Key Highlights
- Chicago Union Station is a primary hub in downtown Chicago, serving as a central point for both Amtrak and Metra train services.
- The city’s local transit is managed by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), which operates the famous ‘L’ train system.
- Union Station offers convenient connections to the CTA system, making it easy to travel throughout the city.
- You can access regional and national travel from Chicago Union Station, with numerous Amtrak and Metra lines converging here.
- Major CTA stations provide comprehensive coverage of the downtown area, connecting you to key destinations.
Main Train Stations in Chicago: Union Station and CTA Connections
Navigating Chicago’s extensive rail system is easier when you understand its main hubs. The city has different types of train stations for various services. For long-distance and suburban travel, Chicago Union Station on Canal Street is the primary terminal for Amtrak and Metra. This historic station stands as a central point for travelers coming into or leaving the city.
For getting around the city itself, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a network of ‘L’ train stations. These stations are spread throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods and the downtown Loop, providing rapid transit for daily commuters and visitors. Understanding how these two systems connect is key to exploring all that Chicago has to offer. Next, we will explore Union Station and major CTA stations in more detail.
1. Chicago Union Station – Hub for Amtrak and Metra Services
Chicago Union Station, located at 225 South Canal Street, is the city’s iconic gateway for regional and cross-country train travel. As the main hub for Amtrak in the Midwest, it connects passengers to destinations across the United States. It is also a critical terminal for several Metra commuter rail lines, linking downtown Chicago with its surrounding suburbs. The station’s grand architecture and bustling atmosphere make it a landmark in its own right.
For your convenience, the station offers amenities like the Metropolitan Lounge for eligible travelers and access to a nearby self-park parking garage. Drop-off and pick-up are conveniently located on the west side of Canal Street between Jackson Boulevard and Adams Street.
Union Station serves as the terminal for numerous Metra lines, making your commute or visit seamless. These lines connect various suburbs directly to the heart of the city.
| Metra Line | Description |
|---|---|
| BNSF | Connects Chicago to Aurora. |
| HC | Heritage Corridor, running to Joliet. |
| MD-N | Milwaukee District North Line, serving Fox Lake. |
| MD-W | Milwaukee District West Line, terminating in Elgin. |
| NCS | North Central Service, connecting to Antioch. |
| SWS | SouthWest Service, running to Manhattan, Illinois. |
| UP Lines | Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West lines. |
2. Major CTA ‘L’ Train Stations Connecting Downtown
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the ‘L’ system, the elevated and subway train network that keeps the city of Chicago moving. With 146 stations across eight lines, the ‘L’ is the third-busiest rapid transit system in the United States. You can find official maps and schedules on the CTA’s website to plan your trip and locate stations. The system is designed as a hub-and-spoke model, radiating from the downtown Loop to neighborhoods and suburbs.
For travelers arriving at Union Station, several nearby CTA stations offer easy transfers. The Quincy station, for example, serves the Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Express lines and is a short walk away. The Clinton station on the Blue Line also provides a direct connection for those heading toward O’Hare or Forest Park.
Key downtown CTA hubs offer connections to multiple lines, simplifying your travel within the central business district. Some of the most important transfer points include:
- Clark/Lake: A major transfer hub connecting the Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines.
- Jackson: Connects the Blue and Red lines via an underground pedway.
- Washington/Wabash: A newer station serving Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines near Millennium Station.
- Quincy: Provides access to Loop ‘L’ lines and is conveniently close to Union Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which train lines connect at Chicago Union Station and major CTA stations?
Chicago’s Union Station is the main terminal for all Amtrak routes in the region and several Metra commuter lines, including the BNSF, Heritage Corridor, and three Union Pacific lines. Major CTA stations like Clark/Lake serve as hubs for multiple ‘L’ lines, including the Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines, ensuring comprehensive city coverage.
How do I find train schedules and maps for Chicago’s Union Station and CTA stations?
For Chicago Union Station, you can find the most current train schedules on the official Amtrak and Metra websites. To get a map and schedule for the ‘L’ train system, your best resource is the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) website, which provides detailed and up-to-date travel information for all its lines.
What amenities and services are available at Chicago’s main train stations?
Chicago Union Station offers a range of amenities, including a baggage service, a taxi starter, and access to a nearby parking garage. For eligible passengers, the Metropolitan Lounge provides a quiet and comfortable space to wait. CTA stations are primarily focused on transit and typically offer fewer amenities than the larger terminals.