Both a taxi and a booked black car pick you up on the lower level at O’Hare and Midway. The differences are in how the price is set, when you commit, and what happens if your flight moves.
How a taxi works
At O’Hare, taxi stands are at the lower-level curb outside baggage claim at every terminal, and the average fare to downtown is about $50 (flychicago.com). At Midway, taxis load in the lower-level inner lane at Door 2, and the average to downtown is $35 to $40 (flychicago.com).
The meter charges for time as well as distance, $0.31 for every 45 seconds, so a slow drive costs more. Under the city rates that took effect on July 1, 2026, there is also a $2.50 surcharge between 3:30 and 7 pm and $1.00 between 8 pm and 6 am, and every airport trip carries a $4.00 Illinois departure tax (City of Chicago).
How a booked black car works
You book ahead and see the price before you book; nothing is charged until you confirm. We track your flight, so an early landing or a delay moves the pickup with it. At O’Hare your chauffeur meets you on the lower level, in the center lane (flychicago.com); at Midway, in the center lane at Doors 1 and 2 (flychicago.com). The chauffeur loads your bags, and you choose the vehicle: a sedan, an SUV for a family, or a Sprinter or mini-bus for a group.
When a taxi is the sensible choice
- You land in the middle of the day with light bags and no fixed plans.
- The trip is short and you are happy to pay what the meter says.
When a booked car is
- You land between 3:30 and 7 pm, when the taxi surcharge and the traffic both apply.
- You want to know the price before you fly, for yourself or for an expense report.
- You have children, car seats, a lot of luggage or a group.
- Someone else is arriving and you want them met without having to do anything.