Elgin travel guide

Elgin Tourism | Elgin Guide

You're Going to Love Elgin

With a population of 108.188, Elgin is a must-see destination in Illinois, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Elgin has to offer.

Where to Eat in Elgin

If you’re looking for affordable options, Moretti's - Elgin (2300 Bushwood Dr) and Jimmy's Charhouse - Elgin (2290 Point Blvd) are great picks.

When to visit Elgin

Elgin in February
Estimated hotel price
$84
1 night at 3-star hotel
Elgin in February
Estimated hotel price
$84
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Elgin in July, when the average temperature is 73.4 °F, and the highest can go up to 84.2 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 12.2 °F, with an average temperature of 21.2 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in June, when precipitation is around 4.2″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Elgin, with an average rainfall of 1.4″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Elgin

Plane

Although Elgin doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chicago All airports (CHI), which is located 56 km from Elgin. The shortest domestic flight to Elgin departs from New York and takes around 2h 36m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Elgin. The train journey from Elgin to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $20 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from South Bend, expect to pay about $26 for a 2h 05m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Elgin is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 57 km from Elgin. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Elgin, including Bus, Amtrak and Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Elgin takes 129 km and will cost you around $76. From Milwaukee, the ticket costs about $38 for a journey of 153 km.

Plane

Although Elgin doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chicago All airports (CHI), which is located 56 km from Elgin. The shortest domestic flight to Elgin departs from New York and takes around 2h 36m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Elgin. The train journey from Elgin to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $20 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from South Bend, expect to pay about $26 for a 2h 05m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Elgin is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 57 km from Elgin. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Elgin, including Bus, Amtrak and Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Elgin takes 129 km and will cost you around $76. From Milwaukee, the ticket costs about $38 for a journey of 153 km.

Airports near Elgin

Airlines serving Elgin

Lufthansa
Good (4,689 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,604 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,586 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,598 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,106 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,433 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,970 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,968 reviews)
Finnair
Good (857 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (837 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,724 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,585 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,548 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,359 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (757 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (770 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (486 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,324 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Elgin

Most booked hotels in Elgin

Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago Northwest - Elgin
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 312 reviews)
$110+
Comfort Suites Elgin
2 stars
Good (7.5, 173 reviews)
$101+
Quality Inn Elgin I-90
2 stars
Good (7.2, 325 reviews)
$83+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Elgin, IL
2 stars
Good (7, 442 reviews)
$90+
The Mansion Bed and Breakfast
2 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$157+
Crest Motel
2 stars
Okay (4.1, 20 reviews)
$74+

Renting a car in Elgin

Renting a car in Elgin costs $71 per day, on average, or $285 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 8% more expensive than at Chicago O'Hare Intl.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Elgin (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Elgin is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini rental cars (Fiat 500 or similar) are, on average, 71% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Elgin costs $71 per day, on average, or $285 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 8% more expensive than at Chicago O'Hare Intl.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Elgin (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Elgin is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini rental cars (Fiat 500 or similar) are, on average, 71% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.