Chicago train help.

[Komm Suesser Tod]

Some friends and I are headed to Chicago next week for a Cubs game, and we always end up waiting on one of the parkways or expressways because of traffic, and we were trying to find some easier ways to get to the park, or at least close enough to walk.

Basically, I'm looking for anybody who knows anything about the Chicago train system, and could suggest a stop in an outer suburb we could get on that would take us into the city and close to Wrigley so we wouldn't have to drive all the way into the city.

Thanks in advance.

[falloutboy14]

I commuted into the city for college, so I might be able to help. It sounds like you're looking for Metra, here's their website. metrarail.com

Most stations charge for parking, a dollar for the day is the standard. Enter a dollar into the machine, enter your parking space #, get a ticket saying you paid.

For train tickets, it might be up to $8 each way depending on how far you're traveling. Make sure you bring cash, since the stations don't take credit cards, or at least didn't when I rode them. You can buy tickets on the train, but they'll charge extra if there's an attendant selling tickets at the station. (not every station has someone there 24/7)

That train will either take you to Ogilvie or Union station (make sure you know which one). From here I'd recommend getting a cab, it'll probably be about $15 each way. If you're planning on doing this a lot, it would make sense to figure out the CTA system, but if it's just once or twice, spend the extra $ to make sure you get there. It's about 6 miles from the stations to Wrigley.

[viperlasson]

Union station accepts credit cards now btw.

[Jaybar]

Where are you coming from? It's been said that there are two central stations in Chicago for Metra, and we won't know which you will enter unless we know departure station.

You'll be taking the Red Line on the EL from there unless you want to pay for a cab. During Wrigley games it can get pretty congested around there. The Red Line stops right next to Wrigley at the Addison stop. The EL costs like 2 bucks and some change nowadays, so it's a LOT cheaper than a cab. Also, I believe there is now credit card acceptance at some of the EL stations, but don't quote me on that. Easier to bring cash anyways.

[Tekki]

Bring cash. Sure some stuff takes CCs but enough require cash to justify it.

On topic, any of you chicagolanders have a better suggest for my commute? I've been driving up to Chicago from Lafayette at least once a week for the past month or so. I just drive up 65 to East Chicago, hop on south shore to head downtown. Free parking, cheap train ticket, and I don't fight traffic.

Anything easier? I simply looked the system map up online and plotted a course when I started making my trips.

[Komm Suesser Tod]

We're coming from Iowa, usually on the 88, I believe. I could drive there with my eyes closed, but now that I'm looking at a map, I can't remember if it's the 80 or the 88...

[isladar]

From where humans live in Iowa (though I don't know why they would) you're probably taking 88 which turns into 290 as you come into the city and right into downtown under the Post Office.

Also, while I can't give you exact routes as far as the El goes, keep in mind if you're taking the Metra in, that is run by Amtrak, and has NO AFFILIATION WITH THE CTA, so from Union Station you have to hoof it to an El station. Go go Chicago.

[Jedimasta]

From where humans live in Iowa (though I don't know why they would) you're probably taking 88 which turns into 290 as you come into the city and right into downtown under the Post Office.

Also, while I can't give you exact routes as far as the El goes, keep in mind if you're taking the Metra in, that is run by Amtrak, and has NO AFFILIATION WITH THE CTA, so from Union Station you have to hoof it to an El station. Go go Chicago.

I never understood why in fucking hell they wouldn't put a CTA station in or at least next to Union Station. Closest station is either Quincy or the blue line Clinton Stop.

[isladar]

Because what self-respecting corrupt mob-run city department is going to pussy up to Amtrak? It fucking sucks though, but I guess this is one more thing that 'builds character' about living here.

[Selamis]

The walk to the nearest red line station is maybe at most a 5-10 minute walk from Union Station, sure it sucks that you can't find something closer and make it go faster, but it's not that terrible of a walk. Like they said, take the red line L up to Addison and get off, Wrigley is about 2 or 3 blocks from the Addison stop and this will be loads cheaper than taking a cab.

