Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? Its well worth the $10-per-bag charge to check my bags during a layover as it ensures the ease of getting around town hands-free. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 9 Things To Do On A Layover At Chicago's Union Station Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels in Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels in Chicago, Hotels near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Hotels near Museum of Science and Industry, Hotels near Harold Washington Library State/Van Buren, Hotels near Soma Massage School Chicago, IL, Hotels near Illinois School of Health Careers, Hotels near The Institute for Clinical Social Work, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Chicago, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Gage Park, The Art Institute of Chicago: Tickets & Tours, Museum of Science and Industry: Tickets & Tours, 360 Chicago Observation Deck: Tickets & Tours, Chicago Cultural Center: Tickets & Tours, Richard H. Driehaus Museum: Tickets & Tours, Garfield Park Conservatory: Tickets & Tours, Two-Person BARRETT 50 BMG and AK-47 Package, Tamarindo Snorkel & Sunset Cruise with Lunch, Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh, Vatican, Sistine & St. Peter's Basilica Skip The Line & Small Group, Acetaia Cavedoni Balsamic Vinegar Tour Oldest Balsamic Vinegar Company in Modena, San Sebastian del Oeste 'Magic Town' from Puerto Vallarta, See all 5 Union Station tours on Tripadvisor, See all Union Station experiences on Tripadvisor, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown, Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown, an IHG Hotel, View all hotels near Union Station on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Union Station on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Union Station on Tripadvisor. Chicago Transit Authority ('L' Trains & Buses) Greyhound; Other Transportation. The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. We came here to catch the Empire Builder Amtrak train to Seattle but I've always wanted to visit this station just to see its beauty in person. Explore different ways to experience this place. Chicago Union Station is the size of nearly 10 city blocks, is the third-busiest rail terminal in the United States, and is Amtraks overall fourth busiest station, serving about 140,000 passengers on an average weekday. We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station. These are free. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. What else is there to do near Union Station? Step foot near Union Station during rush hour, and you'll witness how many Chicagoans depend on Metra and Amtrak trains to get them in and out of the city. Hi, just want to check if the luggage storage is still available currently. The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41527197', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. By the way Merlot, Since you are taking the Southwest Chief you might want to go to the train travel forum and do a search there for info on your train. The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. What day of the week and what time of day is your layover? In the downtown area (The Loop) the pizza place listed in The Thousand Places To See Before You Die book is the Exchequer: http://www.exchequerpub.com/ (The name comes from the fact that it is next door to a law school.). If you are really into architecture, and Chicago is world famous for its, I would recommend perusing this site for all kinds of tours and other info. We who live in Chicago wouldn't dream of calling it Willisor Willie. All rights reserved. The Great Hall with its soaring glass ceilings was quite spectacular. Everyone's suggestions are really good. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We found 1,458 things to do for you near Union Station Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower 17,712 Reviews 233 S Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd (south side of building), Chicago, IL 60606-7147 7 minutes from Union Station Experiences from 439 See 35 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,055 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 7 minutes from Union Station With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. There's a trip planner tool on the homepage of - http://www.transitchicago.com/, http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g35805-i32-k5480757-Union_Station_LAYOVER_Help_for_Amtrak_Trip-Chicago_Illinois.html. Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. I use it always. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. When traveling within Chicago near Union Station, you may be close to some bus stations: CTA - 47th and Lake Park Terminal, CTA Bus Stop 1313, or Cta Bus . After grabbing my luggage from the train, my first course of action was obvious: Follow the hoard of passengers from the tracks to the station. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. We found 1,456 things to do for you near Union Station Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower 17,661 Reviews 233 S Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd (south side of building), Chicago, IL 60606-7147 7 minutes from Union Station Experiences from $11 See 39 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,034 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 7 minutes from Union Station Specialties: We are proud to bring together a unique collection of local vendors that were hand selected for their individual passions and high-quality products. We already have this email. We explored the Great Hall and told our grandchildren about the Ubtouchables staircase and Elliot Ness, and took photos in front of a facsimile of the real Polar Express train engine. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? Hotels near Chicago Union Station Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. $16.77 $12.00. =). Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Premier Chicago River Architectural Lunch Cruise, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour, Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Architecture Walking Tour, 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile, 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour, The Escape Game Chicago: Epic 60-Minute Adventures. Dining, Retail & Amenities | Chicago Union Station If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I saw a sign that said the escalator would take me to the street, so I loaded my bounty of luggage onto the escalator, walked outside the door to the street, turned around, walked back in, and went down the escalator again. During my first train trip from Kansas City to Washington, D.C., I arrived in Chicagos Union Station on my first layover with several hours to fill before departing. And then our sons went by train one time and had an easy and nice ride. Rmrmber to be back at the station one hour before train time to check in with the Conductor and get your Boarding Pass. The staff there are super helpful and can show you where to take luggage. I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. Here's a map to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty. The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. The Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station Founded in 1879, the Art Institute is one of the oldest art museums in the U.S. and boasts the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art outside the Louvre. Try another? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It's less than half a mile from Union Station. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. The artwork was eye pleasing and there are windows to look out to the Great Hall. Established . Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. Traveling to San Francisco via Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago will take you through two mountain ranges; along the way, you can relax and watch bald eagles soar over . It's kind of a giant food court. Union Station and the Metropolitan Lounge. Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago, located just 12 minutes' walk from Chicago Union Station, is a 4-star hotel offering property cleaning with disinfectant, linens washed at a temperature of at least 60C/140F, and contactless check-in.If you're looking for a more affordable option, Hotel Chicago West Loop is a 2.5-star hotel offering enhanced cleaning measures that is 28 minutes walk from the . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. Loading happens quickly and you should try to have luggage you can manage well and move quickly with. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago - Tripadvisor Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. Inside the station, be sure to take in the Grand Staircases in the Great Hall, made famous by the movie The Untouchables. We were shuttled to our train car at the appropiate time, and helped with our luggage. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The station is located a short walk from Downtown Chicago and several famous attractions, such as The Loop and Art Institute of Chicago Chicago Riverwalk: at an 8-minute drive from the Union Station, Chicago Riverwalk is the perfect place to make the most of your vacation. Chicago around Union station - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Go international with our nine tips for traveling Europe by rail. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. Alternatively, you may use, Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels in Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels in Chicago, Hotels near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Hotels near Museum of Science and Industry, Restaurants near Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop, Restaurants near Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown West Loop, Restaurants near La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown, Restaurants near Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Restaurants near Corporate Suites Network at Presidential Towers, Restaurants near Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Loop, Restaurants near Hyatt Place Chicago / Downtown - The Loop, Restaurants near Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop, Restaurants near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Restaurants near Old St. Patrick's Church, Restaurants near Chicago Prohibition Tours, Restaurants near Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank, Restaurants near Columbia College Chicago, Restaurants near Loyola University Chicago, Restaurants near Chicago State University, Restaurants near Northeastern Illinois University, Restaurants near University of Illinois at Chicago, Restaurants near National Louis University, Restaurants near Illinois Institute of Technology. Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. There's a lot of good food to be had there, quite a few of the stands are outposts of good restaurants in the city. !" 11/06/2022 Cuisines: Bar Diner Pub Find a table Pret A Manger Be the first to review this restaurant 225 S Canal St Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. We recommend booking Union Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. The station is located at 225 S Canal St and the west side of the Chicago River between Adams Street and West Jackson Boulevard very close to the city center and just next to the Chicago Greyhound Bus station. And since you have 6 hours, if you are into Architecture, you might want to take a taxi to Oak Park to see some of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes and his house.