Major city · United States
Glen Ellyn
Give Glen Ellyn one day, not a night: walk the downtown, Lake Ellyn and Stacy's Tavern, then sleep in Lombard or Chicago.
Glen Ellyn is a compact, walkable Chicago suburb on the Metra Union Pacific West line, about 40 minutes from downtown Chicago. Its draw is a small historic downtown, a lake park and a dense restaurant strip, not a multi-day sight list. Most travellers see it as a half- or full-day stop from Chicago, or as a quiet base for the western suburbs.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, snow), late Jul–Aug (heat and humidity)
- Airports
- ORD · MDW
- Nights
- 0–1
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 Glen Ellyn911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Glen Ellyn Police non-emergency630-469-1187
- Poison control800-222-1222
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 Glen Ellyn, 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
- SafetyGlen Ellyn is a low-crime, well-lit suburb and safe for tourists by day and evening.
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 · 630-469-1187 Glen Ellyn Police non-emergency · 800-222-1222 Poison control
- 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 O'Hare International (About 30–40 min by car via I-290/I-88; no direct rail link to Glen Ellyn.).
- Getting aroundDowntown is small enough to cover on foot; Lake Ellyn and Stacy's Tavern are each a short walk or drive from the centre.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, main dish$18–35
- BeerDraught beer in a bar$6–9
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Budget bedFamily room or suite (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$160
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$140 · High US$260
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 O'Hare International (About 30–40 min by car via I-290/I-88; no direct rail link to Glen Ellyn.) · MDW Chicago Midway (About 40–50 min by car; longer in rush hour.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Feb
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid*
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C) low), wettest Apr (12 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Glen Ellyn: 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
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
10 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
9 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°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
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
Dec
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°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
Downtown is small enough to cover on foot; Lake Ellyn and Stacy's Tavern are each a short walk or drive from the centre. Pace buses link Glen Ellyn with Lombard, Wheaton and other nearby towns, and Metra's Union Pacific West line runs to Chicago and Elburn. A car or rideshare helps for Roosevelt Road hotels and outlying sights.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Metra Union Pacific West from Glen Ellyn station to Ogilvie Transportation Center
About 40 min on the train; check the last departure back.
Door to door: About 1–1.25 h
Metra to Chicago, then CTA Green Line, or drive via I-290
Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio, plus the Hemingway sites.
Door to door: About 35–50 min by car
Drive via I-88 and Route 59, or Metra with a change
Riverwalk and a bigger downtown for an afternoon.
Door to door: About 15–20 min
Drive via Route 53, or Metra one or two stops
Morton Arboretum and the Illinois Prairie Path.
Door to door: About 15–20 min
Drive via Belmont Road and Ogden Avenue, or Metra
Another walkable western-suburbs downtown.
Lombard
goDoor to door: About 10–15 min
Drive via Roosevelt Road, or Metra one stop
Lilac Time in May and more hotel choice.
Lemont
cautionDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Drive via I-355 and I-55
Historic canal-town centre; best with a car.
Door to door: About 35–45 min
Drive via I-290 and I-294
Mostly a nature-and-golf stop; pair it with something else.
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.
Downtown Glen Ellyn
Walkable to restaurants, the Glen Art Theatre and Lake Ellyn; very few rooms, so book early.
Roosevelt Road corridor (Glen Ellyn–Lombard)
The main hotel cluster, including the Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn-Lombard; car or rideshare to downtown.
Lombard or Wheaton
Neighbouring Metra towns with more lodging; 5–15 min by car or one or two stops by train.
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
- $60–100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $100–180 excl. bed
- High
- $180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$140 | US$280 |
| Metra Glen Ellyn → Chicago, both ways2 × US$14 · check | US$28 |
| Rideshare ORD → downtown Glen Ellyn1 × US$55 · check | US$55 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$54 |
| Trip total≈ US$299 per person per day, bed included | US$597 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax is added at checkout and flights are excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Diner or pub lunch | $12–20 |
| Sit-down dinner, main dish | $18–35 |
| Draught beer in a bar | $6–9 |
| Metra ride to Chicago, one way | $6–8 (check) |
| Rideshare, downtown Glen Ellyn to Roosevelt Road hotels | $10–18 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Metra runs on a timetable, not a turn-up-and-go frequency; check the last train back before a late dinner in Chicago.
- Winter brings ice and snow on sidewalks and the Illinois Prairie Path; summer brings heat and humidity.
- Many downtown restaurants are busiest Friday and Saturday; walk-ins can wait.
- Sales tax is added at checkout, and sit-down restaurant bills expect an 18–22% tip.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Glen Ellyn Police non-emergency
- 630-469-1187
- Poison control
- 800-222-1222
Pocket card
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Glen EllynGlen Ellyn
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Glen Ellyn Police non-emergency630-469-1187
- Poison control800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies in Glen Ellyn; consulates-general are in downtown Chicago (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Metra Glen Ellyn → Ogilvie Transportation Center: about $6–8 one way, about 40 min (check)
- Rideshare ORD → downtown Glen Ellyn: $45–70, 30–45 min (check)
- Rideshare downtown Glen Ellyn → Roosevelt Road hotels: $10–18
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the Metra station? — Where is the Metra station?
- Check, please — Check, please
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the toilet?
US tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis. Sales tax is added at checkout.
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 Glen Ellyn. 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–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, snow), late Jul–Aug (heat and humidity) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ORD and MDW: taxi and rideshare bands, Metra fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: downtown and Crescent Blvd, Lake Ellyn, Stacy's Tavern, the Illinois Prairie Path.
- Place pages with verified hours (Stacy's Tavern Museum, Glen Art Theatre, Lake Ellyn boathouse) and eat pages with last orders.
- Event fixtures for Taste of Glen Ellyn and the Friday farmers market so seasonal gates can go green.
Sources
Ask about Glen Ellyn
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