McCormick Place Convention Shuttle From the South Suburbs: Coach Bus Planning for Attendees
McCormick Place Convention Shuttle From the South Suburbs: Coach Bus Planning for Attendees
Quick answer: A McCormick Place convention shuttle from the south suburbs moves attendees from hotels in Orland Park, Tinley Park and nearby towns to the convention center without everyone driving and paying to park. The drive usually takes about 35 to 50 minutes, and 60 to 90 minutes in morning rush hour. Most groups book coaches for 35 to 57 passengers on a morning block and an evening block each show day, sized so everyone arrives in one or two runs. Coaches start at $450 to $650 per hour with a 3-hour minimum. Call (312) 446-7505 or get a free quote!
Open 24/7 · More than 25 years of coach service · Licensed, experienced drivers · Coaches from 35 to 57 seats
McCormick Place hosts some of the largest trade shows and conventions in North America. When a big show comes to town, downtown hotel rooms fill fast and prices climb. Many companies, exhibitors and associations book rooms in the south suburbs instead, where hotels are easier to find and often cost less. The challenge is getting everyone to the show floor on time every morning and back every evening. Official show shuttles usually focus on downtown hotels. A private coach shuttle fills that gap. This guide covers vehicle sizing, loop timing, a sample schedule, cost and how a shuttle compares with driving and parking.
This guide goes with our business and convention transportation service. For other corporate events, see Corporate Event Transportation in Chicago.
Planning attendee transportation for a show? Send us your hotel, show dates and headcount and we will build a shuttle plan. Call (312) 446-7505!
Why Book a South Suburbs Shuttle
- Hotel savings. Suburban hotels are often easier to book and lower in price during major shows.
- No parking for every attendee. Convention parking adds up when dozens of people drive separately every day.
- Everyone arrives together. Booth staff and teams are on the floor on time for setup and opening.
- No driving in downtown traffic. Attendees can rest, prepare or take calls on the way.
- Safer evenings. Nobody has to drive back after client dinners and receptions.
Drive Times From the South Suburbs
| Hotel area | Off-peak drive | Morning rush, plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Orland Park and Orland Hills | About 40 to 50 minutes | About 60 to 90 minutes |
| Tinley Park and Oak Forest | About 35 to 45 minutes | About 60 to 85 minutes |
| Oak Lawn | About 30 to 40 minutes | About 50 to 75 minutes |
| Mokena, Frankfort and New Lenox | About 45 to 55 minutes | About 70 to 100 minutes |
Morning traffic on the expressways into the city is the biggest variable. Your driver plans the route each day based on current conditions.
Sizing the Shuttle by Headcount
| Attendees per run | Recommended vehicles |
|---|---|
| Up to 14 | One 14-passenger Sprinter |
| 15 to 35 | One 35-passenger coach |
| 36 to 57 | One 50 to 57-passenger coach |
| 58 to 114 | Two coaches leaving together |
| 115 to 171 | Three coaches, or two coaches with staggered runs |
See our fleet and coach bus rentals. Executive teams and VIP clients often ride separately in an executive Sprinter.
Loop Timing: More Buses or More Runs?
From the south suburbs, a round trip to McCormick Place in morning traffic can take 2 to 3 hours. That makes running loops slow, so the right plan depends on when attendees need to arrive.
- Everyone needs to arrive at the same time, such as booth staff before the show floor opens. Book enough coaches for one run.
- Arrival times are flexible, such as attendees with different session schedules. Run staggered departures, for example 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 AM, with fewer coaches.
- Evenings are usually flexible. Plan two or three return runs, such as 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, plus a later run after receptions if needed.
Sample Show Day Schedule
| Time | Shuttle run |
|---|---|
| 6:45 AM | Coaches arrive at the hotel |
| 7:00 AM | Coach 1 departs with booth staff and early sessions |
| 8:15 AM | Coach 1 arrives at McCormick Place |
| 8:30 AM | Coach 2 departs with flexible attendees |
| 9:45 AM | Coach 2 arrives, morning blocks end |
| 4:30 PM | Coaches stage at McCormick Place |
| 5:00 PM | Coach 1 return run |
| 6:30 PM | Coach 2 return run |
| 7:45 PM | Coach 2 arrives at the hotel, evening blocks end |
This plan uses two coaches with staggered departures, each booked for a morning block and an evening block of about 3 hours, instead of paying for coaches to wait all day.
