Chicago Amtrak Station (CHI)

Chicago Union Station is a busy and beautiful train station right in the heart of the city. It’s the main hub for Amtrak and Metra trains, making travel around Chicago and beyond easy and convenient. The station is known for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and comfortable waiting areas for travelers. Located at 255 South Clinton Street, Chicago, IL 60606-5702, it’s a central spot for both locals and visitors. Whether you are catching a train or just exploring, Chicago Amtrak Station is a key part of the city’s transportation scene.

Location and Contact Info for Chicago, IL – Union Station

You can find the Chicago Amtrak station at 255 South Clinton Street, Chicago, IL 60606-5702. This station is a convenient point for travelers heading in different directions, making journeys easier and more efficient.

If you require any assistance or want more details about the Chicago station’s services, here’s the address and contact information to help ensure a comfortable and seamless travel experience.

Chicago Union Station Address	255 South Clinton Street, Chicago, IL 60606-5702
Station Code	CHI
Contact Number	1-800-872-7245
Ticketing Hours	Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM to 9:20 PM
Official Website	www.amtrak.com/home
Facebook	www.facebook.com/Amtrak
Instagram	www.instagram.com/amtrak/
X (Twitter)	x.com/Amtrak
YouTube	www.youtube.com/amtrak

Routes Serving Chicago Amtrak Station

Chicago’s Union Station is a major hub with many train routes, both long-distance and regional.

For those traveling across the country, there are several famous long-distance trains, like:

• The California Zephyr, heading to the West Coast near San Francisco.
• The Southwest Chief goes all the way to Los Angeles.
• The Empire Builder, which takes you to Seattle or Portland.
• The City of New Orleans, traveling down to New Orleans.
• The Capitol Limited, heading to Washington, D.C.
• The Cardinal, going to New York and D.C.
• The Lakeshore Limited, traveling to Boston and New York.
• The Texas Eagle, which goes to Texas and also connects to Los Angeles.
• The Floridian, taking passengers to Miami.

Besides these long-distance options, there are many regional routes connecting Chicago to nearby cities:

• The Borealis runs between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul.
• The Blue Water goes to Port Huron, Michigan.
• The Hiawatha links Chicago to Milwaukee.
• The Lincoln Service takes passengers to St. Louis.
• The Pere Marquette connects Chicago with Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• The Wolverine route goes to Pontiac and other parts of Michigan.
• The Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr serve Quincy, Illinois.
• The Illini and Saluki routes take travelers to southern Illinois, including Carbondale.
• The Missouri River Runner links Chicago to Kansas City.

This list gives you a good idea of all the places you can reach from Chicago’s Union Station, whether you are heading across the country or just exploring nearby.

All Amtrak stations situated across the United States.

Schedule Details of Chicago, IL Union Station

Chicago Union Station offers frequent train arrivals and departures throughout the day, making it a convenient hub for travelers. Here are the typical schedule details:

Arrival Schedule:

• Trains typically arrive at Union Station throughout the day, with peak times generally in the morning and late afternoon.
• The earliest arrivals usually start around 5:00 AM, providing options for early morning travelers.
• The latest arrivals are often around 10:00 PM, accommodating overnight and late-night services.

Departure Schedule:

• Departures from Union Station begin as early as 4:30 AM, catering to early risers and commuters.
• The majority of trains leave between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM, offering plenty of options for daily travelers.
• Evening departures tend to taper off around 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
• For precise departure times and to plan your trip accordingly, consulting the timetable for your specific train is advisable.

Note: Always check the latest schedule updates before your journey, as times may change due to seasonal adjustments or operational considerations.

To obtain the most up-to-date schedule, follow these steps:

• Go to the official website of Union Station or the Amtrak website. It’s the best place to find the latest schedule information.
• If you have a smartphone, download the Amtrak app. Most apps have real-time schedules and updates.
• You can always give the station a quick call. The staff can provide the latest departure and arrival times.
• When you are already at Union Station, look for schedule boards or info counters. They usually have the most current information.
• Some services offer alerts or updates via email or text. Sign up if you want to stay informed about any changes.
• Always double-check your schedule a day before your trip, just to be sure there have not been any last-minute updates.

Services and Amenities Offered at Chicago Union Station

Chicago Union Station is dedicated to providing travelers with a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here’s a quick overview of the services and amenities available to make your trip easier and more comfortable.

Staff and Customer Services

• There are friendly staff members on hand to help you.
• You can buy tickets at the ticket sales office or use the ticketing kiosks.
• Unaccompanied children are allowed to travel.

Facilities and Comforts

• The Chicago Station is fully staffed, and restrooms are available for travelers.
• An ATM is on-site if you need cash.
• Vending machines are there for snacks and drinks.
• The Metropolitan Lounge offers a comfortable place to relax.

Connectivity and Convenience

• Free Wi-Fi is available on the Amtrak network.
• Payphones are provided if you need to make a call.
• Boarding gates close 5 minutes before your train departs.

Baggage and Storage

• Checked baggage service is available to make your travel easier.
• Baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps staff.
• You can buy bike boxes if you want to bring your bicycle.
• Bag storage options are available.
• Shipping boxes for sending items are also sold at the Chicago Amtrak Station.

Accessibility and Assistance

• The Chicago Union Station is accessible to everyone:
• Accessible platform and restrooms.
• The ticket office is wheelchair accessible.
• Wheelchairs are available for those who need them.
• A wheelchair lift is on-site to help with boarding.

Parking

• Please note, there is no parking available at Chicago, IL Union Station.

Nearby Parking and Ground Transportation Options at Chicago Union Station

While Chicago Union Station does not have its own parking lot, there are several nearby garages and parking services where you can leave your car. These options are just a short walk away, making it easy to access the station once you’ve parked.

Parking Options Close to Union Station

• 320 S Canal St Garage: Just a 2-minute walk from the station.
• 525 W Monroe St Garage: Also about a 2-minute walk away.
• 500 W Monroe St Garage: Slightly farther, around a 4-minute walk.
• 229 S Desplaines St Garage (at 625 W Adams Building): About a 5-minute walk from Union Station.

You can also use apps like SpotHero or SpotAngels to find and reserve parking spaces in advance, which can save you time and help plan your trip better.

Ground Transportation at Chicago Union Station

• Amtrak: The station serves as a key hub for Amtrak trains, connecting you to many cities across the country.
• Metra Commuter Rail: Several Metra lines (BNSF, Heritage Corridor, Milwaukee District North and West, North Central Service, and Southwest Service) run from Union Station to Chicago suburbs and nearby areas.
• CTA ‘L’ Trains: While no CTA train stops directly inside the station, you can find nearby stations within a short walk.
• Clinton Station (Blue Line): Just two blocks south on Clinton Street, offering direct access to O’Hare Airport.
• Quincy Station (Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple Lines): About a 5-6 minute walk; the Orange Line here goes straight to Midway International Airport.
• Bus Services: Several CTA bus routes serve the Union Station Transit Center, including routes 1, 7, 28, 60, 121, 124, 125, 126, 128, 151, 156, and 157.
• Intercity Buses: Greyhound buses also depart from the Union Station Transit Center.
• Taxis and Rideshares: A taxi stand is available on the west side of Canal Street at the station. Rideshare options like Uber and Lyft are available 24/7, just use the app to request a ride whenever you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions