Gurney Transportation in Chicago — What Is a Gurney & How to Book Transport
Last updated: October 2026
A gurney is a wheeled stretcher used to transport patients who cannot sit upright. Gurney transport in Chicago costs $350–$400 base plus mileage. Dream Care Rides provides safe, non-emergency gurney transportation with trained two-person crews. Call (708) 505-6994.
Book Your Ride
What Is a Gurney?
A gurney is a wheeled, flat-surface medical bed designed to transport patients in a lying-down position. In hospitals, gurneys move patients between rooms, operating areas, and diagnostic imaging suites. In non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), a gurney refers to a stretcher system secured inside a specially equipped vehicle for safe road transport.
The word gurney comes from American English and has been used in medical settings since the mid-1900s. While the exact origin is debated, the term is now universally understood in healthcare to mean a wheeled patient bed. In the NEMT industry, the terms gurney, stretcher, and cot are used interchangeably. When someone searches for gurney transportation, they are looking for the same service as stretcher transportation: non-emergency transport for a patient who must lie flat during their ride.
Dream Care Rides provides gurney transportation throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs using the Broda Traversa stretcher system. This is a purpose-built road-transport gurney with a five-point safety harness, adjustable head and knee sections, padded surfaces designed for trips lasting 30 minutes or longer, and a crash-tested floor anchoring system. Call (708) 505-6994 to book gurney transport.
Gurney Transportation Cost in Chicago
Base Rate
$350–$400
Per Mile (after the first 5)
$6.00
Typical 10-Mile Leg (Base + Mileage)
$380 – $430
Gurney transport uses the same pricing as stretcher transport. Base rates are per one-way leg; a round trip is two legs. The 10-mile figure is before surcharges and tolls. Flat surcharges per leg: weekends $50, pickups 6 PM–7 AM +$50–$300 per leg, wait time $15/15 min (first 15 min free), oxygen +$25; major holidays add a fee shown before you book. All prices confirmed upfront. Call (708) 505-6994 for your exact quote.
Gurney vs. Stretcher vs. Ambulance — What Is the Difference?
Many patients and families are confused by the terminology. Here is a clear comparison of gurney transport, stretcher transport, and emergency ambulance transport.
| Feature | Gurney / Stretcher Transport | Emergency Ambulance |
|---|---|---|
| Same Equipment? | Yes — gurney and stretcher are the same | Uses a stretcher with medical equipment |
| Cost in Chicago | $350–$400 base + mileage | $1,200 – $2,500+ |
| Medical Staff | Trained attendant (CPR/First Aid) | Paramedics / EMTs |
| Life-Support Equipment | No | Yes |
| Best For | Stable patients, discharges, facility transfers | Medical emergencies requiring intervention |
| Scheduling | Pre-scheduled (same-day available for private pay) | On-demand / 911 dispatch |
Who Needs Gurney Transportation?
Gurney transport is for patients who are medically stable but cannot safely travel in a seated position. Common situations include post-surgical recovery where the patient must remain flat, advanced-stage illness requiring supine positioning, spinal injuries or conditions preventing sitting, patients transferring from hospital to skilled nursing facility, individuals returning home after extended inpatient care, patients with severe obesity who cannot safely sit in a wheelchair during transit, and individuals with open wounds or surgical sites requiring horizontal positioning.
If you are unsure whether your loved one needs gurney transport, wheelchair transport, or an ambulatory ride, call (708) 505-6994 and our dispatch team will help determine the right service level based on the patient's condition.
Gurney Transportation Equipment
Dream Care Rides uses the Broda Traversa stretcher system for all gurney transportation. Unlike hospital gurneys designed for hallway movement, the Traversa is purpose-built for road transport with a lower center of gravity, integrated five-point safety harness, adjustable head and knee positioning, medical-grade foam padding for long-distance comfort, and a crash-tested four-point floor anchoring system. Each gurney vehicle also carries oxygen tank holders, IV pole mounts, and full-length side rails.
How to Book Gurney Transportation in Chicago
- 1
Call (708) 505-6994 or book online
Tell us you need gurney transportation. Private pay patients can book same-day without broker authorization.
- 2
Provide patient and trip details
Patient name, approximate weight, pickup address with room or suite number, destination address, preferred date and time, and any equipment needs (oxygen, IV pole).
- 3
Receive upfront price confirmation
Gurney transport starts at $350–$400 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles. The quoted price is the final price with no hidden fees.
- 4
Two-person crew arrives with gurney
A two-person crew arrives with the gurney, transfers the patient safely, secures all harnesses, and transports with continuous monitoring.
