Getting to Soldier Field: A Complete Guide for Bears Fans and Visitors

Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears since 1971, stands majestically on Chicago's lakefront Museum Campus, offering one of the NFL's most spectacular settings. This 61,500-capacity stadium, with its iconic colonnades and stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, provides an unforgettable game day experience. Its central location near downtown Chicago makes it one of the most accessible NFL stadiums in the country.

Getting to Chicago First

From Airports

O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - Major international hub

CTA Blue Line to downtown (45 minutes, $5)
Airport Express shuttle to downtown hotels (45-60 minutes, $35)
Taxi to downtown (45-60 minutes, $50-70)
Uber/Lyft (45-60 minutes, $40-60 depending on traffic and surge)

Midway International Airport (MDW) - Domestic and some international

CTA Orange Line to downtown (30 minutes, $2.50)
Taxi to downtown (25-35 minutes, $35-45)
Uber/Lyft (25-35 minutes, $25-40)
Closer to downtown than O'Hare

By Train

Chicago Union Station - Main Amtrak hub

Trains from across the country
Walking distance to Loop (downtown)
Easy connections to Soldier Field via bus or short taxi ride

Millennium Station - Metra commuter rail

Services from northern and southern suburbs
Underground station in downtown Chicago
Good for suburban residents attending games

Getting to Soldier Field

By CTA Bus (Recommended)

Route 128 - Soldier Field Express

Special game day service for Bears games
Direct from downtown Michigan Avenue
Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes on game days
Cost: $2.50 (Ventra card or exact change)
Best option for most visitors

Route 146 - Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express

Regular service passes near Soldier Field
Runs on non-game days too
From State Street in the Loop
Short walk to stadium entrance

Route 130 - Museum Campus

Stops directly at Museum Campus
Less frequent than game day expresses
Good for off-peak visits or tours

By Metra Train

Metra Electric Line - Museum Campus/11th Street Station

Closest train station to Soldier Field
10-minute walk to stadium
From Millennium Station: 5 minutes
Special game day service with increased frequency
Cost: $4-5 depending on zones
Popular with suburban fans

By CTA L Train

Red/Green/Orange Lines to Roosevelt Station

15-20 minute walk to Soldier Field
Scenic walk through Grant Park
Most frequent service of all options
From downtown: 5-10 minutes
Cost: $2.50

By Water Taxi (Seasonal)

Chicago Water Taxi - Seasonal Service

Unique arrival via Chicago River and lake
Summer/fall only (weather dependent)
From various downtown stops to Museum Campus dock
Cost: $6-10
Book in advance for game days
Limited capacity but memorable experience

By Divvy Bike

Chicago's Bike Share

Multiple stations near Soldier Field
Lakefront Trail runs right past stadium
Cost: $3.50 for single ride, $15 for day pass
Scenic route along Lake Michigan
Weather dependent option

Walking

From Downtown/Loop

Distance: 1.5-2 miles depending on starting point
Walking time: 25-35 minutes
Route: Through Grant Park along lakefront
Beautiful walk on nice days
Very popular on pleasant game days

From South Loop - Distance: 1 mile - Walking time: 15-20 minutes - Closest Chicago neighborhood to stadium

By Car (Not Ideal)

Parking Challenges

Limited stadium parking ($60+ on game days)
Traffic congestion on Lake Shore Drive
Long exit times after games
Better alternatives exist with public transit

If You Must Drive

East Museum Campus Garage - Adjacent to stadium ($50-70)
Millennium Park Garages - Walk or shuttle (30-40)
McCormick Place - Shuttle service available ($30-40)
Book parking online in advance for best rates
Arrive 3+ hours early to avoid worst traffic

By Taxi/Rideshare

From Downtown Chicago

Cost: $15-25 in normal traffic
Time: 10-15 minutes
Game days: Expect surge pricing and traffic delays
Drop-off: Designated areas away from main entrance
Better for arriving than leaving

The Soldier Field Experience

Pre-Game Atmosphere

Museum Campus Setting

Field Museum - World-class natural history museum next door
Shedd Aquarium - One of world's largest, walking distance
Adler Planetarium - On peninsula with best skyline views
Tailgating in adjacent parking lots (if you drive)

Nearby Options

South Loop restaurants - Many options 10-15 minutes away
Chicago Bears Bar & Grill - Official team bar in South Loop
Limited food options right at stadium - plan accordingly
Grant Park - Beautiful pre-game picnic spot

Tailgating Culture

Chicago-style tailgating - serious business
Parking lot parties start 4-5 hours before kickoff
Brats, Italian beef, Chicago dogs - the holy trinity
Weather dependent - winter tailgating requires dedication
Bring layers - lakefront wind is no joke

Timing Your Arrival

Regular Season Games

Arrive 2 hours early for relaxed experience
Gates open 2 hours before kickoff
Security lines can be long for big games
Explore Museum Campus if you arrive early

Division Rivals (Packers, Vikings, Lions)

Arrive 3 hours early - these are intense
Packers games especially - massive rivalry
Book transportation well in advance
Expect sellout crowds and high energy

Game Day Traditions and Culture

Bear Down, Chicago Bears

Fight song played throughout game
Learn the words - fans sing along
"Bear Down" - the rallying cry
Defense-oriented fans - Chicago loves defense

The Monsters of the Midway

Historic nickname from dominant defenses
1985 Bears still celebrated - "Super Bowl Shuffle"
Defensive players get huge ovations
Hard-nosed football - the Chicago way

