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 Charlotte and takes around 2h.

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 $38 for a 1h 54m 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 129 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 Charlotte and takes around 2h.

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 $38 for a 1h 54m 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 129 km.

Airports near Elgin

Airlines serving Elgin

Lufthansa
Good (4,700 reviews)
KLM
Good (847 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,590 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,594 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,963 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,435 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,948 reviews)
Finnair
Good (862 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,725 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,586 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,548 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,357 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (765 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (772 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (486 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,327 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, 311 reviews)
$110+
Comfort Suites Elgin
2 stars
Good (7.6, 174 reviews)
$100+
Quality Inn Elgin I-90
2 stars
Good (7.2, 320 reviews)
$82+
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 Mustang Convertible or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Class Intermediate Car or similar) are, on average, 63% 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 Mustang Convertible or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Class Intermediate Car or similar) are, on average, 63% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.