On time. And comfortable ride. Driver was pleasant. Got picked up and dropped off at the correct spot

My wife forgot to pay for parking when she left the parking lot here. Our car was parked there for about 3 hours total, and the daily rate to park here is around $3/day, so she should have owed around $1. A few weeks later we were sent a $60 fine in the mail, that went up to $100 if we didn't pay within a week. Horrible customer service for a genuine oversight on our part. I wrote in explaining our situation but couldn't get ahold of anyone and no one answered my emails. Such a bummer because we've only had good experiences here before this. read more

Coming to Rockford from O'Hare at 2 pm today... Driver was unfriendly and unhelpful. He did not offer to help me with my walker. The passenger behind me had to do it. He gave no safetgy instructions. read more

I had a very good experience and will use this shuttle service again. O'Hare moved the pickup point and didn't add nearly enough signage to make sure you know where to go. Don't go to where the hotel shuttles are, that's no longer a pickup/drop-off point, you have to go to where the rental cars are. To get to the rental cars you gave to take a train from the terminals. It took about 7 minutes for me. The bus ride was fine, my driver was kind, he drove safely, and we arrived on time. The only complaint I have is that my plug ports didn't work so I couldn't charge my phone. read more

Van Galder Bus - Giant gap in the restroom doors - Buses Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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VERY DANGEROUS DRIVERS +WORSE CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!! Some drivers ARE AGGRESSIVE AND ABUSIVE!!! one particular driver to look out for is a black man, in his 50's, probably 5"7 tall. The bus was supposed to leave at 5:45 p.m., the driver let me in the bus at 5:45 p.M., once I was let in, he started streaming at me, very aggressive ,"WE HAVE A BUSINESS TO RUN YOU NEED TO BE ON TIME!!" etc etc. I responded something to the effect of telling him to Stop yelling at me and I had already bought my ticket. driver tells me "get off the bus for giving me an attitude". He told the other drivers in the area to not drive me other and it turned into a whole scene Because "I gave him an attitude". I called management and they didn't see anything wrong with his behavior One bit. DONT EVER RIDE THIS BUS!! God forbid if you give a jerk driver some push back for screaming at you, the management will not do anything and you will be left without a ride. I've never dealt with a company with such poor customer service In my life. The drivers are part of a union, which is why I think they are emboldened to act this way because getting disciplined is a whole process. read more

Van Galder Bus - Buses Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

On time, easy to access from the Rockford area. Haven't tried parking there yet, but it looks a bit sketchy.

Schedule on the website straight up lied. All buses were an hour late, so we sat outside in the middle of Chicago for an hour and a half waiting for the bus. Company said it was because of DST--what level of incompetence would cause a logistics company to forget about DST? read more

When we left Rockford, lady in office was sleeping, literally had to knock on office glass to wake her multiple times and when we returned at 6pm no one was manning the desk to assist on how to get car out of their lot. You better have a card to pay for exit ticket or you are screwed. Driver was great! read more

The bus service to and from O'Hare is great. The move to the Multi Modal Facility recently is very difficult to find. O'Hare needs to add signage to make it easier to find! read more

Traveling from Chicago to Rockford stop at O'Hare letting passengers stand in the aisle and stand while on 90 going 70 plus miles an hour first of all legal second of all completely dangerous just think if you get in an accident ever since then gelder started incorporating the O'Hare stop it's your choice put your life at risk or wait till the next bus completely irr Responsible.... read more

If I could give these assholes a ZERO I would. Prepurchsed in advance a ticket from ohare to Rockford. When I arrived in Chicago I waited for the bus and when one didn't come I called the company. They tell me the busses aren't running. Now I'm stranded in a strange city, Chicago, during the riots. NO WORD OR WARNING FROM VAN GALDER that they weren't running and they had my email and phone number. I calledlast week to,at least get a refund and was told to email. That was last week and still no response. Called again today and the girl said they might start LOOKING at those emails NEXT WEEK ! Should sue them for breach of contract or at least for being a complete bunch of losers. ZERO.ZERO stars read more

have used the shuttle bus from o hare to Rockford a number of times and I honestly can't fault the service. the buses are clean the drivers polite and helpful with suitcases, and as a lone female traveler I felt safe. great service I look forward to useing van gelder again soon. read more

Absolutely unreliable, poor customer service, and no business plan. We waited for the 120 bus which a ticket I already had purchased and they are not letting us on now. read more

Left 30 minutes later then what the schedule said and caused me to miss my flight. Very unorganized!

