How to use transit to get to the 2023 Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and one of the biggest annual events in the Chicago region. While it’s great fun to admire these vehicles in an exhibition setting, we suggest staying out of event traffic by taking advantage of various public transportation options. Here’s all you need to know about getting to the 2023 Chicago Auto Show.

What is the Chicago Auto Show?

The Chicago Auto Show takes place February 11-20, 2023, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago. The show debuted in 1901, and this year marks its 115^th edition. About 1,000 different vehicles will be on display, and you’ll also see accessories and auto-related exhibits.

How to get there

McCormick Place is accessible by various modes of public transportation. Learn more about using public transportation to get to the Chicago Auto Show here, or simply look up transit directions in Google Maps or another maps application.

If you’re taking the CTA, the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station is located within walking distance, west of McCormick Place. Customers can connect to the Green Line via multiple rail lines (Red, Orange, Blue, Brown, and Pink lines), which provide free transfers at multiple locations and will have signage directing customers where to transfer and exit. Additionally, McCormick Place is served by the #3 King Drive and the #21 Cermak CTA bus routes.

For Metra Electric Line riders, trains will be making extra stops at the McCormick Place Station for the duration of the show. The $6 Day Pass is good for unlimited rides within one to three fare zones in a single weekday. The $10 Day Pass is good for unlimited rides throughout the system in a single weekday. The $7 Saturday or Sunday Pass is good for unlimited rides throughout the system on a Saturday or Sunday. These are a great option for Chicago Auto Show attendees who plan on going for one day only. Metra also offers a $10 Weekend Pass exclusively in the Ventra app, which is good for unlimited rides on both weekend days.

Shuttles and other special services to get you to the Chicago Auto Show safely, efficiently, and affordably will be available. Metra riders on rail lines that arrive at Chicago Union Station, LaSalle Street Station, Museum Campus/11th St. Station, and the Ogilvie Transportation Center can board the CTA’s Auto Show shuttle buses for direct service to and from McCormick Place. The shuttle buses will operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day for the duration of the Auto Show. Signs on the buses will indicate “Auto Show” and the buses will charge regular $2.25 bus fare.

Union Station (Southbound on Clinton at Quincy or Eastbound on Jackson at the River)
Ogilvie Transportation Center (Southbound on Clinton at Madison)
LaSalle Street Station (Eastbound on Jackson at Financial Place)

And registered ADA Paratransit passengers using Pace services to visit the Chicago Auto Show will be dropped off and picked up at Gate 4 of McCormick Place, near the Hyatt Hotel and McCormick Sq circular drive. This door location is located roughly at 2202 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. Learn more about ADA Paratransit services through Pace here.

It is important to note that the CTA and Metra strongly recommend customers plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and purchase fares in advance. CTA and Metra ask all customers to be courteous and respectful to fellow riders.