I am doing a layover in Chicago on my way home from the opener in KC. I'll be flying on American, landing at O'Hare at 12:30. I have 3 "carry-on" size bags. I have after game transportation arranged, I just need to find the best (cheapest) route from O'Hare to Cardinal Stadium. I can hang out at the airport, or I don't mind getting to Naperville early. If you can help, please let me know. I'd rather buy a couple of beers for one of you guys than get financially raped (don't ask about last year's LAX-Rose Bowl ride) by a taxi driver.
Andy, I wish I could give you a ride, but my washing machine broke and a new one is being installed sometime Sunday. I won't know when until Saturday night. You can always check the bags at O'Hare, take the subway which leaves from O'Hare, get off in the Loop, and walk to Union Station. There is a 2.30 train that gets into Naperville at 3.29, just when the beer will start flowing at the Barburners' tailgate, or the 4.30 which gets in at 5.29. The walk to Cardinal Stadium is less than 15 minutes. http://metrarail.com/Sched/bn/bn_suno.html
I'd suggest taking the trains, it will be very easy. I'd pick you up, but I'll still be on the last leg of CPA review right up until kickoff. Hopefully I'll arrive before the second half.
Piggybacking on that, if you were to check the bags at O'Hare, it would make the Bucktown Starbucks pickup scenario a bit easier. It's right at one of the subway stops. Later, COZ
Or, take the Blue line to Addison -- Addison bus going east to Gingers -- Gingers bus (with beer) to Naperville. Actually not as complicated as it sounds.
If you do get stuck using a cab, use a suburban carrier - don't pay fare & a half with a city cab. http://www.americantaxi.com/Home.htm
If you take the El one stop towards the city, you can get suburban hacks cheap on demand. I think that cabs have to be city cabs to wait in the lines at O'Hare. Or at least, that's what someone told me. If you have one arranged for already, though, probably not a problem.
American taxi by phone out of O'Hare is the best taxi deal but it is 35 dollars! Take the subway. The Metra train from The Loop at 2.30 or 4.30, or getting to Ginger's Ale House are both pretty easy. The train to the Loop takes 40 minutes from O'Hare. The walk from the subway to Union Station is about 10 minutes. http://www.americantaxi.com/airportrates.html#norr
I've seen a lot worse than $35, plus I really can't check the bags. Two are pretty much all camera gear, and the other would have to be picked up after the game anyway. Good info here. Thanks.
If you go the American Taxi route remember you have to call them from the airport. It is a fixed fare, posted inside the taxi for many suburbs. If you go to the panels of phones where you just hit a button for Hilton or Hyatt, you will find American Taxi. They usually take 10 minutes from the time you call to turn up in front of the arrival terminal. Most drivers are from the former Soviet Union and are very good. I believe that the checked baggage at O'Hare is safe if you decide to take the subway.
Tom, where were you at the stadium? You're usually one of the easiest people to spot in a crowd. Anyway, I want to thank everyone. I had a great, if fatigued, time in Naperville. Thanks!