Getting around from LondonHouse Chicago: walking, transit, and water taxis
LondonHouse Chicago sits at 85 E Wacker Drive on the corner of Michigan Avenue beside the Chicago River, so many downtown sights are easy to reach on foot. For longer trips use CTA 'L' trains (closest stops include Clark/Lake and State/Lake), Metra at Millennium Station, taxis/rideshare, or the Chicago Water Taxi at the Michigan Avenue dock.
In this guide
Walking from the hotel: short routes along the Riverwalk
LondonHouse Chicago is right on the Chicago River and the Riverwalk, which makes walking to nearby downtown attractions straightforward. The hotel is within short walking distance of Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and riverside dining and boat-tour departure points.
Walking is the fastest way to reach nearby highlights when weather permits—use comfortable shoes, watch for bridge traffic, and expect crowds near the Michigan Avenue bridge during peak tourist hours.
- Millennium Park (Cloud Gate / 'The Bean'): about a 5–10 minute walk
- The Magnificent Mile / Oak Street shopping: roughly an 8-minute walk to the north end
- Millennium Station (Metra Electric): about 900 feet from the hotel
| Destination | Typical walk time |
|---|---|
| Millennium Park (Cloud Gate) | 5–10 minutes |
| Magnificent Mile (Oak St.) | About 8 minutes |
| Millennium Station (Metra) | About 900 ft (short walk) |
Using CTA rapid transit and subway (the 'L')
The nearest CTA rapid-transit stations for downtown connections include Clark/Lake (about a 9-minute walk) and State/Lake (reported as about a 5-minute walk by some listings). These give easy access to multiple lines for destinations across the city.
From O'Hare, the CTA Blue Line provides a direct subway option into downtown; from the train you'll walk or transfer to reach Clark/Lake or State/Lake. LondonHouse does not operate an airport shuttle, so guests commonly combine the Blue Line with a short walk or use a taxi/rideshare for door-to-door service.
- Clark/Lake: roughly a 9-minute (720-yard) walk to the hotel (good for multiple lines)
- State/Lake: cited by some sources as a 5-minute walk (central Loop access)
- No hotel airport shuttle is provided—use CTA, taxi, or rideshare
| Station | Why use it |
|---|---|
| Clark/Lake | Multiple lines; connections across the Loop |
| State/Lake | Central Loop location; short walk to hotel |
| Millennium Station (Metra) | Regional rail access (close to hotel) |
Water taxis and river transit
The Chicago Water Taxi stops at the Michigan Avenue dock on the Riverwalk (near 400 N Michigan Ave), a short walk from LondonHouse. Service links the Michigan Avenue dock with stops including Ogilvie/Union Station areas and Chinatown in some schedules.
Water taxi schedules and stops vary by season; if you plan to use the Water Taxi to reach places like Ogilvie, the dock is an easy riverside walk from the hotel and is a scenic alternative to road transit when available.
- Michigan Avenue dock (Riverwalk, near DuSable/ Michigan Ave Bridge) is a short walk from the hotel
- Water Taxi can connect downtown river stops and offer a riverfront way to reach West Loop/Chinatown depending on routing
- Check Chicago Water Taxi schedules and seasonal service updates before planning
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chicago Water Taxi | Michigan Avenue dock near the hotel; seasonal schedules and route variations |
| River architecture boat tours | Depart near Michigan Avenue; check operator times for narrated tours |
| City Cruises (lake/river) | Departs near Navy Pier; requires a longer transit from the hotel |
Taxis, rideshare, and valet pickup
Valet parking is the hotel's on-site option (no self-parking). For arrivals and departures, taxis and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) pick up and drop off at street level near the hotel's Wacker Drive/Michigan Avenue corner.
Taxis or rideshare can be faster than transit late at night or when carrying luggage. Ask the front desk or concierge for the best hotel pickup location and any current traffic or bridge-closure notes that could affect travel time.
- LondonHouse offers valet parking only; confirm drop-off/pickup details with the front desk
- Use rideshare apps for direct door-to-door service—driver meeting points are typically on Wacker Drive or Michigan Avenue
- Concierge can help arrange taxis, private cars, or large-vehicle transfers
| Option | When to use |
|---|---|
| Valet (hotel) | If you’re parking a vehicle during your stay |
| Taxi / Rideshare | Best for door-to-door travel with luggage or late-night trips |
| Concierge-arranged car | For group transfers or larger vehicles |
Getting to and from the airports
The hotel does not provide an airport shuttle. From O'Hare, travelers commonly take the CTA Blue Line into downtown and then walk or transfer to reach the hotel; driving or rideshare to the hotel from O'Hare is another common choice.
Midway is closer by distance but still requires a taxi/rideshare or a combination of CTA plus a short walk and/or transfer. LondonHouse’s location near major downtown transit hubs makes either public transit or car service viable depending on your time and luggage.
- No hotel airport shuttle—use CTA, taxi, or rideshare
- O'Hare (ORD) connections: CTA Blue Line into downtown then walk/transfer to Clark/Lake or State/Lake
- Midway (MDW) options: rideshare or taxi; public transit requires transfers
| Airport | Common transfer method to LondonHouse |
|---|---|
| O'Hare (ORD) | CTA Blue Line into downtown + short walk or rideshare/taxi |
| Midway (MDW) | Rideshare/taxi or multi-leg public-transit route |
Tips for peak times and weather considerations
Downtown streets, the Michigan Avenue bridge, and the Riverwalk can be crowded during summer peak hours and event weekends. Allow extra time for crossings and expect occasional delays from bridge lifts for river traffic.
Chicago weather changes by season—water taxis and some rooftop experiences run on seasonal schedules. In winter, rooftop access and outdoor riverwalk activity may be limited by weather; check with the concierge for current conditions and alternate indoor options like Bridges Lobby Bar or LH on 21.
- Allow extra travel time during summer tourist peak and major events
- Check Water Taxi and boat-tour schedules for seasonal changes
- Ask concierge about current bridge lifts, icy sidewalks, or rooftop seating availability
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Summer | High tourist volume; frequent boat tours and river activity |
| Winter | Colder conditions; some rooftop/outdoor options operate seasonally |
| Shoulder seasons (Apr/Nov) | Fewer crowds; variable weather—good for walking if prepared |
