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Union Station

Union Station

Union Station
4
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
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Top ways to experience Union Station and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Neighbourhood: West Loop
Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. The neighborhood is best known as the location of Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios, but this downtown neighborhood is also an up-and-coming spot for Chicago’s trendsetters. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. If your timing is right, you can take part in neighborhood events like the West Loop Farmers Market, Craft Beer Fest, or the Randolph Street Market Festival.
How to get there
  • Chicago Union Station • 1 min walk
  • Clinton • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • William S
    San Francisco, California712 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Needs Supervision
    Union Station in the Windy City is good. .Sushi, fresh and tasty. Exception was the fried calamari. Old, crusty, and dipped and tasted like brown-paper-bag coating. Couldn’t eat it. An embarrassment for the manager. Service was a bit aggressive touting the high-end menu items. Its expensive so be prepared. But most of the food is acceptable. You be the judge.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 October 2023
  • David L
    West Des Moines, Iowa193 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A good place between trains
    Union Station Chicago We had a six hour layover here between Amtrak trains. We had access to the Metropolitan Lounge. They provided free soft drinks and numerous snacks. A very neat and clean place away from the noise and station crowds. If you get the opportunity and have excess amount of time, there is no better place to wait. The attendant at the front entrance to the lounge was exceptionally informative and pleasant. This building had beautiful architecture.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 November 2023
  • ken k
    Onsted, Michigan4,082 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good Amtrak tips
    The station is clean and the great room is beautiful. 1. Canal street is closed, pick up ride share at Jackson and Canal, go left out of main door for Jackson. 2. Business class no longer get free lounge access, you will need either to pay $30 per person or 1500 Amtrak points per person. 3. You again are herded to the Great Room to wait for your train to be called for all non-business class. The seats by the gates have been removed. There is a small store on the lower level to the left of the escalators. 4. All ticket holders after entering the station from Canal street, go down the escalator and to the right to the Great Room. The lounge is on the left just before entering the Great Room. 5. There are plenty of personal around if you get lost or have a question. 6. When departing Union Station on Canal Street, go to the left for Jackson street 6
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 November 2023
  • AMJ
    139 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful building
    I took my first Amtrak ride which ended at Union Station. Very pretty main hall, not as large as I thought it would be. A bit confusing, but there were friendly staff to direct me to the outside area to order a rideshare.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 10 May 2024
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chicago Station was restored to former glory
    Chicago's Union Station was restored to its former glory in 2018. We arrived here by train from New York City. There's a 67-meter (220 feet) area used to access the trains. The ceiling is impressive, it's 35 meters (115 feet) tall. Access to the city is convenient.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 June 2024
  • Eva T
    United Kingdom5,655 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great building, not great organized red cap assistance
    We arrived with Amtrak after 5pm from NY instead of 10am due to the result of a tornado which brought several trees down on the track. So we didn't look around too much as wanted to have a rest in the hotel after 35 hours journey knowing we will see the hall when we will leave for Denver. There is some work going in front of the building and the area is fenced so we entered from the side. It was amazing - we did look down from the first floor to huge tall hall full of people sitting on rows of benches. While sitting and waiting for our train we saw that the building is used by wedding photographer and bride and groom. Near the time to the departure of our train we asked for assistance because I used stick to help me walking (I have bad knees) and we were asked to wait in the designated room. Then we did hear an anouncement that the passengers to our train should start boarding but we still did wait in red cap assistance room as we were asked to do. There was only one member of staff giving assistance and he still helped passengers of another train. Then suddenly female member of staff came and said we should urgently walk to the train as it will not wait. I started panic as I thought we will not make it with me walking very slowly and loosing time waiting for assistance. Another female staff saw my face and suddenly came with a wheelchair and literally run with me and our luggages to the platform which had already closed. She explained what happened to 2 guys at the door who opened them and she brought us to the train. It was very stressfull. They need better co-ordination at assistance. So we enjoyed the building but ending our stay at the station with stress.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 June 2024
  • Disneybus
    Pittsgrove, New Jersey984 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Confusing navigating through the abyss of the station, but the Great Room is "Great," and visit the staircase!
    After arriving on the Zephyr, my wife and I had a rough time traversing thought the subterranean maze, collecting our suitcases, and exiting to find Ubers. There's lots of construction in the abyss, and as such there's little helpful signage and direction. It was difficult for us as seasoned travelers; we did ask questions multiple times and finally found our way to street level. I was excited seeing the famous staircase filmed in the Untouchables where Kevin Costner and Andy Garcia captured the bookkeeper! Of course I couldn't resist reenacting the scene - "Got him"
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 June 2024
  • ken k
    Onsted, Michigan4,082 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Construction Inside and Out
    First of all Canal street is closed. Uber and taxi in front of Fitness place on Jackson and Canal, go left from canal street entrance. Escalators are down so take stairs or elevator. There are plenty of people directing people traffic but it’s a zoo. Come early.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 June 2024
  • Brad C
    18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was connecting from Chicago to go back to California after visiting family on a three day stay this train station is a
    Nothing gets old about Chicago Union Station, each time I come to this magnificent station. There’s always something new. You’ve got multiple transportation options, you’ve got Amtrak in city trans coming in from the Portland/Seattle Minneapolis, St. Paul, San Antonio, San Francisco, Bay Area it’s just amazing place
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 17 June 2024
  • LMKaz
    Melbourne, Florida51 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely Day in Chicago
    My husband & I enjoyed riding the Metra from Mundelein (payment for parking was cash 75 cents at the vending machine) to the Union Station using the Ventra app for our train tickets. Seats were comfortable and the stops were quick. We walked to South Branch Tavern for a nice meal and saved room for a shared dessert (PB/Snickers/Oreo concoction). Be sure to use the restroom as there are no public places as we walked around. Then we walked to the marina to board the 90 minute architectural tour (had to reserve our tickets - I used a Groupon a week in advance) that we enjoyed under a hot sun (use sunscreen and dress accordingly!) Learned a lot! Walked back to the Union Station - used the restrooms there - (we had to ask for directions). Took a 'quiet car' back to the parking area. Glad we did it!
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 31 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,161 reviews
Excellent
424
Very good
461
Average
191
Poor
50
Terrible
35

