1. Why Union Station Matters
Chicago Union Station (often shortened to Union Station or U‑Station) sits at the heart of the Midwest transportation network. Opened in 1925, the Beaux‑Arts masterpiece is more than a beautiful façade—it’s a high‑capacity, multimodal gateway that moves over 30 000 passengers a day (pre‑COVID numbers) and links the city to 12+ Amtrak routes, 19 Metra lines, and numerous CTA services.
If you’re a first‑time visitor, a business traveler, or a rail enthusiast, understanding how the station works—and how it dovetails with Chicago’s airports—is essential for a smooth trip. Below we break down everything you need to know:
- History & architecture
- Train services & schedules
- On‑site amenities (food, lounges, baggage, accessibility)
- Connecting transit to O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW)
- Parking, drop‑off, and ride‑share options
- Tips for a hassle‑free experience
2. Quick‑Look Fact Sheet
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Station Code | CHI (Amtrak) / Union Station (ICAO) |
| Address | 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606 |
| Opened | May 16 1925 (current building) |
| Owner / Operator | Chicago Union Station Company (private) |
| Annual Ridership | ~10‑12 million (2023) |
| Key Rail Operators | Amtrak, Metra, CTA (Bus & ‘L’), South Shore Line |
| Major Connections | CTA Red Line (Jackson), Blue Line (U‑Station), Metra (BNSF, UP)—see Table 3 |
| Airport Links | Direct CTA Blue Line to O’Hare; CTA Red Line & Metra to Midway (via “L”) |
| Accessibility | Full ADA compliance (elevators, tactile signage, accessible restrooms) |
| Wi‑Fi | Free, high‑speed throughout the concourse |
| Baggage Services | Amtrak baggage check‑in (up to 50 lb), luggage carts, lockers (limited) |
| Operating Hours | 5 am – 1 am daily (ticket windows 5 am – 11 pm) |
3. Train Services at a Glance
3.1 Amtrak – Long‑Distance & Corridor Trains
Union Station is the primary hub for Amtrak’s Midwest corridor and several long‑distance routes that cross the continent. Below is a concise schedule snapshot (2025 timetable). Times are approximate; always verify on the Amtrak website before travel.
| Route | Train # (Typical) | Frequency | Primary Stops (selected) | Approx. Travel Time to Chicago* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Zephyr | 5/6 | Daily (Westbound/Eastbound) | Denver, Salt Lake City, Reno, Emeryville (SF) | 30 hrs (west) |
| Southwest Chief | 3/4 | Daily | Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Kansas City | 32 hrs (west) |
| City of New York | 71/72 | Daily | New York Penn Station, Albany, Buffalo | 19 hrs (east) |
| Lake Shore Limited | 61/62 | Daily | Boston, New York, Albany, Cleveland | 19 hrs (east) |
| Empire Builder | 7/8 | Daily | Milwaukee, St. Paul, Seattle | 7 hrs (west) |
| Texas Eagle | 21/22 | Daily | Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Los Angeles (via connection) | 23 hrs (south) |
| Ethan Allen Express | 51/52 | Daily | Rutland, Burlington (VT) | 9 hrs (east) |
| Illinois Service (Chicago‑St. Louis) | 380/381 | 2 × daily | St. Louis, Springfield | 4 hrs |
| Illinois Service (Chicago‑Milwaukee) | 350/351 | 8 × daily | Milwaukee | 1 ½ hrs |
| Hiawatha Service (Chicago‑Seattle) | 340/341 | 6 × daily | Milwaukee, Green Bay (seasonal) | 1 ½ hrs |
*Travel times are from the origin city to Chicago; they do not include layovers or station dwell times.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling on a long‑distance route, check‑in your baggage at Union Station (up to 50 lb free, 2 × 50 lb for $25). You can also pre‑order meals through Amtrak’s “Food On‑The‑Go” to avoid the station’s limited dining options.