This used to be a relatively painless and affordable way of getting to the airport. Sadly, it seems that service has declined. Our bus driver was late. Only a little late but what was most disturbing was the disregard for the passengers. There were no apologies and the attitude of the "customer service" person on the telephone was dismissive at best. If it isn't important for you to be on time for your flight and you enjoy being treated with disdain then take a ride on this bus. Otherwise you would be better off making other arrangements. read more

First let me say, I have not experienced any problems like the other guests except that sometimes the wifi isn't working, which sucks sometimes for getting work done. I have only taken the bus from Rockford to O'Hare and vice versa but have taken it MANY times! The bus is always on time when leaving Rockford or the airport but usually arrives 15 minutes earlier than scheduled time unless really bad traffic. The bus is always comfortable, never to hot or cold and all the seats have power plugs which is helpful for last minute charges of phones and tablets on way to airport. Starting May 1st, the buses are no longer allowed to drop you off at individual terminals. The have to take you to the bus stations, which does add extra time to your walk. read more

Do not use the paid parking lot!! My Cadillac converter was cut off of my car in the parking lot. Have had a difficult time getting ahold of anyone from corporate. Was told at the bus station by a staff member that they do not have security cameras. Filed a police report and was told this has been a major issue at this location. I Rode the bus to and from O'hare with no issues. Drivers were on time and friendly. Buses were clean. But will never leave my car in their read more

Very convenient, clean small bus station serving O'Hare -Rockford Roundtrip bus service. Very professional customer service from the ticket agent who answered all my first-time travel questions and she issued my return ticket good for anyday. Although it was an easy walk to any number of hotels that share the parking lot including Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield Suites and The Candlewood, my client picked me up. Attentive, humorous bus drivers load your luggage in an organized fashion according to airline. I arrived at 6:15 for the 6:30 am Departure. All passengers & luggage were easily loaded, tickets scanned and we departed at 6:38 am for my 10:20 am flight. Outstanding value & service that I will continue to use on a regular basis. read more

We had a great experience with the Rockford to O'Hare shuttle. The bus was on time- clean- and made traveling to O'Hare a lot less stressful. No traffic issues to deal with- no parking issues- picks you up right by baggage. It's the first time we tried this service. Normally my husband drives and gets all stressed out about driving to O'Hare and dealing with the traffic. This time- all 6 of us- teenagers in tow- relaxed the entire way! Only issue might be waiting --but we barely waited at all- so not really an issue for us at all. read more

Very easy to use and cost effective. Might note that the bus to the way back to Rockford picks up at the Hilton hotel

I have used this bus company to get from Chicago to Rockford and back many times, and usually my experience has been pretty good. Recently, though, I arrived at the Rockford Depot 2-3 min before the scheduled departure time at 2:50 (as I needed to get a ride to the station from a relative). I approached the driver, Alden (Alton?), about purchasing my ticket on the bus (something I've done on several occasions) and he said I had to go buy it from the depot. I asked if he would wait and he said, I quote, "only if you can do it in the next minute and thirty seconds". I left my large bag next to the bus, ran inside, and tried to pay for the ticket. The attendant on duty even told him via radio that I was buying a ticket, and he still left without me. I don't think it's Van Galder's customer service policy to behave so rudely and callously in the name of saving 60 seconds of driving time, but this driver, whose name was Alden/Alton, needs customer relations training, and I do not appreciate being treated this way by a company I've been so loyal to in the past. Ordinarily, I do arrive at least 10 min before the bus is scheduled to leave, but it is not unusual for Van Galder buses to arrive or depart a few minutes late, and it would be unreasonable for me, or any customer, to have a fit every time that happened. I understand that buses have deadlines to meet and waiting for everyone is not possible, but this kind of treatment is really not okay. I recommend that customers beware of Alden/Alton, as my understanding is that other people have had trouble with him in the past, as well. (I've even read other negative reviews about him on this very site, citing behavior similar to what I experienced. I frankly find it a little shocking that such a person is still employed at Van Galder.) Few times have I felt so devalued as a customer. This whole incident makes me wish there were a viable alternative for Chicago-Rockford transportation, but in the meantime I must wait and hope that my calls to customer service and online reviews make some difference in the future. I am now waiting for the 4:20 bus to downtown over an hour later, and it is 8 minutes late, something I don't mind so long as this driver is respectful and considerate. read more

