Nestled along Chicagoland's Fox River Valley, the Aurora Area of Illinois is a destination offering an astonishing variety of attractions to visit, sights to see, and things to do. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or on a couple’s getaway, you’ll never be far from something amazing to enjoy. Outdoor adventures like kayaking, boating, and fishing along with all-ages entertainment, nightlife, live music, casino gaming, the best Broadway Series in the Midwest, unique shops, and great dining... It’s all here for you.
Landing in Chicagoland offers several ways to start your Fox River adventure, whether you arrive at O’Hare, Midway, or fly in via Aurora Municipal Airport—our convenient local airfield, just 8 miles west of downtown Aurora.
Arriving at Aurora Municipal Airport (AUZ / ARR / KARR)
If you’re flying private, charter, or corporate, Aurora Municipal Airport is your closest entry to all that the Aurora area has to offer. The airport is open 24/7, features modern amenities, and is located in Sugar Grove—putting you minutes from top Aurora attractions, hotels, business parks, and shopping. Need a ride into town? Numerous limo, shuttle, and car services operate here, providing easy door-to-door transfers to your hotel, Fox River fun, or local meetings. Rental cars are available onsite for maximum flexibility, and major highways (including I-88) are right nearby for smooth drives around the region. Learn more at https://www.aurora.il.us/Recreation-and-Amenities/Transportation/Aurora-Municipal-Airport.
Aurora Municipal Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Touch down at O’Hare and Aurora is just 40–45 miles away. Pick up a rental car and take I-294 South to I-88 West, then choose your Aurora Area exit depending on your intended destination—exits 123 (IL Route 59) through 113 (IL Route 56) all connect you to the region. It’s a straightforward drive, often taking around an hour depending on traffic. Prefer public transportation? Hop on the CTA Blue Line into downtown, then transfer to the Metra UP-W at Ogilvie or the BNSF Railway at Union Station. This scenic route drops you in the heart of Aurora, ready to explore! Learn more at flychicago.com/ohare.
O'Hare International Airport
Midway International Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
If you arrive at Midway, you’re even closer—about 35–40 miles from Aurora! Grab a car rental and use IL-55 South to I-355 North, then I-88 West and choose an exit between 123 (IL Route 59) and 113 (IL Route 56) to explore the Aurora Area. You can also take the CTA Orange Line to downtown Chicago and switch to the Metra BNSF at Union Station or UP-W at Ogilvie for an easy, no-stress ride west to the region. Learn more at flychicago.com/midway.
Take the Stress Out of Arrival
Don’t want to worry about driving? Both the city’s major airports and Aurora Municipal Airport are serviced by local limo, black car, and shuttle companies that offer everything from solo transfers to group transportation—some even provide meet-and-greet services and flight tracking for perfect timing.
The Amtrak Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr lines both operate twice-daily service between Chicago and Plano, Illinois. Trains arrive at the Plano Station, located 101 W. Main Street, in which travelers can enjoy an enclosed waiting area and accessible platform. Plan your trip at amtrak.com.
Getting around the Aurora Area of Illinois
Once you're here, getting around the Aurora Area of Illinois is a breeze thanks to PACE fixed-route and on-demand bus services. Visitors to the Aurora Area without a personal car have a range of accessible, affordable, and convenient mobility options to explore the region.
PACE Fixed Route Buses
Once you're here, getting around the Aurora Area of Illinois is a breeze thanks to PACE fixed-route and on-demand bus services. Visitors to the Aurora Area without a personal car have a range of accessible, affordable, and convenient mobility options to explore the region. The main hub is the Aurora Transportation Center, where PACE routes depart for nearby communities. Route 802 offers weekday and Saturday service linking Aurora to Geneva via Lake Street, making it the primary option for visitors traveling between these two cities. Route 802 schedules are coordinated for posted stops only, and the route connects directly with the Geneva Metra station on the Union Pacific West Line and the Aurora Metra station on the BNSF Line, allowing seamless rail-to-bus transfers. All PACE buses are fully accessible, accept Ventra and cash payments, and coordinate with both local and regional transit for a smooth visitor experience, making it easy to explore destinations across the Aurora Area and nearby communities. Learn more at pacebus.com.
