5 things to know about gas costs, O’Hare crowds and free rides this holiday season
Catching a cross-country flight to see loved ones this Christmas? Or is your biggest trip this holiday a Metra ride to downtown Chicago for New Year’s fireworks?
Either way, we’ve got you covered with five essential travel tips.
Planes
The Chicago Department of Aviation expects a throng of 4.8 million flyers to converge at O’Hare and Midway international airports between Friday and Jan. 5, which is almost 6% more than in 2024.
O’Hare’s most congested day will be Sunday, Dec. 20, and the lightest is expected to be New Year’s Day.
Midway passengers should arrive in plenty of time Dec. 27, the airport’s most crowded day, officials estimate.
Trains
Metra riders can enjoy unlimited rides on Christmas and New Year’s Day with a $7 pass.
The commuter railroad will also provide free trips on all trains coming to or leaving downtown stations after 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Alcohol is banned on trains after 7 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Automobiles
Planning a late December getaway? The Illinois tollway forecasts a traffic apex on Tuesday, Dec. 23, when about 1.8 million cars and trucks will travel compared to norms of 1.6 million.
The best days for joy rides are Christmas and New Year’s Day — with just 1.1 million and less than 1 million vehicles, respectively, on toll roads.
New Year’s Eve bonus
The Chicago Transit Authority, along with partner Molson Coors, will offer free rides on New Year’s Eve.
Revelers can board trains and buses without paying from 10 p.m. Dec. 31 to 4 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Fare will be free on the CTA from 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, to 4 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1.
Gas price reprieve
You can’t wrap gasoline, but low prices are causing joy across the nation this holiday.
The national average dipped below $3 per gallon of regular gas for the first time in four years, AAA reported. For Midwest travelers: statewide averages are $2.99 in Illinois and $3.11 in the Chicago metro area; $2.50 in Wisconsin; $2.76 in Michigan and $2.82 in Indiana.