I had an absolutely horrible experience on Monday November 30th. Waiting for the 1:20 bus which was late. The driver was very rude and said I could not bring my dog on the bus. I asked if I could bring my 11.5 lb dog if I put her in the carrier and he said no pets allowed on the bus. I then told him that I brought her on the bus from O'hare to Rockford on the 22nd with no issues. He still stubbornly refused to let us on the bus. Even the other passengers were shaking their heads at his refusal. I have always taken this bus and have never before had an issue. I don't know what this problem was but I had a round trip ticket that is now worthless and in addition had to pay for alternate transportation to O'hare. read more

7/16/2019-Amtrak to Rockford- Myself, my daughter, and every other person getting on this bus was violently harassed, scolded, put down, screamed at for any single reason while handling baggage, ticketing, and, boarding the bus by Bob, the driver. My daughter (10) was terrified and crying. A social worker boarding the bus was screamed at so terribly because she could not answer Bob's questions within a millisecond of him shouting the question at her. As soon as the bus started rolling, he became super nice. It was insane. We switched drivers & busses in Rockford and continued onto Madison with a pleasant driver. She is the only reason you even have one star. read more

After a very long travel day on Sunday, October 24th, my husband and I waited outside for the 10:00 bus from the O'Hare Bus Terminal, going to Rockford Illinois. First of all, the bus was 20 minutes late. I understand traffic and other issues, however, no explanation or apologies were given. As I was waiting to board the bus, a young lady at the back of the line put her suitcase in the luggage compartment in an attempt to help out. She was summarily scolded and made to remove her bag before the driver would proceed. When all luggage was loaded and I was allowed to board, the light on my phone was dimmed so my ticket was hard to read. I was rudely told to "brighten my screen" and "how was the driver expected to read it" etc. After I was seated, he went on to relate rudely to at least 5 other passengers. My experience on the Van Galder Bus has always been for the most part a positive one. Because of this, this particular driver stood out as being especially rude. He may need a refresher on how to relate to customers. read more

We had to cancel a family trip to Mexico due to COVID-19. My mother called Van Galder to cancel her reservation and they would not provide a refund. They told her she had 6 months to use the tickets. She will not be traveling again in 6 months, so she lost her money. During a time in our country where we are told to NOT travel, it's the consumer being punished and these businesses making a profit for a service they will not be supplying. read more

((This review is strictly for Rockford to O'Hare service)) We have a saying in our family: Need a lift from O'Hare? Then take the bus. NO ONE in my family goes to O'Hare to pick up a friend or family member. The reason for this is Van Galder (We will pick you up at the bus terminal). I've been riding with them well over 10 years and the biggest reason I give 5 stars is because other than calling in an expensive taxi, limo, or having a generous friend take you--- I challenge anyone to mention a better paid Rockford to O'Hare service at a similar price. Some of the 1 star complaints on here are just plain nuts (given the little number of reviews given, I take it with a grain of salt too given that so many are based on a single experience out of multiples). It is true that buying advance tickets offers no advantage, and that it does kind of feel like a first come first serve basis. Fortunately I've never had an issue. That said: -They are not going to delay the bus departure for you. Sorry it just isn't going to happen -The bus can be late. Have you ever been on I-90 on the daily commute? It's a pandora's box -In short the bus service will get you to and from Rockford (or Wisconsin) to O'Hare / Midway. No tolls, no commuter stress, no O'Hare parking garage fees, and likely a shorter walk. That's what they do and there are no guarantees beyond that. Van Galder is very clear they aren't responsible for traffic or airport delays.... and speaking as a daily Chicago commuter... they are right. The schedule is what it is, so it is best to read up on it thoroughly before making plans. As of early 2017 they were still doing drop offs at the numbered gates, but it is worth calling to ask about. Bottom line: They do what they say they are going to do, and are clear enough that any frequent traveler won't be surprised. I have yet to see another service do it better even by word of mouth, but who knows maybe an Uber will do it better read more

After years of business travel I now encourage the bus. Parking at o'hare is outrageous and the train that use to take you to the main terminals is under construction for at least 6 months. No hassle and curb service at all terminals. Best way to go by far!! read more

I think this is a very convenient option between Rockford and Chicago downtown or O'Hare. it runs every hour, and is way better then renting a car when we're visiting our in laws. These buses are pretty standard in terms of comfort and commodities. There are no advantages to buying your tickets in advance. Just use cash or credit on the bus or the counter at o'hare. Reading the other reviews you'll see that you can be seriously screwed over if you try to buy tickets online. They advertise 120 V outlets and wifi, but in my experience these never work. so charge up your laptop in advance, and turn on your mobile hotspot, and enjoy the ride! read more

