Train

Train Travel to Chicago

Amtrak

Chicago's Union Station is a major hub for Amtrak with connections to many cities across the United States. The station serves as a terminal for both long-distance trains and regional services.

Union Station Details

Address: 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
Distance from conference venue: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km), 10 minutes by car or 25 minutes walking
Website: Amtrak - Chicago Union Station

Transportation from Union Station to the Conference Venue:

  • Taxi/Rideshare: ~$10-15, approximately 10 minutes depending on traffic
  • Public Transit: CTA buses run frequently between Union Station and the River North area
  • Walking: Approximately 25-30 minutes walking distance (1.5 miles) through downtown Chicago

Metra Commuter Rail

Metra provides commuter rail service throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Depending on where you're coming from in the suburbs, different Metra lines serve different stations in downtown Chicago:

  • Union Station: BNSF, HC, MD-N, MD-W, NCS, and SWS lines
  • Ogilvie Transportation Center: UP-N, UP-NW, and UP-W lines
  • Millennium Station: ME line
  • LaSalle Street Station: RI and SSL lines

All downtown Metra stations are within reasonable distance to the conference venue by taxi, rideshare, or public transit.

Tips for Train Travel

  • Book Amtrak tickets in advance for better prices and seat availability
  • Consider the Amtrak mobile app for e-tickets and train status updates
  • Union Station has multiple exits - use the Canal Street exit for rideshare pickups
  • During peak commuting hours, expect more crowded conditions on Metra trains