Chicago Union Station
225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606
Amtrak Code: CHI
Chicago Union Station Information
The train station is located on or under 10 city blocks west of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago. The Union Station building covers a city block between Canal Street on the east, Clinton Street on the west, Adams Street on the north and Jackson Boulevard on the south. The most convenient entrance to the Amtrak portion of the station is on the east side of Canal Street (a one-way street running north) between Adams and Jackson.
Chicago ranks as the fourth busiest Amtrak station handling over 2.7 million passengers a year. With 20 tracks handling Amtrak and Metra communter trains, Union Station is the busiest station in the central portion of the US. Over 20 Amtrak trains depart daily to points nationwide.
Chicago's central location in the Amtrak network makes it the ideal international gateway for taking the train in the US. There is a Metropolitan Lounge for first class and sleeping car passangers. The Lounge provides:
Comfortable, quiet lounge seating Complimentary soft drinks and coffee Ticketing assistance Internet access
The station is open from 5:30 am to midnight daily. Although the ticket windows are open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, Quik-Trak machines are available for ticketing anytime the station is open. Checked baggage service is available from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm
Chicago Union Station Car Rentals
Hertz is conveniently located in Union Station. Enterprise, located witin two miles of the station will pick up arriving passengers with advance notice. About one mile away is National which will reimburse the renter's cab fare with a receipt. You can find out more at rental cars at Chicago Union Station. To find out more read our article on car rental at Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Union Station Arrivals
Once inside the Main Terminal, depart the boarding lounge area and follow the signs to the baggage claim on the same level. We provide more information and details on arrivals at Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Union Station Departures
Check-in for your departing train at either the Amtrak ticketing windows or the Quik-Trak machine on the Concurse Level. If you are dropped off at the Canal Street entrance (east side of the street), take the elevator or escalator down to the Concourse Level where you will find the ticketing windows on the right. We provide more information and details on departures at Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Union Station Taxis
Taxis are available one level above the Concourse Level. Follow the signs and take the escalator or elevator up one level. The taxi stand is right outside the door on Canal Street. Taxis may carry up to 9 passengers with metered rates. To find out more about the local tariffs and contact details for the local cab firms visit our information on taxis at Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Union Station Buses
Local public buses are to be found on Canal Street across the street from the taxi stand. The best course is to follow the signs and walk into the Great Hall. To the left is a staircase that will take you to the west side of canal where city buses can be boarded. If you have too much luggage, you can go up the escalator or elevator to Canal Street, go out the door and to the left and cross Canal to the bus stop. There are 16 Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus lines serving Union Station including express buses to the Muesum Area, Navy Pier and the University of Chicago. The bus costs $2.00 for a single fare or $1.75 per fare with a transit card you can order in advance. For more details on routes and timetables visit our guide to buses at Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Union Station Local Trains
The good news is that Amtrak shares Union Station with many Metra suburban lines. These Metra trains serve suburbs in all directions from the Loop. Metra stations serving other lines are a short taxi ride away. Although CTA city train service does not leave Union Station directly, the Blue Line to O'Hare Airport, Forest Park or Chicago's southwest side is available on Clinton Street two blocks south of the train station. We provide full details on routes and timetables for local trains at Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Union Station Airport Transportation
There are many different options to reach either of Chicago's major airports: O'Hare or Midway. These options range from CTA or Metra buses and trains to private limousine services. For more details on these options visit airport transportation from Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Union Station Parking
The official Union Station parking garage is located on Canal Street between Jackson Boulevard and Van Buren Street. It is connected to the Concourse Level of the train station by an underground passage. There are entrances to the station from Canal and Jackson. There are numerous parking facilities within walking distance from Union Station. For more details visit our guide to parking facilities at Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Union Station Bars & Restaurants
There are a number of restaurants and bars at Union Station For more details on the eating and drinking outlets at the station and to find out where they are located visit our guide to bars and restaurants at Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Union Station Shops
Passenger services at the station include ATMs and information desks . There are four newsstands, a flower shop and shoe repair and dry cleaners and a day spa and salon. We provide full details of locations for the shops at Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Union Station General Information
Originally designed by architect Daniel Burnham (who also designed Washington D.C's Union Station and the Flatiron Building in New York), Chicago's Union Station was one of the last public buildings created in the Beaux Arts style. Construction started in 1916 and finished in 1925. Five stories tall, the building is known for its Great Hall with its 18 Corinithian columns, terra cotta walls and pink Tennessee marble floor. We have provided more detailed information in our general information on Chicago Union Station.
Chicago Weather
For full details on the weather in Chicago and the surrounding area, as well as a 4 day forecast click on the link above.
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