Want us to build your shuttle schedule? We plan routes, runs and staging around your show hours.
Drop-Off and Pickup at McCormick Place
McCormick Place is a large campus with several buildings and entrances. Show organizers and the venue set the drop-off and pickup areas for buses and commercial vehicles during each event.
- Share the show’s transportation instructions with us, including the building and entrance your group uses.
- Your driver follows venue staff directions for staging and loading.
- Pick a clear meeting point for return runs and share it with attendees.
- Allow time to walk. The halls are large, so attendees should leave the floor 10 to 15 minutes before a return run.
Cost and Savings
| Vehicle | Passengers | Starting hourly rate | Minimum hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-passenger shuttle Sprinter | 14 | $180 | 2 |
| 35-passenger coach | 35 | $450 | 3 |
| 50-passenger coach | 50 | $550 | 3 |
| 54-passenger coach | 54 | $600 | 3 |
| 57-passenger coach | 57 | $650 | 3 |
Example
A team of 100 attendees staying in Orland Park uses two 50-passenger coaches, each booked for a 3-hour morning block and a 3-hour evening block. That is 12 coach hours per day at $550, or about $6,600 per show day before gratuity, roughly $66 per attendee per day. Compare that with each attendee driving, paying for parking and losing productive time in traffic, and the shuttle often comes out ahead, especially once suburban hotel savings are counted.
Final pricing varies with the date, hours and route. A chauffeur gratuity of 18 to 20 percent may be added unless already included in your quote, plus tolls and parking where they apply. See our pricing page and Charter Bus Rental Cost in Chicago.
Airport Arrivals and Departures
Many convention attendees fly in. Group transfers from Midway or O’Hare to suburban hotels, and back at the end of the show, can be added to the same plan. See our airport transfers, Midway group transportation and O’Hare group transportation guides.
Planning Checklist
- Confirm show dates, hours and setup or teardown days.
- Count attendees by hotel and by day.
- Decide arrival windows for booth staff and general attendees.
- Share the show’s bus and commercial vehicle instructions.
- Name an on-site shuttle contact for each day.
- Plan airport transfers and evening events.
- Book early. Big shows fill coaches and hotels months ahead.
For ongoing staff transport, see our employee shuttle service guide. For multi-day trips, read Multi-Day Charter Bus Rental From Chicago.
About Emily’s Limousine Service
Emily’s Limousine Service provides coach buses, Sprinter vans, executive vehicles and limousines across Chicago and the south suburbs, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with more than 25 years as a Chicago coach bus provider. Our licensed, experienced drivers and clean, well-maintained vehicles keep corporate groups on schedule. Learn more about us or read our FAQ.
McCormick Place Convention Shuttle FAQs
How long is the drive from the south suburbs to McCormick Place?
About 35 to 50 minutes off-peak, and 60 to 90 minutes or more in morning rush hour, depending on the hotel location.
How many coaches do we need?
Divide the number of attendees per run by the coach size. A 57-passenger coach carries up to 57 people per run, and two coaches carry about 100 to 114.
Should we run loops or book more coaches?
Book more coaches when everyone must arrive at the same time. Use staggered runs when arrival times are flexible.
How much does a convention shuttle cost?
Coaches start at $450 to $650 per hour with a 3-hour minimum. Two 50-passenger coaches on morning and evening blocks run about $6,600 per show day before gratuity.
Is a shuttle cheaper than everyone driving?
For larger groups, often yes, once parking, fuel, lost work time and the safety of evening travel are counted.
Where do the buses drop off at McCormick Place?
At the bus and commercial vehicle areas set by the venue and show organizers for each event. Share the show’s instructions when you book.
Can you run shuttles every day of the show?
Yes. We plan daily schedules for setup days, show days and teardown.
Can you pick up from more than one hotel?
Yes. We can add hotel stops or assign vehicles to different hotels.
Can you handle airport transfers too?
Yes. We can move attendees between Midway or O’Hare and their hotels as part of the same plan.
Do you provide vehicles for executives and VIPs?
Yes. Executive Sprinters and luxury vehicles are available for leadership teams and client guests.
How far ahead should we book?
As early as possible. For major shows, book coaches when you book your hotel block.
How do I get a quote?
Call (312) 446-7505 or get a free quote online. Share your show dates, hotels and headcount.
