With trendy restaurants, cultural opportunities, award-winning parks, and excellent schools, Elmhurst attracts many new home buyers. Add Elmhurst's proximity to highways, airports, and Metra, and Elmhurst quickly rises to the top of the list.
This LW Reedy Guide to Elmhurst Commuting shares everything you need to know about commuting from Elmhurst, including information about highways, airports, trains, parking, and more.
This LW Reedy Guide to Elmhurst Commuting shares everything you need to know about commuting from Elmhurst, including information about highways, airports, trains, parking, and more.
Highways
The following highways can be easily accessed in Elmhurst, some from multiple onramps:
- I-290: the Dwight D. Eisenhower Expressway (or "the Ike"/"the Eisenhower")
- I-294: the Tri-State Tollway
- I-355: Veterans Memorial Tollway
- I-55: Stevenson Expressway
- I-88: Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Airports
Elmhurst residents can typically reach either of Chicago's primary airports, O'Hare and Midway, within 30 minutes. Driving to O'Hare can take under 16 minutes with light traffic.
Trains
Elmhurst's Metra station offers access to the Union Pacific West line heading east to Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center and west through to Elburn with several express trains from Elmhurst to Chicago both morning and evening.
Elmhurst residents head to Elmhurst's train station in the heart of City Centre for more than just access to the train. A cup of coffee or other treat from Pilot Pete's, a coffee shop located within the train station, draws commuters and passersby alike.
If you're looking for something to do while waiting for your train, check out the many restaurants and shops located within walking distance of the train station, including Kimmers Ice Cream, Tannin's Wine Bar & Boutique, Ella's Italian Pub, and Stray Hen Cafe. Or pop over to LW Reedy's office just across the street from the Elmhurst train station. We are always happy to chat about real estate, Elmhurst, or any questions you have on your mind.
Parking
The City of Elmhurst offers various parking areas for different needs. An interactive parking map identifies free parking, permit parking, and per-day parking areas.
Permit
- Monthly, quarterly, and annual parking permits are available to purchase through the City of Elmhurst.
- Employee permits are available for purchase with proof of full-time employment with a business in Elmhurst. While permits do not guarantee available parking, they can also be used in daily fee spots when permit-reserved areas are full.
- Free parking permits are available for part-time employees who work 25 hours or less per week for an Elmhurst business. Parking is restricted to part-time employee lots. Available parking is not guaranteed.
Daily Parking
- Daily parking in some parking garages and along some streets is available for $3 per day.
- Parking fees can be paid at parking area pay stations in some parking garages and near paid street parking or through the Passport Parking website or app with the ZONE number 60126.
Free Parking
- Per-hour free parking is available throughout Elmhurst's City Centre. Pay attention to signage to avoid parking violations.
- Park for free in any of Elmhurst's permit or daily fee spaces from 5 pm to midnight every day, on weekends, and on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Use Elmhurst City Centre's helpful Free Shopper Parking Map to find free parking near your favorite shops and restaurants.
Walking and Biking
Elmhurst takes pedestrian and bicycling safety seriously and even has an advisory group, the Elmhurst Walk and Rollers Working Group, offering ideas to encourage safe walking and biking. Explore the many paths and trails in Elmhurst parks, including access to the Illinois Prairie Path and Salt Creek Greenway Trail.
Trolly
Be sure to check out the Elmhurst Express Trolley, and track the trolley to estimate your wait before your trolley arrives.
