Major city · United States
BartlettBartlett, Illinois
Skip Bartlett unless you have a specific reason to visit the Hindu temple or a family event: half a day is enough, and it's about 1 h 15 min from Chicago by Metra.
Bartlett is a commuter village in Chicagoland's Fox River Valley with one standout sight — the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest traditional Hindu stone-and-marble temple in the US. Otherwise, it's a quiet residential town with a small depot museum and an annual arts fair. Most travellers pass through on the way to Elgin, Geneva or St. Charles.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Oct
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, snow)
- Airports
- ORD · MDW
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bartlett911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bartlett, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyBartlett is a low-crime suburb.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport (About 35 min drive via I-90 and IL-59; no direct train.).
- Getting aroundMetra's Milwaukee District West line stops at Bartlett station (about 1 h 15 min from Chicago Union Station).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (drip)2026 estimate$2–4
- Sit-down mealDinner entrée at a sit-down restaurant2026 estimate$15–25
- Street or quick mealLunch sandwich at a diner2026 estimate$8–12
- BeerBeer (pint)2026 estimate$5–7
- Budget bedBudget hotel room (e.g. Motel 6), a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedBudget hotel room (e.g. Motel 6), a night, per roomUS$90
- High-end bedBudget hotel room (e.g. Motel 6), a night, per roomUS$120
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$50 · Mid US$100 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport (About 35 min drive via I-90 and IL-59; no direct train.) · MDW Chicago Midway International Airport (About 50 min drive via I-55 and I-355.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Mar
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
not flagged
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C) low), wettest Apr (12 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bartlett: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
10 rd
Feb
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
9 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
11 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
Dec
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Metra's Milwaukee District West line stops at Bartlett station (about 1 h 15 min from Chicago Union Station). Once you're in town, walking between sights is impractical. A car is essential for local travel, or check ride-hailing options.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 20 min
Drive south on IL-25, about 15 min
Fox River downtown with shops and restaurants.
Door to door: 20 min
Drive south on IL-31, about 15 min
Riverwalk and historic district.
Elgin, Illinois
goDoor to door: 15 min
Drive north on IL-59, about 10 min
Casino, art galleries and the Fox River.
Door to door: 25 min
Drive south on IL-59, about 20 min
Paramount Theatre and riverfront.
Batavia, Illinois
goDoor to door: 20 min
Drive south on IL-25, about 15 min
Fermilab and the Fox River Trail.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Bartlett village centre
A few chain hotels near IL-59; most visitors stay in Elgin or Schaumburg (check).
Elgin (10 min north)
More hotels and dining options; closer to the Fox River (check).
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–80 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–150 excl. bed
- High
- $150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel room (e.g. Hampton Inn)1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$100 | US$200 |
| Metra round-trip from Chicago2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| Gas for a day of driving (about 50 km)1 × US$10 · 2026 estimate | US$10 |
| eSIM for a week of data2 × US$15 · 2026 estimate | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$42 |
| Trip total≈ US$231 per person per day, bed included | US$462 |
2026 estimate
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (drip)2026 estimate | $2–4 |
| Lunch sandwich at a diner2026 estimate | $8–12 |
| Dinner entrée at a sit-down restaurant2026 estimate | $15–25 |
| Beer (pint)2026 estimate | $5–7 |
| Metra one-way from Chicago | $7.50 (check) |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.50–4.50 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The BAPS temple has a strict dress code: cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes before entering (check).
- No photography inside the temple sanctuary; exterior and cultural centre are fine (check).
- Bartlett Depot Museum has limited hours — check the village website before going.
- Last Metra train from Chicago departs around midnight; check the schedule.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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BartlettBartlett, Illinois
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Take me to this address, pleaseTake me to this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
The nearest consulate for most countries is in Chicago. Check your country's embassy in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Metra from Chicago Union Station to Bartlett: about $7.50 one-way, 1 h 15 min (check)
- Taxi from Bartlett to O'Hare: $50–70
- Ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft) within Bartlett: $8–15
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much? — How much?
- Where is the temple? — Where is the temple?
- I need a taxi — I need a taxi
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bartlett. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, snow) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for BAPS temple and Bartlett Depot Museum with verified hours and dress code.
- Eat pages for the few independent restaurants in Bartlett.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures for Metra and driving from ORD/MDW.
Sources
Ask about Bartlett
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