtown, and the Red Line, with service between the North and South Sides via downtown.
The CTA is a fast and affordable way to get to and from Chicago's international airports:
- Blue Line service from O'Hare to downtown takes about 40 minutes.
- Orange Line service from Midway to downtown takes about 25 minutes.
Train fare is US$2.50 per ride, with reduced fares and unlimited day passes available. The Blue Line from O'Hare costs $5.
Learn more about how to ride the train in Chicago.
South Shore Line
The South Shore Line connects the South Bend International Airport in South Bend, Indiana with the Millennium Station in downtown Chicago, where riders can connect with the Metra Electric Line, which runs to stations in Hyde Park.
Regional Metra trains
The Metra commuter rail train system, which connects outlying suburbs to downtown Chicago, is a fast and easy way to travel to the heart of the city. Metra's 11 routes cover more than 200 stations and 3,700 square miles. Find Metra fares and schedules.
There are Metra stops close to the Museum of Science and Industry and Obama Presidential Center.
The Metra connects many Chicago-area suburbs to downtown Chicago where riders can connect with the Metra Electric Line, which runs to stations in Hyde Park. The 55th-56th-57th Street and 59th Street stops are within walking distance of many campus buildings.
Tickets can be purchased before boarding via the Ventra app, available for free download from the App Store or Google Play. Riders can choose from one-way tickets, day passes, and monthly passes. Learn more about how to purchase Metra tickets.
Riders who are new to the Metra system can view the New Riders Guide for helpful information. And explore the Metra system map to start planning your trip.
Intercity Buses
Several intercity bus companies including Greyhound, Flixbus, and Jefferson lines serve downtown Chicago. From your arrival downtown, take a taxi, rideshare, or public transit to Hyde Park.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses
Convenient CTA bus routes travel throughout the city, with stops every few blocks. The CTA bus system includes more than 120 lines that cover 1,516 miles and serve over 10,000 bus stops throughout Chicago.
Bus fare is US$2.25 per ride when using Ventra Card, the Ventra mobile app, or any contactless bank card. These payment methods also provide two free CTA transfers (buses or trains) within two hours.
Cash fares are currently US$2.50. Bus and train transfers are not included.
The No. 6 , No. 10, No. 15, and No. 28 buses have stops directly in front of the Obama Presidential Center campus.
Divvy bike share program
Chicago is a city made for cycling. There are over 450 miles of bike lanes, including protected on-street bike lanes and off-street trails that connect the city's many neighborhoods, green spaces, and attractions.
Divvy, Chicago's bike share program, offers over 950 stations and 17,000 bikes across the city, available for rent 24/7. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a nearby station.
Divvy now offers:
- Classic pedal bikes
- Electric bikes (e-bikes)
- Electric scooters
