Travel & Transportation

REAL ID - Know Before You Go!

Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. citizens are required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification (like a passport) to board domestic flights. If you’re not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. Changes in REAL ID regulations will not affect international travelers.

For more information, check TSA regulations.

Airport Distance to City

The following airports service the Chicago, Illinois area.

Airport	Distance to City
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)	17 miles / 28 km
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)	12 miles / 19 km

   

Airlines discount

United Airlines

We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to our upcoming event.

Book a flight with United

To make flight reservations online, please use the discount code ZQBB903531

MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code.

You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.

   

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Institute of Food Technologists

Book a flight with Delta

You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NM48E

*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

Airport Shuttle

Get a special discount starting at $39 per person each way on GO Airport Express by booking your transportation on IFT's exclusive link.

Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service

Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service will be provided from stops near official IFT Hotels.

Taxi

Taxi service is readily available throughout the city and can cost between $5 and $30 per ride. Taxis pick up and drop off at McCormick Place South at Gate 4.

Ride Share Programs 

Uber and Lyft both have a presence in Chicago.

Divvy Bike

Looking for a way to get to McCormick Place while seeing the sights and avoiding traffic? Divvy bike is a great option. Visit their website for locations of Divvy Bike stations.

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Public Transit

The CTA’s convenient and easy-to-use bus and train lines – including the famous “L” – carry you around town and to major attractions. The new CTA Green Line “Cermak-McCormick Place” station is located just 2.5 blocks from McCormick Place. The CTA website at http://www.transitchicago.com/ offers a valuable overview of transit services, a guide to the system, instructions for first-time riders, and much more.

Metra Electric Train

The Metra Electric District (ME) route runs from three downtown stations directly to McCormick Place in just 7 minutes. Stations are located within walking distance to many hotels and are located at:

Millennium Station	Michigan Avenue & Randolph Street
Van Buren Station	Michigan Avenue & Van Buren Street
Museum Campus Station	Michigan Avenue & 11th Street

   

Lot A is the primary parking location for events in the South Building. Covered walkways from Lot A lead directly into McCormick Place and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

Current pricing:
Lots A & C: $26.00 for 0-16 hours and $39.00 for 16-24 hours.
Lot B: $17.00 for 0-24 hours.

There are no in-and-out privileges. Pricing is subject to change.

For more information and to view printable maps and directions click below

McCormick Place Parking