Heading to O’Hare this weekend? Part of your ride might be on a bus.
The CTA is putting Blue Line shuttle buses in place of trains between Jefferson Park and Harlem on the O’Hare branch. The swap runs from 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 through 4 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16.
Translation: your trip to the airport now has a layover. Before the airport.
Why is the Blue Line closing between Jefferson Park and Harlem?
Track maintenance. The CTA says the work is meant to give riders a “safer, smoother commute,” and it’s funded through the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.
Short-term pain. Long-term smoother rides. That’s the pitch, anyway.
Where do I catch the Blue Line shuttle buses?
- At Jefferson Park: Head into the bus terminal and look for stop (A).
- At Harlem: Shuttles leave from the bus terminal’s south bays near Harlem Avenue.
Heads up: this is the Harlem stop on the O’Hare branch. Not the Harlem stop out by Forest Park. Same name, totally different side of the city. Classic Chicago.
Are Blue Line trains still running to O’Hare?
Yes. Trains will keep running between O’Hare and Harlem, plus between Jefferson Park, downtown and Forest Park.
So if you’re coming from the Loop, it’s train, then bus, then train again. The bus only covers one stop, but transfers add up fast. Especially with a suitcase. Especially with two.
Who’s affected by the Blue Line closure?
Pretty much anyone riding the Blue Line past Jefferson Park. That includes airport travelers, O’Hare workers and folks heading home to the Northwest Side late on a Friday or Saturday night.
If you’re only going between O’Hare, Rosemont, Cumberland and Harlem, you’re in luck. Those stops stay on the train the whole weekend.
How much extra time should I give myself?
The CTA just says to “allow for extra travel time.” No exact number.
My two cents: add at least 30 minutes, especially if you’ve got a flight to catch. Also, Train Tracker estimates will be off that weekend, so don’t trust the countdown as much as you usually do.
Running really tight on time? A rideshare or a ride from a friend might be the less stressful move this time around. No shame.
When does normal Blue Line service come back?
Trains go back to normal at 4 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, just in time for the morning commute. You can check the latest service alerts on the CTA’s website before you head out.
So: Friday, 10 p.m. to Monday, 4 a.m. Jefferson Park to Harlem. Bus, not train.
Trust us, the TSA line is stressful enough.