3.2 Metra – Commuter Rail
Metra does not directly serve Union Station, but nearby Chicago Union Station Metra Transfer Center (COTC) on the south side provides easy access to the following lines:
| Metra Line | Destination (Key Stops) | Frequency (peak/off‑peak) |
|---|---|---|
| BNSF Railway | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago (COTC) | 12 × daily (peak) |
| Union Pacific North | Kenosha (WI), Waukegan, Evanston | 7 × daily |
| Union Pacific Northwest | Elburn, Crystal Lake | 6 × daily |
| Union Pacific West | Elburn, Geneva | 4 × daily |
| South Shore Line (Northern Indiana) | South Bend, Indiana – Chicago (COTC) | 12 × daily |
Most Metra trains stop at the COTC (near the south entrance of Union Station); you can walk a short 3‑minute path to the main concourse.
3.3 CTA – ‘L’ and Bus Connections
| CTA Service | Line(s) | Destination(s) | Frequency (peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Line | Jackson (Station) | Howard (north) / 95th/Dan Ryan (south) | Every 3‑5 min |
| Blue Line | Washington (Station) | O’Hare (west) / Forest Park (south) | Every 5‑7 min |
| Brown, Orange, Pink (via bus) | Various | Suburban Loop, Midway, etc. | 5‑15 min |
| Bus Routes | #146, #151, #157, #151, etc. | Citywide and Airport shuttles | Every 10‑20 min |
The Red Line’s Jackson Station is directly connected via an underground passage to Union Station, making it the most convenient route for Midway Airport (via the Orange Line).
4. The Airport Connection Playbook
4.1 Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
| Mode | Route | Approx. Time | Cost (2025) | How to Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTA Blue Line | Union Station → O’Hare | 45 min (direct) | $2.50 (adult) | Follow Skyway signs to the “Blue Line” entrance on the south side of the station. |
| Metra + CTA | Metra BNSF to 35th‑Bronzeville‑IIT → CTA Red (Jackson) → Blue Line | 55 min | $5.00 (combined) | Use the COTC to board Metra, then walk to Jackson Red Line. |
| Ride‑Share / Taxi | Direct curbside pick‑up | 20‑30 min (depending on traffic) | $30‑$45 | Designate “Union Station – West Garage” for pickup. |
| Airport Shuttle | Private services (e.g., GO Airport) | 30 min | $15‑$20 | Reserve online; pickup at Union Station main lobby. |
Key tip: Buy a Ventra “CTA + Metra” day pass ($12) if you need both train and ‘L’ service. The Blue Line runs 24 hrs, but service frequencies drop to 10‑15 min late night.
4.2 Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
| Mode | Route | Approx. Time | Cost (2025) | How to Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTA Orange Line | Jackson (Red) → Transfer to Orange at Roosevelt | 30 min | $2.50 (adult) | Walk from Union Station to the Red Line, ride one stop to Roosevelt, change to Orange Line (direct to Midway). |
| Metra + CTA | Metra BNSF → Red Line (Jackson) → Orange Line | 35 min | $5.00 (combined) | Same as above; use Metra COTC for the commuter train. |
| Ride‑Share / Taxi | Direct curbside pickup | 15‑25 min (traffic) | $25‑$35 | Designate “Union Station – East Garage”. |
| Shuttle | Private airport shuttle (e.g., SuperShuttle) | 20‑30 min | $12‑$18 | Book in advance; pickup at Union Station lobby. |
Pro tip: The Orange Line runs 24 hrs, but after midnight service is every 30 min; plan accordingly if you have a late‑night flight.
5. On‑Site Amenities – What’s Inside Union Station?
Below is a handy table that summarizes the key services, their locations (by concourse level), and operating hours.
