Chicago Union Railway Station

Chicago Union Station is the third busiest railway station in the USA and a majestic monument of Beaux-Arts architecture. Located in the very centre of Chicago, this transport hub serves tens of thousands of passengers daily, connecting the city with hundreds of destinations across the country via the Amtrak network and Metra commuter trains. The Great Hall, with its soaring vaulted ceiling and marble floors, makes a lasting impression on every traveller.

For ease of navigation, it is important to remember that the station occupies an entire city block. The main historic entrance is located on Canal Street, leading into the magnificent Great Hall. However, most trains depart from the underground level, accessible via entrances on Jackson Boulevard and Adams Street. Platforms are divided into North (odd numbers) and South (even numbers), so watch the information boards closely. Transfers between Amtrak and Metra lines take place within a single complex, making the journey as comfortable as possible.

• Official Website: chicagounionstation.com
• Address: 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
• Information Phone (Amtrak): +1-800-872-7245
• Opening Hours: the building is open daily from 05:00 to 01:00 (ticket office hours may vary)
• Luggage Storage: Parcel Check service is available for ticketed passengers (fee applies)
• Accessibility: the station is fully equipped with lifts and ramps for passengers with reduced mobility

Getting to Chicago Union Station is effortless, as it is perfectly integrated into the city's transport system. If you use the metro (CTA "L"), the nearest station is Clinton (Blue Line), located just two blocks south (about a 5-minute walk). The station Quincy/Wells (Orange, Brown, Pink, and Purple lines) is located approximately 3 blocks east, which will take about 7–10 minutes of walking across the Chicago River.

For those who prefer buses, numerous CTA routes stop right at the station entrances. A taxi or Uber ride from the city centre (The Loop) will take 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. If you are travelling from O’Hare Airport by metro (Blue Line), expect a journey of approximately 50–60 minutes. A walk from popular downtown hotels will take between 15 and 25 minutes and allow you to enjoy views of the skyscrapers.

The station provides a full range of services for a comfortable wait. The building houses Amtrak and Metra ticket offices, as well as numerous Quik-Trak self-service terminals for quick ticket printing. Free Wi-Fi is available for all visitors, allowing you to stay connected. Business class and sleeper car passengers can utilise the exclusive Metropolitan Lounge with soft armchairs, beverages, and priority boarding.

For traveller convenience, paid luggage storage is provided in the baggage claim area. The station premises feature clean toilets, mother-and-child rooms, and ATMs. Special attention is paid to passengers with disabilities: the Red Cap service (assistance with luggage and boarding) operates and can be requested at information desks.

It is difficult to stay hungry at Union Station: a diverse selection of establishments is located on the mezzanine level (Food Court) and in the main hall. For a quick snack before departure, chain cafes such as McDonald’s, Dunkin’, or Jersey Mike’s Subs are excellent choices. If you need an energy boost, you will find several Starbucks outlets and local coffee shops.

The average bill for lunch will be around 10–15 US dollars. For those with time to spare, there are full-service restaurants within the historic building and nearby where you can dine at a leisurely pace. Most dining outlets operate from early morning until evening, but please note that late at night, choices may be limited to vending machines only.

The history of Chicago Union Station began in 1925, when it opened its doors after ten years of construction. The project was conceived by legendary urban planner Daniel Burnham but completed by his successors after the architect's passing. The station was intended to unite several scattered terminals and become a symbol of the power of the US railway industry of that time.

The building became famous for its Great Hall covering an area of over 1,800 square metres with massive Corinthian columns and a huge skylight at a height of 34 metres. The station has repeatedly been a hero of feature films; the most famous scene is the shootout on the stairs in the movie "The Untouchables". In the 2010s, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out, restoring the historic brilliance of the skylight and modernising passenger areas while preserving the unique historical appearance.

The main advice for passengers is to arrive early, at least 30–45 minutes before train departure, especially if you need to check luggage. Boarding for Amtrak trains usually begins 15–20 minutes prior, and queues can be long. Listen carefully to announcements and watch the information boards: departure gates may change at the last moment.

Regarding security, the station is well-guarded by Amtrak police, but as in any major transport hub, do not leave belongings unattended. If you have a long overnight layover, keep in mind that not all waiting areas operate at night, and access to the building may be restricted to passengers with valid tickets only. For convenience, download the carrier’s app to have your electronic ticket at hand.