Buffalo Grove has one of the more interesting suburban airport transit options because Metra's North Central Service can reach O'Hare Transfer. That gives travelers a real alternative to driving — as long as the train schedule fits the flight.
All Transportation Options From Buffalo Grove
| Option | Cost to ORD | Cost to MDW | Door-to-Door? | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi | $75 sedan / $90 minivan | $123 sedan / $138 minivan | Yes | ORD ~25–35 min / MDW ~50–65 min |
| Uber / Lyft | Live app price — varies by demand | Live app price — varies by demand | Yes | ORD ~25–35 min / MDW ~50–65 min |
| Metra NCS / Pace connections | ~$4–8 | ~$7–12 | No — transfer(s) required | ORD ~60–90 min / MDW ~2 hr+ |
| Shared / Private Shuttle | Provider quote — availability varies | Provider quote — availability varies | Depends on service | ORD ~45–80 min / MDW ~75–115 min |
| Drive & Park | Parking + gas/tolls | Parking + gas/tolls | No — parking/terminal transfer remains | ORD ~25–35 min / MDW ~50–65 min + parking time |
Taxi fares above use the current published base sedan rate, with the site's +$15 minivan add-on. Rideshare pricing is intentionally shown as variable because app fares change by time and demand. Transit fares and travel times are approximate planning ranges and should be checked against the current operator schedule before travel.
Drive Times: Buffalo Grove to O'Hare by Time of Day
| Departure Time | Typical Planning Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00am–6:30am | 25–30 min | Light local and tollway traffic |
| 6:30am–9:00am | 35–50 min | Morning congestion increases toward O’Hare |
| 9:00am–3:30pm | 28–35 min | More predictable outside rush |
| 3:30pm–6:30pm | 40–55+ min | Evening traffic adds the most buffer |
| 6:30pm–midnight | 25–32 min | Usually improves after rush |
These are planning ranges, not guaranteed travel times. Construction, crashes, weather, event traffic and O'Hare terminal congestion can change the trip on any day.
Buffalo Grove to Midway Airport
Midway is substantially farther from Buffalo Grove. The current published sedan fare is $123 to Midway versus $75 to O’Hare. O’Hare usually makes more sense unless the Midway flight has a meaningful schedule or airfare advantage.
View Buffalo Grove to Midway airport service → · Compare O'Hare vs Midway →
Metra Is Genuinely Worth Checking Here
Unlike suburban lines that first take travelers downtown, North Central Service includes O'Hare Transfer. That makes the train a serious option when the timetable matches the flight and the traveler can handle the final airport connection.
The Schedule Matters More Than the Rail Distance
NCS service is less frequent than the CTA Blue Line. A poorly timed train can erase the advantage quickly, especially for early departures. Always check the current Metra schedule before building a flight plan around it.
When Direct Service Wins
Door-to-terminal service is simpler for several checked bags, children, mobility concerns or a departure outside a useful NCS window. Current published sedan fare: $75. See the Buffalo Grove route page →.
Nearby Northwest Suburb O'Hare Rates
| City | Published Sedan Rate |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Grove | $75 |
| Wheeling | $72 |
| Long Grove | $82 |
| Vernon Hills | $85 |
| Palatine | $70 |
Buffalo Grove Airport Transportation Verdict
Related Airport Travel Pages
Buffalo Grove to O'Hare Rates & Booking · Lake Villa Airport Guide · Palatine Airport Guide · Taxi vs Train With Luggage · Early Morning O'Hare Guide
Compare the dedicated airport transportation pages for Buffalo Grove, including current published fares, vehicle options and booking information.
Buffalo Grove to O'Hare Airport → · Buffalo Grove to Midway Airport →
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