| Amenity | Location (Concourse) | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket Counters (Amtrak) | Main Hall (1st floor) | 5 am – 11 pm | Cash, credit, and mobile tickets accepted. |
| Amtrak Lounge (Alto Lounge) | 2nd floor, near the Grand Hall | 6 am – 9 pm (members only) | Free Wi‑Fi, refreshments; access with Amtrak Guest Rewards status. |
| Dining – Café 100 (coffee, sandwiches) | Grand Hall (1st floor) | 6 am – 8 pm | Quick bites, free Wi‑Fi. |
| Dining – Miller’s Grill (full service) | Upper Level (2nd floor) | 11 am – 9 pm | Steak, seafood, Chicago‑style fare. |
| Retail – Travel Essentials (books, travel gear) | Main Hall (1st floor) | 7 am – 9 pm | Open 7 days a week. |
| Retail – Apple Store (tech accessories) | 2nd floor | 10 am – 8 pm | Authorized Apple reseller. |
| Baggage Check‑in & Cart Rental | Near Ticket Counter (1st floor) | 5 am – 1 am | 2‑hour free cart usage; $2 per extra hour. |
| Lockers | East Wing (1st floor) | 6 am – 11 pm | Size L (up to 30 lb) – $5/day. |
| Restrooms (ADA) | Throughout concourse | 24 hrs | Family‑friendly stalls available. |
| Information Desk | Central kiosk (1st floor) | 5 am – 11 pm | Multilingual staff; maps and travel assistance. |
| Wi‑Fi | Entire building | 24 hrs (free) | Connect to “U‑Station‑Free” – no password required. |
| Parking (Garage) | West & East Garages (adjacent) | 24 hrs | Daily $30 (garage), $20 (surface). |
| Bike Share (Divvy) | Near East Entrance | 6 am – 11 pm | $3.00 for 30 min, $15/day pass. |
| Hotel Concierge (Hilton Palace) | Lobby level | 24 hrs | Check‑in/out, luggage storage for hotel guests. |
6. Parking, Drop‑Off & Ride‑Share
| Option | Location | Rate (2025) | Hours of Operation | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Garage (Underground) | Directly beneath the main entrance (South side) | $30/day (max) | 24 hrs | Ideal for short‑term pickups; elevators to concourse. |
| East Garage (Surface Lot) | Adjacent to the Metra Transfer Center | $25/day | 24 hrs | Slightly cheaper; a 2‑min walk to the Grand Hall. |
| Short‑Term Metered | Street curb on Canal & LaSalle | $2‑$5/hr | 7 am – 10 pm | Pay via the Chicago Parking App; max 2 hrs. |
| Ride‑Share Pick‑Up Zones | West garage drop‑off curb & South‑side “Ride‑Share Plaza” | Free | 24 hrs | Use the “U‑Station Ride‑Share” button in the Amtrak app to request a car. |
| Taxi Stand | Directly outside the Main Hall (North side) | $2‑$3 flat rate (from airport) | 24 hrs | Look for the “Yellow Cab” sign. |
| Car‑Share (Zipcar) | 2nd‑floor kiosk near the information desk | $8‑$12 per hour | 24 hrs | Reserve via Zipcar app; includes gas & insurance. |
Pro tip: If you’re traveling to O’Hare, park in the West Garage (closer to the Blue Line entrance) to minimize walking. For Midway, the East Garage is a better choice because it is nearer to the Red Line platform.
7. Accessibility & Assistance
- Elevators connect all levels: street, concourse, and mezzanine.
- Tactile paving guides visually‑impaired travelers from the entrance to ticket counters & platforms.
- Assistive Listening Devices are available at the main hall (ask at the information desk).
- Service Animals are welcome throughout the station; a dedicated relief area is located near the West Garage.
- Amtrak’s “Assistance Request” can be made 48 hrs before travel for wheelchair boarding or escort services.
8. Safety & Security
- 24‑hour CCTV monitoring across the concourse and parking facilities.
- U‑Station Police (private security) patrols visible at all hours.
- Emergency Call Stations located near each platform and major amenity areas.
- Bag‑Check: No mandatory screening, but security may request random inspections.
Travel tip: Keep your boarding pass and ID handy; security personnel sometimes ask for proof of travel when entering the platform area, especially after 10 pm.
