Travel & Transportation

REAL ID - Know Before You Go!

Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. citizens are required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification (like a passport) to board domestic flights. If you’re not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. Changes in REAL ID regulations will not affect international travelers.

For more information, check TSA regulations.

Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID or other approved ID must pay a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee to verify their identity at airport security.

Airport Distance to City

The following airports service the Chicago, Illinois area.

 Airport                                                                                     Distance to City

 Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)           17 miles / 28 km

 Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)                                   12 miles / 19 km

Airlines Discount

United Airlines

We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to our upcoming event.

Book a flight with United

To make flight reservations online, please use the discount code ZRS4284044

MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code.

You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Institute of Food Technologists

Book a flight with Delta

You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY4AW

*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service

Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service will be provided between McCormick Place and the official IFT Hotels. 

View schedule and boarding locations

*Please note, Shuttle service is not offered for the hotels on McCormick Place’s campus (Hampton Inn McCormick, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2Suites, Hyatt McCormick, Marriott Marquis)

Taxi

Taxi service is readily available throughout the city and can cost between $5 and $30 per ride. Taxis pick up and drop off at McCormick Place South at Gate 4.

Ride Share Programs 

Uber and Lyft both have a presence in Chicago.

Divvy Bike

Looking for a way to get to McCormick Place while seeing the sights and avoiding traffic? Divvy bike is a great option. Visit their website for locations of Divvy Bike stations.

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Public Transit

The CTA’s convenient and easy-to-use bus and train lines – including the famous “L” – carry you around town and to major attractions. The new CTA Green Line “Cermak-McCormick Place” station is located just 2.5 blocks from McCormick Place. The CTA website offers a valuable overview of transit services, a guide to the system, instructions for first-time riders, and much more.

Metra Electric Train

The Metra Electric District (ME) route runs from three downtown stations directly to McCormick Place in just 7 minutes. Stations are located within walking distance to many hotels and are located at:

Millennium Station	Michigan Avenue & Randolph Street
Van Buren Station	Michigan Avenue & Van Buren Street
Museum Campus Station	Michigan Avenue & 11th Street

McCormick Place Parking

Lot A is the primary parking location for events in the South Building. Covered walkways from Lot A lead directly into McCormick Place and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

Current pricing:
Lots A & C: $27 for 0-16 hours and $40 for 16-24 hours.

• The prepaid parking fee is $40 per day. Prepaid parking spaces are guaranteed even if lots fill to capacity.
• There are no in-and-out privileges in Lot A or C unless parking is purchased online in advance.
• Lost tickets will pay the $40 (overnight) fee per day.

Lot B: The parking rate for Lot B is a flat fee of $18 per day.

• There are no in-and-out privileges in Lot B.

Pricing is subject to change.

Purchase Parking Online

For more information and to view printable maps and directions click below

McCormick Place Parking Rates