Getting around downtown: trains, buses, walking and taxis
JW Marriott Chicago sits at 151 West Adams Street in the Loop, a short walk to Quincy 'L' station and within easy walking distance of Willis Tower, Union Station, Millennium Park and the Riverwalk. Use CTA trains (Brown/Orange/Pink at Quincy; Blue and Red lines nearby), CTA buses, Metra commuter rail at LaSalle or Union Station, taxis/ride-hailing, or walk — the hotel does not provide an airport shuttle.
In this guide
Where you are: hotel location and walking routes
The hotel occupies 151 West Adams Street in Chicago’s Loop inside the historic Continental & Commercial National Bank building. Many downtown attractions are walkable from the front door.
Walks are straightforward on a city grid; the hotel is a short walk to Willis Tower, a roughly 10–15 minute walk to Union Station, and about 0.6–1 mile to Millennium Park and the Art Institute depending on your route.
- Willis Tower: about a 4–5 minute walk
- Union Station: roughly 10–15 minutes on foot
- Millennium Park / Cloud Gate: roughly 0.7–1.0 mile (about 11–20 minutes depending on pace)
| Destination | Approx. walk |
|---|---|
| Willis Tower | 4–5 minutes |
| Union Station | 10–15 minutes |
| Millennium Park / Cloud Gate | 11–20 minutes |
Trains: CTA 'L' and how to use them from the hotel
The nearest 'L' stop is Quincy (Brown, Orange, Pink lines), a short 3–5 minute walk from the hotel entrance. Monroe station on the Red Line and the Blue Line (Monroe/LaSalle area) are also within walking distance for other parts of the city and to O’Hare via the Blue Line.
To reach either airport by train: take the CTA Orange Line from the nearby Loop to Midway, or the Blue Line subway from the Loop to O’Hare. The hotel does not operate an airport shuttle, so plan a CTA ride or a taxi/ride-hail for luggage-heavy trips.
- Nearest 'L' station: Quincy (Brown/Orange/Pink) — ~5-minute walk
- Blue Line (to O’Hare) — access via nearby stations in the Loop (Monroe/LaSalle area)
- Orange Line (to Midway) — board in the Loop; Quincy is a convenient nearby stop
| Airport | Train option from downtown |
|---|---|
| Chicago Midway (MDW) | CTA Orange Line (transfer in the Loop) |
| Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | CTA Blue Line (Monroe/LaSalle area access) |
Commuter rail: Metra access for regional travel
Metra commuter trains serve downtown from several terminals. LaSalle Street Station is about a 5-minute walk from the hotel and offers lines serving the southwest suburbs; Union Station (10–15 minute walk) handles many west- and northwest-bound Metra lines and Amtrak.
If you plan day trips outside the city (for example to Milwaukee or suburbs), check Metra or Amtrak schedules and board at LaSalle or Union Station depending on your route.
- LaSalle Street Station: ~5-minute walk
- Union Station (Metra & Amtrak): ~10–15 minute walk
- No on-site train ticket desk; buy tickets on Metra/Amtrak apps or at the stations
| Station | Walking time from hotel |
|---|---|
| LaSalle Street Station | About 5 minutes |
| Union Station | About 10–15 minutes |
Buses and local transit connections
Multiple CTA bus routes stop near the hotel. Routes serving the Loop include a mix of north–south and crosstown lines useful for destinations not directly on the 'L' or for shorter trips across downtown.
Use the Ventra app or pay on board where accepted; check current routes and schedules because service patterns can change.
- Common nearby CTA bus routes: 1, 2, 7, 22, 28, 37, 126, 134, 135, 136, 151 (service and stops vary)
- Buses are a good option for east–west crosstown trips or when the weather makes walking less comfortable
- Carry a Ventra card or use the Ventra app for easiest fare payment
| Use case | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Short crosstown trip | CTA bus |
| Rapid downtown-to-airport (no transfers) | CTA Blue or Orange Line depending on airport |
| Regional day trips | Metra or Amtrak from LaSalle/Union |
Taxis, ride-hailing and private cars
Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber/Lyft) are widely available across the Loop; the hotel concierge can request a car for you and advise on the best pickup spot for the property.
The hotel offers valet parking rather than self-parking, and independent off-site parking is available nearby. The property does not provide a scheduled airport shuttle.
- Ask concierge for recommended pickup points if you have luggage or a large group
- Valet parking is available — check rates with the hotel desk as rates vary
- No hotel airport shuttle; for airport transfers consider CTA, taxi, ride-hail, or private car services
| Option | When to choose it |
|---|---|
| Taxi / Ride-hail | Fastest door-to-door with luggage |
| CTA trains / buses | Lower cost, good for single travelers or light luggage |
| Valet / private car | If you need on-site parking or a booked transfer service |
Getting to and from the airports
Midway Airport is the closest by distance and is served directly by the CTA Orange Line into the Loop; the hotel lists Midway as its nearest airport. O’Hare is farther but served by the Blue Line from downtown.
Allow extra time for luggage and rush-hour traffic when choosing between train and car service. The hotel does not run an airport shuttle.
- Midway: CTA Orange Line to downtown (Quincy is a convenient Loop stop)
- O’Hare: CTA Blue Line to downtown (Monroe/LaSalle area access)
- Consider ride-hail or taxi for early morning or late-night flights when trains run less frequently
| Airport | Typical public-transit option |
|---|---|
| Midway (MDW) | CTA Orange Line to Loop |
| O’Hare (ORD) | CTA Blue Line to Loop |
Tips from the front desk and practical notes
Concierge can help with directions, train/bus schedules, transit cards and booking taxis or private cars. For group or event transfers, contact the hotel's events team in advance.
Remember the hotel requires a photo ID and credit card at check-in; verify payment and parking policies directly with the front desk when you arrive.
- There is no hotel airport shuttle — ask concierge about private car vendors or the best taxi pickup spot
- If you plan to use the Executive Lounge, check current access rules and hours with the front desk
- For pool or spa-related travel planning, note the spa and pool have separate age and access rules
| Front-desk service | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Transit directions, tickets, taxi/rideshare help |
| Valet / Parking | On-site valet available; confirm rates |
| Events/Groups | Advance coordination for transfers and arrivals |
