Chicago Union Station: Five Tips to Ease Your Way Through Chicago’s Amtrak Train Station
Chicago’s Union Station is a landmark in the Amtrak system. Completed in 1925, it served as one of the six passenger train stations in downtown Chicago. As Amtrak’s current Chicago train station, it is still an exciting place to begin or end a train trip.
Here are five tips/hints for making your visit to Chicago Union Station enjoyable:
One: If you are a coach passenger, spend as little time in the coach waiting lounges as possible. Unfortunately, the coach lounges have the feel of airport gate lounges. If your train leaves from the south lounge and it is crowded, try finding seats in the north lounge. It is often less congested.
Two: If you will be spending hours waiting for your train, spend some time in the magnificent Great Hall. This relatively little used centerpiece of Chicago’s train station has 18 Corinthian columns, terra cotta walls and pink Tennessee marble floors. The Great Hall contains comfortable benches and plenty of room to spread out. Just be back to the lounge in time to catch your train!
Three: Although the Hertz counter is conveniently located outside the boarding lounges, their rental cars are two blocks away in a garage. It is probably easier to book ahead with Enterprise or National which we either pick you up at the front door of the train station or reimburse your taxi fare. You will be serviced at their facilities and will not have to face Chicago’s weather to pick up your car.
Four: Speaking of front door, there are many entrances to Chicago Union Station. If you drive to the address listed for the train station, you will see a beautiful building created in the Beaux Arts style that has a sign saying “Union Station” on it. Do not enter this building if you are an Amtrak passenger! Across Canal Street from the main building you will see a sign for the most convenient Amtrak entrance. Also, shuttle buses and taxis are available at this entrance.
Five: If you have time, don’t miss sampling Chicago’s great cuisine. On the mezzanine level there is a food court that serves Chicago hot dogs, barbecue and pizza. Between the boarding lounges and the Great Hall is a café and bar with good food. If you have time to leave the station, check out Wishbone for American food, the Parthenon for Greek food or Giordano’s for excellent Chicago pizza.
About the Author
Charles Self is the editor of the Amtrak Train Stations Across America website. At http://www.passengertraininfo.com/chicago.aspx you will find additional information on navigating Chicago Union Station and other Amtrak train stations.
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