Reaching a place as monumental and sprawling as McCormick Place requires more than a pin on a map. You will require a well curated plan within the arteries that lead to this hub of American business and culture. This guide is not simply a set of instructions, but rather a manual tailored to the sophisticated visitor, be it an attendee, exhibitor, or organizer. In this guide, you will find an actionable plan to navigate seamlessly from the interstate to the exhibition hall so that you arrive as composed as you wish to be and as professionally as you intend to present yourself.
McCormick Place Location & Key Addresses
Approaching McCormick Place is like approaching a city within a city. It is the largest convention center in North America, and spans 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. This is an achievement that surely requires precision in navigation. The entire campus is not a single monolith but a complex of four interconnected buildings, each with its own specific point of entry. While the entire complex shares a central address for general navigation, guiding yourself directly to the correct building from the outset will be the first step to an efficient visit.
Primary Complex Address:
2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616
For ride sharing, deliveries, or arriving for the specific events, please use the following building specific addresses, which are optimized for precision:
- North Building: 2301 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60616
- South Building (McCormick Place South): 2301 S. King Dr., Chicago, IL 60616
- West Building (McCormick Place West / McCormick Place West Building): 2301 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
- Lakeside Center: 2301 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60616
Simplifying or memorizing the address of your intended building for the specific destination will ensure no last-minute scrambling as well as smoothen your navigation. This will help in sidestepping the massive scale of the campus and directly proceeding toward the intended location.
Driving Directions & Official Parking Lots
For the drivers, the route to McCormick Place is well-defined, with many major roads in Chicago leading directly to it. Finding the convention center is relatively easy because it is well positioned with regard to the primary expressways in the Chicago area.
From Downtown Chicago:
Driving south on DuSable Lake Shore Drive (US-41) and taking the 31st Street exit is the most direct route. Alternatively, southward travel via Michigan Avenue or Indiana Avenue also leads directly to the complex.
From I-55 (Stevenson Expressway):
If you are coming from the southwest, get onto I-55 N towards Chicago, then take the southbound exit for DuSable Lake Shore Drive (US-41). Continue south on the drive and take the 31st street exit. Clear signage will guide you towards McCormick Place and its parking facilities.
From I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway):
If coming from the south or the northwest on Dan Ryan Expressway, take the I-55 North exit and then follow the southbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive (US-41) signs. Your exit will be 31st Street.
From I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway):
Traveling from the western suburbs, take I-290 East until it merges with Congress Parkway. Continue east, and then turn onto southbound Columbus Drive which will turn into DuSable Lake Shore Drive (US-41). Follow it south until the 31st Street exit.
The campus has three major parking facilities, Lots A, B, and C. These parking lots are able to hold several thousand vehicles with parking positions providing direct, and occasionally sheltered, access to the convention halls.
Parking Lot A (West Building): Situated at 2301 S. Prairie Ave., this is the main parking facility for West Building. It is an underground parking facility and provides the best accessibility for events held there.
Parking Lot B (South Building): Better known as the Soldiers Field Garage at 3050 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. This parking facility serves the South Building and is an option for the events held in the Lakeside Center as well, which is a short walk from the Center.
Parking Lot C (Lakeside Center): This garage is located at Fort Dearborn Drive. It is an underground garage which has direct access to the Lakeside Center. This is also the designated parking for oversized vehicles and trucks.
To help with your itineraries, here is a comprehensive list of the designated parking facilities.
| Feature | Parking Lot A (West Building) | Parking Lot B (Soldiers Field) | Parking Lot C (Lakeside Center) |
| Location | 2301 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616 | 3050 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616 | Fort Dearborn Dr, Chicago, IL 60616 |
| Primary Access To | West Building | South Building, Lakeside Center | Lakeside Center |
| Standard Rate | $25 – $38 per day (Rates vary by event) | $16 – $38 per day (Rates vary by event) | $25 – $38 per day (Rates vary by event) |
| Overnight Parking | Available, requires registration | Not typically available | Available, designated for oversized vehicles |
| Height Clearance | 8’2″ | 6’6″ | 13’6″ (Ideal for trucks & RVs) |
| EV Charging | Yes, available on a first-come, first-served basis | Yes, available | Yes, available |
*Note* The parking rates may change from the predefined rates to adapt to demand and events. We recommend that parking be booked online in advance to guarantee a spot and access lower rates.
