How to get to The Wade from Chicago airports
From Chicago O'Hare (ORD) the fastest way to The Wade is a taxi or rideshare (about 34 minutes by car depending on traffic); public transit runs slower (roughly 1 hour 3 minutes). From Midway, taxis or rideshares are the usual choice — the hotel is on North Lake Shore Drive near Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile.
In this guide
Arriving from O'Hare (ORD)
By car: taxis and rideshares go directly to 644 N Lake Shore Dr. Travel time by car is about 34 minutes depending on traffic; plan longer during rush hours.
By public transit: options are available but slower. Published journey estimates put transit travel at roughly 1 hour 3 minutes from O'Hare to The Wade; exact routes and transfers vary by time of day.
- Taxi / rideshare: direct to the hotel address (644 N Lake Shore Dr).
- Public transit: plan for multiple transfers and roughly a one-hour trip; check schedules before you travel.
- Airport shuttle services: private shuttles operate to downtown hotels — confirm pickup/drop-off with the shuttle operator.
| Option | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Taxi / rideshare | About 34 minutes by car |
| Public transit | Roughly 1 hour 3 minutes (varies) |
| Private shuttle | Varies by operator |
Arriving from Midway (MDW)
Midway is farther from downtown; one source lists the distance at about 25 km. Most visitors choose taxi or rideshare for a direct trip to The Wade.
Public transit from Midway can reach downtown but will include transfers and a longer travel time than a car. If you have heavy luggage, a door-to-door option is often simpler.
- Taxi / rideshare: direct to 644 N Lake Shore Dr — common choice for convenience.
- Public transit: available but will require transfers; check transit apps for the best route at your arrival time.
- Private shuttle: may be available; verify schedules and hotel drop-off options with the operator.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Taxi / rideshare | Most direct, recommended with luggage |
| Public transit | Longer, involves transfers |
| Shuttle | Depends on operator availability |
Arriving by train or long-distance bus
Union Station is commonly used by rail travelers. The Wade is roughly a 25-minute walk from Union Station; many guests take a short taxi or rideshare from there instead of walking.
Long-distance buses arrive at several downtown stops; if your coach stops near the Loop, plan a short taxi or transit ride to the hotel on North Lake Shore Drive.
- From Union Station: taxi/rideshare is faster with luggage; walking is possible (~25 minutes).
- From downtown bus stops: check the exact drop-off location and allow time for a cab or transit to the lakefront.
- If arriving late at night, prefer a taxi or rideshare for direct drop-off at the hotel.
| Origin | Recommended transfer |
|---|---|
| Union Station | Taxi/rideshare or 25-minute walk |
| Downtown bus terminals | Short taxi or transit ride |
| Northeast rail (Metra) | Taxi/rideshare to the hotel |
Getting from the hotel entrance to your room
The Wade's main address is 644 N Lake Shore Dr; the property offers a valet-only parking service for guests arriving by car. BookResorts agents are available by phone for help at +1 (888) 605-1350.
Front-desk services operate 24 hours. Standard check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM (some sources list noon — the hotel lists 11:00 AM). The primary guest checking in must be at least 21 years old and a government photo ID plus a credit card may be requested.
- Valet-only parking is the hotel’s stated parking option; confirm rates and details at arrival.
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM; late arrivals are accommodated when possible.
- If you need luggage assistance or early check-in, contact the 24-hour front desk on arrival.
| Service | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Valet-only (confirm rates on arrival) |
| Check-in | Begins at 4:00 PM; primary guest must be 21+ |
| Front desk | Open 24 hours |
Local transit, walking and nearby landmarks
The Wade sits on North Lake Shore Drive in Chicago's Gold Coast, across the street from Ohio Street Beach and the Lakefront Trail. Navy Pier is a walkable attraction from the hotel — sources list it at about a 13-minute walk.
The Magnificent Mile and Oak Street shopping are a few blocks away (about four blocks / roughly 0.5 miles). Use local buses, CTA trains, or simply walk to many downtown sights from the hotel depending on weather and your schedule.
- Walkable: Ohio Street Beach (across the street), Lakefront Trail, Navy Pier (~13-minute walk).
- Shopping: Magnificent Mile is around four blocks from the hotel.
- Transit: CTA buses and trains serve nearby corridors; routes and stops vary — check real-time schedules.
| Nearby | Approximate walk time / distance |
|---|---|
| Ohio Street Beach | Across the street |
| Navy Pier | About 13-minute walk |
| Magnificent Mile | Around 4 blocks (roughly 0.5 miles) |
Accessibility, amenities and special notes for arrivals
The Wade provides wheelchair-accessible paths of travel, accessible public washrooms, and accessible rooms; elevators and signage include accessibility features. If you need specific accessible-room features, contact the hotel in advance to confirm availability.
The hotel has a single indoor pool (open year-round) and a 24-hour fitness center. One source describes the indoor pool as reserved for adults — this is reported on some booking listings; if the pool policy matters to your travel plans, check with the hotel before arrival.
- Accessible path to the entrance and elevators are available.
- Indoor pool with adjoining sun deck; pool hours are listed by some sources as early morning to late evening (confirm with the hotel).
- Fitness center: 24-hour and complimentary for guests per hotel materials.
| Amenity | Note |
|---|---|
| Accessible rooms | Available; request in advance |
| Indoor pool | Open year-round; some listings mark it adults-only |
| Fitness center | 24-hour, complimentary for guests |