TERRIFIC option for those traveling between South Beloit IL and Chicago, IL (Downtown Union Station). Very frequent schedule, you can check your bags Pay with cash if you don't buy your ticket on the Internet. No reserved seats. Bus drivers are attentive to the job, which is what you want. This is not a tour bus service. Usually on schedule. The only game in town if you need to get to South Beloit IL (and Beloit College in Beloit WI) and you don't drive (I don't). Reasonable prices. Also provides service between O'Hare and South Beloit and/or Rockford as well as additional places in Wisconsin (Janesville, Madison). Reasonable pricing read more

Sorry to see so many people miss the bus going to Jamesville. People were here waiting over a hour at the O'Hare bus shuttle center and no announcement was made because driver did not come in to let the ticket agent know it had arrived. Will definitely use Uber if I'm going in that direction and not this service. read more

Too bad they have no competition (yet). While the bus is always on time and the drivers are helpful, the station on Walton in Rockford is archaic. It is small and cramped. The ticket machine NEVER works and purchasing tickets with an agent takes nearly 5 minutes per customer. When there are several customers in line, it is frustrating. read more

The bus was clean the service was great . The prices are affordable. Bus ran a little late leaving but we got there before the scheduled time for arriving at O'Hare driver told us the scheduled arrival time . No bus company is perfect. Never had a problem with this bus company I recommend leaving at least 3 hours before your flight . Prices are cheaper online read more

Love riding Van Galder Bus to and from the airport. The bus location at Midway Airport is divine! Love the bus, love the ride, love the cost and love the staff read more

Unacceptable behavior. I have been riding the van galder bus for over 20 years. The hostility and unprofessional behavior of the driver tonight is hard to believe. I am second guessing my choice to get on the bus. I am fearful for our safety. The drivers name is Alton. I left a message on the corporate voicemail. I was a United Flight attendant and a Director of Sales for a hotel group. This is NOT the type of behavior Van Galder wants to represent their company. This individual needs to be employed in a different profession. read more

My wife, my 4 year old son and I were discriminated more then once, they would not allow us in the bus unless I paid for the tickets to the driver, I wanted to purchase the tickets online that are less expensive hence the driver forced me to pay in the bus. My wife asked the bus driver to load the luggage while I returned the rental car and the bus driver would not allow my wife and my son to enter the bus until the tickets were rendered even though he was allowing white people to load the bus without rendering the tickets. He kept saying that we were going to make him late. We paid for the tickets way before the scheduled departure and he was still late for waiting for white people. He threatened me to kick us off the bus for not reason. I reported the driver with the company and the company only sent me a robot email message. The company condones this type discrimination for fear of loosing drivers that should not be driving. This has happened more then once hence the company condones this type of behavior; they did nothing about it and the driver is still doing the same thing. This type of behavior should not be part of any business, hence Van Galder condones it, perhaps the owners of this company are not better then the drivers. read more

The driver on bus 67778 leaving Rockford for Chicago at 7:20 on 7/9/17 was unprofessional, condescending and argumentative. All people especially paying customers should be treated with customer service and respect. Added to this mistreatment was a poorly designed, unresponsive Van Galder app I downloaded on my iphone. read more

First time taking Van Galder (purchased online they MegaBus an hour before it left) and while I was a little anxious about finding the pickup spot and boarding on time, everything went smoothly and predictably. Anyone complaining about delays is too naive to understand that traffic and other road delays are typically beyond a driver's control. They did depart 10 min early from the Union Station in Chi but I'm a prepared traveler and anticipated that. They have restrooms, wifi and outlets on board. It's not like you could ask for much more for the price. Thanks, Van Galder! read more

Have always taken the bus to O'Hare even with my emotional support dog who doesn't make a peep on even the plane and today they refused to let me on with my dog even though I did 2 weeks ago. Absolutely unacceptable. If there is a rule that no pets is allowed then I shouldn't have been on it in the first place, they are lucky I didn't miss my flight read more

Thank you Van Galder personnel. I lost my phone somewhere between Midway airport and Rockford, IL. I called on Friday to let the bus company know it may be on their bus. I know I made a bit of a pest of myself calling to see if it was by chance found. The staff found it and sent it to the Rockford terminal. I know I made a pest of myself calling to see when the terminal would be open, when the phone would be in Rockford. Everyone I spoke to was so pleasant. Thank you so much for all your help. read more

For 21 bucks, a ride from Rockford to O'Hare is a pretty good deal! Especially on a big comfortable bus with power ports, wifi, seat belts, and a safe driver behind the wheel. There was even a lav in the back of the bus. Good ride! read more