[OctavoGilgamesh]

Taking a train versus driving is the way to go in Chicago. I commute frequently from Green Bay to Chicago for my job, and if the corporate plane isn't going that day or doesn't fit by schedule, I drive to Milwaukee and take the Hiawatha to Union and walk or cab to my building on the north side of the park. Even if the plane is going, Midway to my building is done by the El.

I generally love the Hiawatha train, it is mostly relaxing and almost always on time. Except for yesterday when some dude jumped in front of the train before mine and caused me a two hour delay in Racine. The El can be crowded during rush hour, and a bit ghetto during the late day, but still is safe and easy to use. Cabs on the other hand, being a guy that has to be in control of a vehicle, freak me the fuck out. They are a bit overwhelming if you aren't from a large city and don't use them frequently. Put your seatbelt on and take out the blackberry.

Not having a connection from the Union station to an El train does indeed suck as others have said. The El does go pretty far out though. If you get on at the end points of a lot of the lines you will avoid most any sort of traffic headache that could potentially happen in Chicago at anytime of the day. Check http://www.transitchicago.com/assets...tatrainmap.png for the El map. I would suggest the blue or green line El trains from Oak Park/Forest Park to a junction downtown and then the red line to Addison. 290 will get you to a station where you can park and hop on, say at Harlem on the blue line. The trip from Oak Park to Addison will probably be around an hour with the line hop if I am not mistaken.

290 can be a bit congested going into Oak/Forest Park, so just be warned. I'm not all that familiar with highway connections to the other lines.

[toqabowl]

Can do I-88 to 355S>55W, get off @ Cicero going S, and can park at either Midway or Pulaski on the Orange Line(can also get some great deep dish @ Giordano's about a block from either station^^), then transfer to Red Line @ Roosevelt going N

edit: tbh you should be going S on Roosevelt to 35th & Shields, White Sox>Cubs lol

edit2: can also do I-88>294S>55W it may be faster depending on traffic

[Selamis]

55 is North and South...he'd want 55N.

[toqabowl]

55 is North and South...he'd want 55N.

oops ya your right, my mistake.

[Arvin]

Bring cash. Sure some stuff takes CCs but enough require cash to justify it.

On topic, any of you chicagolanders have a better suggest for my commute? I've been driving up to Chicago from Lafayette at least once a week for the past month or so. I just drive up 65 to East Chicago, hop on south shore to head downtown. Free parking, cheap train ticket, and I don't fight traffic.

Anything easier? I simply looked the system map up online and plotted a course when I started making my trips.

I don't think there really is anything easier than that, honestly. I know there is an interstate, (might be I-65) that goes north to I-94/I-90? Taking the toll road would get kinda annoying though, and parking in Chicago is a pain in the fucking ass. Outside of some Metra I don't think there is anything as fast as what you currently do lol

[Jb1210a]

There's no stop closer to Wrigley than 6 miles? Am I reading this right?

[falloutboy14]

The trains that serve the Chicago-land area (up to 45-50 miles out) don't have a stop at Wrigley. The city transit system has a stop at both Wrigley and Comiskey or US Cellular w/e.

Regarding traffic on 290, everything east of where 88 merges with 290 is capable of being pure hell.

[Jb1210a]

Ok, that makes sense, Boston has a similar transit system where the commuter rail runs into north station where you can pick up the T system there.

[isladar]

Regarding traffic on 290, everything east of where 88 merges with 290 is capable of being pure hell.

Speaking of this, can anyone explain to me the Harlem Effect? No matter what time, day/night/weekend I'm on 290, traffic slows or stops at the Harlem and Austin exits, FOR NO RAISIN. Is it just because they're left exits? I DEMAND ANSWERS.

[Selamis]

I avoid 290 for that very reason unless I'm going to the United Center for Hawks games. It goes bat shit slow as fuck until you pass Harlem and then it opens up. Could be midnight and still the same thing happens, it's weird.