Using Public Transit: CTA & Metra Guide
McCormick Place is accessible by both Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the Metra commuter rail. , including routes serving Union Station. Chicago’s public transport system, with its multiple train lines and bus services, is an economical option for traveling as it alleviates concerns of traffic and parking.
CTA ‘L’ Train
Chicago’s subway and elevated train systems provide rapid access to the near South Side.
1. Green Line: The Green Line train serves the Cermak-McCormick Place station. From the station, it is an approximately 5-7 minute walk to the West Building. Cermak Road is lined with directional signs and is safe for pedestrians.
2. Red Line: The Red Line also serves the Cermak-Chinatown station. This stop is a bit more westerly. It is a 15-20 minute walk or a short ride on the #21 Cermak bus route heading to the east.
Metra Electric Line:
For those traveling from the southern suburbs or the Millennium Park area downtown, the Metra offers the most direct route.
1. The Metra Electric Line departs from Millennium Station downtown and has a dedicated McCormick Place station located on the lower level of the South Building. This is the most seamless public transit option, delivering you directly into the complex without needing to step outside.
Purchasing Fares
With your smartphone, the Ventra App is the easiest method of paying for both CTA and Metra fares. Alternatively, a Ventra card can be purchased from any ‘L’ station which can be used on CTA trains and buses. Metra tickets are available on the app and can also be purchased from the conductor on the train.
Arriving from O’Hare & Midway Airports
For many national and international guests, the two major airports in Chicago mark the start of the McCormick Place experience. O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) both have a number of dependable options for transportation.
From O’Hare International Airport (ORD):
O’Hare is approximately 18 miles northwest from downtown, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.
1. Public Transit (CTA Blue Line): Offers the best value. The Blue Line train operates 24/7 and travels directly to the airport terminals. You can travel to Jackson station in the Loop and then transfer to the southbound Red Line to Cermak-Chinatown or the Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place.
2. Rideshare & Taxis: You can get taxis and rideshare options such as Uber and Lyft from the designated pickup areas at every terminal. While this is the most convenient option, it is also the most costly as fares vary with traffic and demand.
3. Airport Shuttles: GO Airport Express, among others, provides shared or private shuttle vans directly to McCormick Place or surrounding hotels. This is ideal for groups.
From Midway International Airport (MDW):
1. Public Transit (CTA Orange Line): The Orange Line connects the airport to all areas of Downtown Chicago. From the airport, board the Orange Line train to Roosevelt station, then transfer to the southbound Green Line for one stop to Cermak-McCormick Place.
2. Rideshare & Taxis: Pick-up points are positioned immediate outside of the baggage claim section. Midway is usually cheaper compared to O’Hare, as the distance is shorter.
3. Airport Shuttles: Other shuttle services as well as GO Airport Express also operate from Midway, thus offering a reliable shuttle alternative with pre-booking.
| Transportation Method | From O’Hare (ORD) | From Midway (MDW) |
| Public Transit (CTA) | ~75-90 mins~$5.00 | ~45-60 mins ~$2.50 |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | ~35-70 mins~$50 – $80+ (Varies) | ~25-50 mins~$35 – $60+ (Varies) |
| Taxi | ~35-70 mins~$60 – $90+ (Metered) | ~25-50 mins~$40 – $65+ (Metered) |
| Airport Shuttle | ~45-90 mins ~$30 – $45 per person (Shared) | ~30-60 mins~$25 – $35 per person (Shared) |
Special Guidance for Exhibitors & Logistics
For an exhibitor, “directions” becomes a more intricate concept. You travel with not only your self but your commercial persona: boxes, showcases, and merchandise. The intricate network of McCormick Place’s marshaling yards and loading docks is a logistical puzzle that requires exact strategy and meticulous execution. The freight entrance has to be identified accurately, union workers have to be synchronized and the materials have to reach the booth space in a timely manner. This feels like a complicated but well-choreographed dance with a lot of paperwork. This is often the most difficult part instead of the more intuitive problem of navigating a city.
Moving around the loading docks is just one step in the Receiving process. The main challenge is sculpturing the delivered materials into an exhibit that captures the attention of the visitors while simultaneously converting the visitors into leads. This is the stage of the maximum pressure. The deadlines are short, the parts need to be put together in a complicated manner, and a presentation that doesn’t have a single flaw is required. If you have an exhibition that you need to promote and all you need to handle is to talk to the clients, then having an exhibit builder that manages everything is not simply a privilege, it is a crucial strategy.