Soldier Field Atmosphere

Intimate stadium for NFL standards
Close to action - steep seating brings fans near field
Loud crowd when Bears are competitive
Lake Michigan backdrop - stunning views
Weather element - part of the experience

Weather Considerations

Chicago Weather Reality

Can change quickly - always bring layers
December/January games can be brutally cold
Wind off Lake Michigan makes it feel colder
Snow games are legendary experiences
Heated seats available in some premium sections

What to Wear

Layer, layer, layer - essential for cold games
Hand/toe warmers - lifesavers in December
Waterproof gear - rain and snow common
Bears colors - Navy and orange
Blankets allowed - check current policy

What to Know Before You Go

Stadium Features

Modern interior with historic colonnade exterior
Renovated in 2003 - controversial "spaceship" design
Good sightlines from most seats
Narrow concourses can get congested
Clear bag policy - check before packing

Food and Drinks

Chicago-style food - Italian beef, hot dogs, pizza
Local beers - Goose Island and others
Expensive like all NFL stadiums
Binny's Beverage Depot stands - good beer selection
Eat beforehand recommended

Getting Home After the Game

Post-Game Strategy

Expect Delays

60,000+ people leaving small footprint
Lake Shore Drive congestion affects all transport
Be patient - part of the Chicago experience
Consider waiting 20-30 minutes before leaving

Transportation Options

CTA and Metra

128 Bus: Expect lines but frequent service
Metra Electric: Good option, increased post-game trains
Walk to Roosevelt L: Often faster than waiting for bus
Services run late for night games

Walking

Through Grant Park to downtown - pleasant in good weather
Well-lit paths - safe route
20-30 minutes to most downtown hotels
Join the crowd - you won't be alone

Rideshare/Taxi

Walk away from stadium before requesting pickup
Surge pricing guaranteed after games
Designated pickup areas - follow signs
Consider walking to South Loop for easier pickup

Post-Game Activities

Museum Campus

Planetarium and Adler stay open late sometimes
Beautiful night views of Chicago skyline
Weather permitting - great photo opportunity

South Loop Restaurants

Giordano's - Deep dish pizza (touristy but good)
Mercat a la Planxa - Spanish tapas
Chicago Firehouse - Classic Chicago dining
Numerous sports bars showing other games

Stadium Tours

Soldier Field Tours

Available on select non-game days
60-90 minutes of stadium history
Includes: Field access, locker rooms, press box
Book online in advance
Learn about stadium's military memorial history
Winter tours available but limited

Getting There for Tours

Same directions as game days
Much easier parking on non-game days
Combine with Museum Campus visit
Hours vary by season

Where to Stay for Easy Access

South Loop

Closest neighborhood to Soldier Field
Walking distance to stadium
Good restaurants and nightlife
Safe, convenient area

Downtown Loop

Easy CTA/Metra access to stadium
Walking distance to major attractions
Most hotel options and price points
Central for exploring Chicago

River North

Trendy neighborhood with great dining
15-20 minutes to Soldier Field by transit
Gallery district and nightlife
Popular with visitors

Near North/Magnificent Mile

Michigan Avenue shopping district
Easy bus access to Soldier Field
Luxury hotel options
20-25 minutes to stadium

Beyond Football: Museum Campus and Lakefront

Museum Campus Attractions

Field Museum

Sue the T-Rex - World's largest T-Rex skeleton
World-class exhibits - plan several hours
Walk from Soldier Field - 5 minutes
Free days certain times of year

Shedd Aquarium

One of world's largest aquariums
Beluga whales and dolphins
10-minute walk from stadium
Great for families on game day morning

Adler Planetarium

America's first planetarium
Best skyline views in Chicago
Star shows and exhibits
Perfect pre-game activity

Lakefront Trail

18-mile paved path along Lake Michigan
Runs past Soldier Field - perfect for biking/jogging
Stunning views of city and lake
Free activity year-round

Grant Park

Chicago's "front yard"
Buckingham Fountain - iconic landmark
Summer festivals - Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago
Between downtown and Soldier Field - walk through it

Exploring Chicago

Must-See Chicago Attractions

Millennium Park - Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), Crown Fountain
Art Institute of Chicago - World-class art museum
Navy Pier - Entertainment and dining complex
Willis Tower Skydeck - 103rd floor observation deck
Architecture River Cruise - Best way to see Chicago

Chicago Food Scene

Deep dish pizza - Lou Malnati's, Pequod's, Giordano's
Chicago-style hot dog - Portillo's, Gene & Jude's
Italian beef - Al's Beef, Portillo's
Garrett Popcorn - Chicago Mix (cheese and caramel)
Neighborhoods - Pilsen (Mexican), Chinatown, Little Italy

Chicago Neighborhoods to Explore

Wicker Park/Bucktown - Trendy shops and restaurants
Lincoln Park - Zoo, beach, beautiful residential area
Wrigleyville - Home of Cubs, lively sports bars
Hyde Park - University of Chicago, Obama's neighborhood

Soldier Field offers an NFL experience unlike any other - where history, architecture, and natural beauty converge on Chicago's spectacular lakefront. From the iconic colonnades honoring America's veterans to the stunning Lake Michigan backdrop, every element reminds you this is more than just a football game. Whether you're braving a December snowstorm for a Bears-Packers clash or enjoying a September afternoon with perfect skyline views, Soldier Field delivers the authentic Chicago sports experience. This is Bears football - tough, proud, and uniquely Chicago.