Best transportation method & cost from O'Hare to Great Lakes

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by J. Moan on May 12, 2011 at 8:34pm

Jim,
Thank you for the info. You gave me a good idea when you said fly into Milwaukee instead of Chicago, I just didn't want to have the driving hassle getting out of Chicago but if Milwaukee is about the same 30-40 miles I wouldn't mind renting a car. Thanks a lot, gonna check that out.

Permalink Reply by Tim Oliver on May 12, 2011 at 9:14pm

J.  I'll add my own experience...we were there 4/29...we flew into Ohare and rented a car...very easy...cost at enterprise was 39 a day for a midsize suv.  we parked in the parking garage at PIR...drove right in..no line...we only had 8 divs graduating though...with the normal 11 or 12 it might be trickier...We rode the train into chicago...I think you would have to ride train from ohare into chicago...then out to Great Lakes...not sure about that... www.metrarail.com for train schedules...we stayed at Ramada waukeegan...2 miles from base...nice reception Friday night for parents and loved ones...rooms good and clean...shuttle to base...

I like my independance so renting car was trhe only way to go...Hope this helps

Permalink Reply by Robert Hartman on May 12, 2011 at 9:37pm

My  first trip to GL I took a tarin to Chicago then the train to GL. My second trip I flew and rented a car. The second was less expensive and a whole lot more convenient, the only exception being if you plan to visit downtown Chicago, parking fees are crazy.

Permalink Reply by Joe on May 13, 2011 at 10:44am

My daughters PIR was a little over two years ago.  We flew into Ohare and rented a van, since there were five of us and we also were going to have my daughter.  From Ohare to the Great lakes area isn't actually too bad a drive, since it's freeway the whole way and you don't actually go into Chicago. 

 

My son will be graduating sometime late in the summer (hasn't gone to Boot Camp yet) and I'm thinking of flying into Milwaukee, since from here in Boise right now it's over $100 a ticket cheaper, and about the same driving distance. I've heard that the train is actuall more convenient from the North, but haven't tried it myself.

Permalink Reply by Ray Norberto on May 15, 2011 at 12:18pm

I rented a car, and it was very inexpensive through the MWR brochure and website. The first mailing you will get from your sailor will include that brochure, and it has tons of bargain priced hotel and transportation options.