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Aurora Transportation

Aurora, Illinois, which is located in the heart of the United States, is conveniently located near major highways, airports, railroads, train and bus service, and is situated only 35 miles from the City of Chicago.

Highways

By using the interstate system, one can reach two-thirds of the U.S. consumer market within a day’s drive. Interstate-88 has five interchanges in the city. Other interstate highways located within 20 miles include I-55, 40, I-80, I-90, I-94, and I-355. In addition, there are several four-lane state highways.

Airports

Main commercial airports are O’Hare International Airport (the world’s busiest), which is a 40-minute drive, and Chicago Midway Airport, which is 45 minutes away. Aurora Municipal Airport, eight miles west of downtown, is a full-service corporate aircraft facility, which is owned and operated by the City of Aurora. The facility has an instrument landing system, and three runways - the longest being 6,500 feet. The airport handles an average of 450 flights daily.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Route Traffic Control Center in Aurora has the responsibility for monitoring and guiding commercial, civil and military air traffic across several Midwestern states. About 800 employees operate this 24-hour facility.

Rail Freight

Rail freight service is available through the Burlington Northern, Santa Fe, and the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern railroads. Aurora is located at the intersection of the BN’s mainline from Chicago, and the EJ&E’s “outer belt line”, which intercepts every line-haul railroad serving Chicago, the largest U.S. rail gateway. Both railroads have industrial development departments to assist in site selection.

Motor Freight

One line-haul motor freight carrier maintains a terminal in the immediate Aurora area, and seven other line-haul carriers provide daily service. In addition, two local cartage companies have terminals in Aurora, as do four household moving firms, and one carrier specializing in the transport of industrial machinery.

Rail Passenger

Rail passenger service is available from Aurora’s two new passenger train stations, the Burlington Metro, a commuter service and the AmTrak. Aurora’s Transportation Center is located in the downtown area. The other station is located in the CMD Business Campus. Forty-seven suburban trains run to and from Aurora each day.

Bus

Greyhound service is also available, as well as shuttle buses that serve the local and regional area. PACE operates 23 shuttle buses that serve 15 routes which cover nearly all of the city.

Cabs, Automobile/Truck Rental

Six companies provide taxicab service in the city. There are 7 (seven) auto and 9 (nine) truck rental agencies.

For further information, contact the AEDC.