All Transportation Pricing Comparison
Not sure if you need gurney transport or a different service level? Here is how gurney pricing compares to wheelchair and ambulatory transport in Illinois.
| Service | Base Rate | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Ambulatory (Sedan/SUV) | $50–$60 | $3.00/mi after the first 3 miles |
| Wheelchair (ADA Van) | $60–$70 | $3.50/mi after the first 3 miles |
| Gurney / Stretcher (Ambulette) | $350–$400 | $6.00/mi after the first 5 miles |
About Dream Care Rides
Dream Care Rides is a licensed, insured non-emergency medical transportation provider headquartered in Olympia Fields, Illinois (NPI #1033989991), serving patients throughout Chicago, Cook County, and the greater Illinois-Indiana metro area. All pricing and operational information on this page reflects our current private pay rates and service standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gurney Transportation
What is a gurney?
A gurney is a wheeled, flat-surface medical bed used to transport patients who cannot sit upright. In a hospital, gurneys move patients between rooms, operating theaters, and diagnostic areas. In non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), a gurney refers to the stretcher system secured inside a specially equipped vehicle for road transport. The terms gurney and stretcher are used interchangeably in the NEMT industry. Dream Care Rides uses the Broda Traversa stretcher system, a purpose-built road-transport gurney with a five-point safety harness, adjustable head and knee sections, and crash-tested floor anchors.
What is a gurney used for in medical transport?
A gurney in medical transport is used for patients who must remain lying down during their trip. Common situations include post-surgical patients who cannot sit upright, patients transferring between a hospital and a skilled nursing facility, individuals with spinal conditions or injuries requiring supine positioning, patients with severe wounds or surgical sites that require horizontal positioning, and patients with advanced illness who cannot tolerate a seated position. If a patient is medically stable but cannot safely ride in a wheelchair or sedan, gurney transport is the appropriate service level. Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 to determine the right transport level for your situation.
What is the difference between a gurney and a stretcher?
In the context of non-emergency medical transportation, there is no practical difference between a gurney and a stretcher. Both terms refer to a wheeled platform that allows a patient to lie flat during transport. The word gurney is more commonly used in hospital and clinical settings, while stretcher is the standard industry term used by NEMT providers and ambulance services. Dream Care Rides provides gurney transportation and stretcher transportation as the same service at the same price: $350–$400 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles in Illinois.
How much does gurney transport cost in Chicago?
Gurney transport in Chicago costs $350–$400 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles. For a typical 10-mile gurney trip, base + loaded mileage for one leg comes to approximately $380 to $430, before surcharges and tolls. Bariatric gurney transport for patients over 300 pounds adds +$175 per leg. Weekend trips add +$50 per leg, and major holidays add a fee shown before you book. Supplemental oxygen during transport adds +$25. All prices are confirmed upfront before the ride with no hidden fees. Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and private insurance may cover gurney transport with prior authorization. Call (708) 505-6994 for your exact quote.
Is a gurney ride covered by insurance?
Many Illinois Medicaid managed-care plans cover gurney transportation when a physician certifies the patient cannot travel seated. Medicare Advantage plans often include supplemental NEMT benefits that cover gurney rides. A Physician Certification Statement (PCS) is typically required. Dream Care Rides handles prior authorization, eligibility verification, and claims submission for insured patients. For private pay patients, no authorization is needed and same-day booking is available. Call (708) 505-6994 to check your coverage.
How do I book a gurney ride in Chicago?
Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 or book online at dreamcarerides.com. Provide the patient name, pickup address, destination, appointment time, and mobility level. For Medicaid patients, our team handles prior authorization. For private pay patients, you receive an upfront price quote and can book same-day. Advance booking of 72 hours is recommended for guaranteed vehicle and crew availability, but same-day gurney transport is available for private pay patients in most cases.
Do I need a doctor's order for gurney transportation?
For Medicaid and insurance-covered gurney transport, a Physician Certification Statement (PCS) or doctor's order is generally required to confirm the patient cannot safely travel seated. Dream Care Rides can help you obtain this documentation from the treating physician. For private pay patients, a physician order is not always required but is recommended for documentation purposes. Call (708) 505-6994 and our team will guide you through the documentation process based on your payment method.
Gurney Transport by City
Need Gurney Transportation in Chicago?
Call (708) 505-6994 to speak with our dispatch team or book your gurney ride online. Same-day available for private pay.
Book Online NowO
Otse Amorighoye
Founder & CEO, Dream Care Rides
Licensed NEMT provider headquartered in Olympia Fields, IL.
Related Guides
Learn More About NEMT
NEMT in Illinois
Eligibility, coverage, and how to schedule non-emergency medical transportation across Illinois.
Read GuideNEMT Cost Guide
Typical pricing, what affects rates, and how Medicaid and private pay differ for NEMT trips.
Read GuideNon-Emergency Medical Transportation
The master NEMT pillar — service levels, fleet types, and when gurney transport is the right fit.
Read GuideRelated Services
Stretcher Transport
Ambulette service for patients who need to travel lying down
Learn moreHospital Discharge Transport
Safe, timely transport home after hospital stays
Learn moreLong-Distance Medical Transport
Interstate medical transport for out-of-area care
Learn moreBroda Chair Transport
Specialized transport for patients in Broda Traversa chairs
Learn more