This is the moment when an exhibit house with full-service capabilities becomes a true asset to your business. From 2008, Aplus Expo has been servicing as an auxiliary team for exhibitors, specializing in solving trade show challenges throughout the United States. Our thorough knowledge of the operational environment at McCormick Place, coupled with our strategically located warehouse in Chicago, positions us to offer unrivaled operational logistics. We don’t just construct booths; we ensure complete exhibit solutions.
Our business operates as a single stop for unparalleled services, effectively lifting the burden of logistics off your shoulders. It all starts with a paradigm of brand-centric design; we create striking environments which amplify your products and resonate with your brand’s tone.
Your Direction Towards a Successful Exhibit
Leverage our knowledge of McCormick Place as your exhibit advantage. Focus on your business while we take care of the rest. Stop battling with complex freight timelines and tedious assembly instructions, and instead step into a ready, brand-aligned exhibit waiting for your presence.
Strategically shifting the trade show burden to us unlocks value for your brand. Book your consultation with Aplus Expo and let us bring your trade show booth to life.
Navigating Inside the Convention Center
After entering the venue, one can be overwhelmed with the size of McCormick Place. The four main buildings are connected with a system of enclosed, climate controlled walkways called Sky Bridges, which serve as the main means of transit between halls.
1. Grand Concourse: This central spine joins the North, South, and West Buildings. It is a hive of activity that includes registration desks, cafes, and numerous seating areas.
2. Sky Bridges: These are well-marked and well-lit with exquisite views of the city and Lake Michigan. A notable one goes from the West Building to the rest of the complex across Indiana Avenue. Another one that is prominent is the South Building link to Lakeside Center over DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
You may also notice the “You Are Here” digital directory at the major crossroads. These interactive maps are extremely helpful and can assist you with determining the best route to a specific booth, meeting room, or food court. Feel free to ask the uniformed staff or information desks for directions; they are there to assist you in maneuvering the extensive area.
Insider Tips for a Flawless Visit
A truly seamless visit goes beyond a simple route. It requires insight into the pulse of the space.
1. Peak Traffic Times: Do not attempt to arrive on-site during the first day of any major shows from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM as area roads will be congested for quite a distance as well as foot traffic inside the venue. In the same spirit, a significant number of people will be leaving the venue an hour after the show floor closes.
2. Best Rideshare Pick-up/Drop-off: The best and most organized separate area for ridesharing is found at the transportation center between the West and South buildings and can be accessed from the Grand Concourse. Telling your driver to drop you off at this location will be much better than pick up on the curb, as it is more specific and you will be saving a lot of time.
3. Dining Options: Quick service dining options can be found at the Grand Concourse and the South Building food court. For a more relaxed and calm meal, excellent restaurants and bars can be found on the connected Hyatt Regency and Marriott Marquis hotels, which are joined by a skybridge.
4. Charging Stations & Quiet Zones: In relation to the concourses, specially charged seating areas will be designated and scattered around the concourses. For moments of quiet, the far ends of the Lakeside Center are some of the best places to go that are not too crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I leave my car overnight at McCormick Place?
A: Overnight parking is available in Lot A (West Building) and Lot C (Lakeside Center). Usually, your vehicle will need to be checked in for long term parking and will be charged a daily fee, but in this instance, overnight parking is free.
Q: How far is the walk from the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station?
A: The walk to the West Building from the ‘L’ station is 5-7 minutes and is brisk as well as unencumbered.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi available at the convention center?
A: Yes. Wi-Fi is available at no cost in all public areas and in the concourses. Exhibitors have the option to purchase high-speed internet for their booths.
Q: Are there coat checks or luggage storage facilities?
A: Yes. At major events, coat and bag checks are usually found in the main concourse of each building for a small fee.
Q: Is McCormick Place accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes. There are accessible parking spaces in all lots, and the entire complex, as well as the sky bridges, are all fully ADA compliant with ramps and elevators. There are also wheelchair and scooter rentals.
Q: Is McCormick Place accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes. There are accessible parking spaces in all lots, and the entire complex, as well as the sky bridges, are all fully ADA compliant with ramps and elevators. There are also wheelchair and scooter rentals.
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