9. Planning Your Journey – Sample Itineraries
9.1 Business Traveler: Chicago → O’Hare → Denver (Amtrak + Flight)
| Step | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 06:10 am | Arrive at Union Station, check baggage (Amtrak) |
| 2 | 06:30 am | Grab coffee at Café 100 |
| 3 | 07:00 am | Board Amtrak California Zephyr (train #5) to Denver (depart 07:10) |
| 4 | 12:45 pm (next day) | Arrive Denver Union Station; take Uber to Denver Airport (30 min) |
| 5 | 02:30 pm | Flight to O’Hare (3 hr) |
| 6 | 05:45 pm (local) | Arrive O’Hare, take CTA Blue Line to Union Station (45 min) |
| 7 | 06:45 pm | Check‑in at hotel (Hilton Palace) – walk‑able from Union Station |
9.2 Tourist: Chicago → Midway (Day Trip)
| Step | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 09:00 am | Enter Union Station, purchase CTA Ventra day pass ($12) |
| 2 | 09:10 am | Walk to Red Line (Jackson) – 2 min via underground passage |
| 3 | 09:20 am | Board Red Line toward 95th/Dan Ryan (5 min) |
| 4 | 09:30 am | Transfer at Roosevelt to Orange Line (direct to Midway) |
| 5 | 09:45 am | Arrive Midway; walk to “Midway Airport Mall” for breakfast |
| 6 | 12:30 pm | Return via Orange → Red → Union Station, arrive 01:15 pm |
| 7 | 02:00 pm | Explore nearby attractions: Willis Tower (15‑min walk) or the Chicago Riverwalk |
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I buy Amtrak tickets at Union Station on the day of travel? | Yes – ticket windows operate 5 am‑11 pm. For peak routes, buy early online to guarantee a seat. |
| Is there a luggage storage service for non‑travelers? | Limited lockers (size L) are available for a $5/day fee; no full‑service baggage check‑in for non‑passengers. |
| Do I need a separate ticket for the Blue Line to O’Hare? | Yes – the CTA fare is separate from Amtrak. A Ventra “single ride” ($2.50) or a day pass works. |
| What is the best way to get from Union Station to the Willis Tower? | Walk north on Canal St. (≈10 min) or take the ‘L’ Red Line from Jackson to Monroe (2 min) and exit onto S. Michigan Avenue. |
| Are there electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the garages? | The West Garage has 8 Level‑2 EV chargers (free for the first 30 min, $0.20/kWh thereafter). |
| Can I bring my bike on Amtrak trains from Union Station? | Yes, Amtrak allows two bikes per passenger (reservation required) on most routes; no extra fee for short‑haul routes. |
| What COVID‑19 measures are in place (as of 2025)? | Mask mandate lifted; optional hand‑sanitizer stations at all entrances. Air filtration meets ASHRAE 2023 standards. |
11. Pro‑Tips & Insider Hacks
- Skip the line at the ticket counter – use the Amtrak mobile app to scan your QR code at the “Self‑Serve Kiosk” (right of the main hall).
- Upgrade to the “Alto Lounge” (via Amtrak Guest Rewards) for a quiet working space, complimentary coffee, and high‑speed Wi‑Fi.
- Combine Metra + CTA in a single Ventra card – the “CTA+Metra” option automatically applies the best fare (free transfers within 2 hrs).
- Save on parking – purchase a “U‑Station Parking Pass” (weekly $120) if you’re staying more than 4 days; you’ll get a dedicated spot in the West Garage.
- Watch for “Holiday Express” trains (e.g., Christmas Eve, New Year’s) – Amtrak adds extra cars and may require a reservation for seating (especially on the Lake Shore Limited).
12. Wrap‑Up
Chicago Union Station is more than a transit hub; it’s a living piece of the city’s heritage that seamlessly blends long‑distance rail, commuter service, and airport connections. By mastering the tables above—train schedules, amenities, parking, and airport links—you’ll travel smarter, save money, and enjoy a stress‑free experience whether you’re heading east to New York, west to Seattle, or simply catching a flight out of O’Hare or Midway.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Grab a Ventra card, download the Amtrak and CTA apps, and let Union Station be your launchpad to the Heartland and beyond.
Disclaimer: All prices, schedules, and operational details are accurate as of October 2025 and subject to change. Always verify the latest information on the official Amtrak, Metra, CTA, and airport websites before travel.
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