Explore Illinois United States

Explore Illinois United States

What is the best time to travel to Illinois

The best time to travel to Illinois depends on your interests and preferences. Here are some things to consider:

Weather: Illinois experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. If you enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, or boating, the summer months (June to August) are ideal. However, if you prefer cooler weather, the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage.

Events and Festivals: Illinois hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. For example, the Chicago Auto Show is held in February, the Chicago Jazz Festival is held in September, and the Illinois State Fair is held in August. If you plan to attend any of these events, be sure to check the dates and plan accordingly.

Crowds and Prices: The summer months are the busiest and most expensive time to travel to Illinois, especially in popular tourist destinations such as Chicago. If you prefer to avoid crowds and save money on accommodations and attractions, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or winter.

Overall, the best time to travel to Illinois depends on your interests and preferences. Consider the weather, events, and crowds when planning your trip to make the most of your visit.

How to get to Illinois

Illinois can be reached by several means of transportation, including:

By plane: Illinois is served by several major airports, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), which offer domestic and international flights. Other airports in Illinois include General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA), Quad City International Airport (MLI), and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI).

By train: Amtrak operates several long-distance and regional trains that serve Illinois, including the California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, City of New Orleans, and Southwest Chief. Amtrak also operates several regional trains in Illinois, including the Illinois Service and the Lincoln Service, which provide daily service between Chicago and several destinations in Illinois, such as Springfield, Carbondale, and Quincy.

By bus: Several intercity and regional bus services operate in Illinois, including Greyhound, Megabus, and Amtrak Thruway, which provide connections to other cities and states.

By car: Illinois is accessible by several major highways, including I-90, I-94, I-55, I-57, and I-80. Many car rental companies operate in Illinois, and there are several parking options available in the major cities.

Overall, Illinois is well-connected to other parts of the United States, and travelers can choose from several transportation options to get to and around the state.

How to get around Illinois

Illinois offers several transportation options for getting around the state:

Car: Renting a car is a popular way to get around Illinois, especially for visitors who want to explore the state’s rural areas and small towns. There are several car rental companies operating in Illinois, and major highways such as I-90, I-94, I-55, I-57, and I-80 make it easy to travel long distances.

Public transportation: Illinois has a comprehensive public transportation system, especially in the Chicago metropolitan area. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a network of buses and trains, including the “L” subway system, which provides affordable and convenient access to many popular attractions. Other cities in Illinois, such as Springfield and Champaign, also have public transportation systems.

Amtrak: Amtrak provides several train services in Illinois, including the Illinois Service and the Lincoln Service, which operate between Chicago and several destinations throughout the state. Amtrak is a comfortable and scenic way to travel, and some trains even offer dining and sleeping accommodations.

Bus: Several bus companies operate in Illinois, including Greyhound and Megabus, which provide connections to other cities and states. Local bus services are also available in some cities and towns.

Bicycle: Illinois has several bike trails and paths, including the famous Route 66, which offer scenic and active ways to explore the state.

Overall, visitors to Illinois have several transportation options available to them, and the best choice depends on individual preferences and travel plans.

National Airports

Illinois has several major airports, including:

O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Located in Chicago, O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving over 83 million passengers in 2018. It has four terminals and offers flights to destinations all around the world.

Midway International Airport (MDW): Also located in Chicago, Midway is a smaller airport with two terminals. It primarily serves domestic destinations, as well as some flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD): Located in Rockford, Illinois, this airport is a popular choice for low-cost carriers and cargo airlines. It offers flights to several domestic and international destinations.

Quad City International Airport (MLI): Located in Moline, Illinois, this airport serves the Quad Cities metropolitan area, which includes parts of Illinois and Iowa. It offers flights to several domestic destinations.

Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI): Located in Springfield, Illinois, this airport primarily serves central Illinois and offers flights to several domestic destinations.

Other smaller airports in Illinois include Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) in Wheeling, Illinois; General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) in Peoria, Illinois; and Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA) in Marion, Illinois.

Trains in Illinois

Illinois has an extensive rail network with several passenger train services, including:

Amtrak: Amtrak operates several long-distance trains that pass through Illinois, including the California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, City of New Orleans, and Southwest Chief. Amtrak also operates several regional trains in Illinois, including the Illinois Service and the Lincoln Service, which provide daily service between Chicago and several destinations in Illinois, such as Springfield, Carbondale, and Quincy.

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): The CTA operates several train lines within the Chicago metropolitan area, including the Red Line, Blue Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Brown Line, Pink Line, and Purple Line. The trains operate 24/7 and provide access to downtown Chicago, as well as many of the city’s neighborhoods and suburbs.

Metra: Metra is a commuter rail system that operates in the Chicago metropolitan area, serving six counties in northeastern Illinois. Metra operates several lines, including the BNSF Line, Milwaukee District North Line, Milwaukee District West Line, Rock Island Line, SouthWest Service Line, Union Pacific North Line, Union Pacific Northwest Line, Union Pacific West Line, and Heritage Corridor Line.

South Shore Line: The South Shore Line is a commuter rail service that connects downtown Chicago with several destinations in northwest Indiana, including South Bend, Michigan City, and Gary. It operates seven days a week and offers several fare options, including weekend getaway packages and group discounts.

Overall, trains are a convenient and affordable way to travel within Illinois and the Midwest region.

Buses in Illinois

Illinois has an extensive network of intercity and regional bus services that provide affordable and convenient transportation options for travelers. Some of the major bus companies that operate in Illinois include:

Greyhound: Greyhound is one of the largest intercity bus companies in the United States and offers bus service to several destinations in Illinois, including Chicago, Springfield, Champaign, Peoria, and Rockford. Greyhound also provides connections to other cities and states, making it a popular choice for long-distance travel.

Megabus: Megabus is a low-cost bus company that operates in several cities in the United States, including Chicago. Megabus offers service from Chicago to several destinations in Illinois, as well as to other major cities, such as New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

Amtrak Thruway: Amtrak operates several bus services, known as Amtrak Thruway, which provide connections to its trains. These buses serve several destinations in Illinois, including Chicago, Champaign, Carbondale, and Quincy.

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): The CTA operates several bus routes in the Chicago metropolitan area, providing connections to downtown Chicago, as well as many of the city’s neighborhoods and suburbs.

Suburban and regional bus services: Several suburban and regional bus services also operate in Illinois, providing transportation to destinations outside of the major cities. These services include Pace Bus in the Chicago metropolitan area, Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System in Bloomington-Normal, and MetroLINK in the Quad Cities metropolitan area.

Overall, buses are a convenient and affordable option for traveling within Illinois and connecting to other cities and states.

Accommodations in Illinois

Illinois offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Some of the most popular types of accommodations in Illinois include:

Hotels: Illinois has a variety of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Many hotels are located in popular tourist destinations such as Chicago, Springfield, and Galena.

Bed and Breakfasts: Bed and breakfasts are a popular choice for visitors who want a more intimate and cozy experience. Illinois has many charming bed and breakfasts, especially in historic towns like Galena and Springfield.

Vacation Rentals: Vacation rentals, such as apartments, condos, and houses, provide a home-like experience for visitors. They are especially popular for families and groups who want more space and flexibility. Vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO offer a variety of options in Illinois.

Campgrounds: Illinois has several state and private campgrounds, which offer affordable and scenic accommodation options for visitors who enjoy camping and the outdoors. Some campgrounds also offer cabins and RV sites.

Resorts: Illinois has several resorts, especially in the Chicago area, which offer a variety of amenities such as golf courses, spas, and restaurants.

Overall, Illinois offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. It’s best to research and book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.