David M
Chicago, IL5 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Solo
They need real working security at the union station I find many unmasked trouble makers also homeless asking for money in the mornings you have crack heads Asking for money. I whiteness employees at the McDonald’s twice a year giving these workers a hard time. Do your job security your very poor at it ..
Written 16 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TheLeongOhana
United States7,575 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
While killing time before heading to O’hare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station.

Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street.

The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside.

The Great Hall with its soaring glass ceilings was quite spectacular. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches.

As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. I did pass by a number of plaques (National Historic Railroad Landmarks, Great Public Spaces and American Institute of Architecture) recognizing the importance of this Station.

On the Mezzanine level there were some fast food options like Starbucks, Jersey Mikes.

Overall a nice place to visit or spend some extra time before or after your Amtrak or Metra train, the L or bus ride.
Written 18 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KBrannan
Peoria, IL120 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Why oh why can the Lincoln Service Line never be on time? I’ve travelled it several times a year for 20 years north and south. It is consistently inconsistent. Trains in Europe manage to be on time? This line between Chicago and Springfield is frequently 1-2 hours late on a regular basis.

It feels as though the Amtrak staff don’t care, and have grown complacent. One can seemingly never rely upon it for business or personal travel.

A federally subsidized, unionized work environment seems to make for an inefficient operation. No accountability.

Up for a day in Chicago on Valentine’s Day. An hour late going up, and 3 hours late coming back. Our passenger train service is broken in Illinois.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rachel W
Detroit, MI368 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2021 • Family
Trains board quickly. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. Loading happens quickly and you should try to have luggage you can manage well and move quickly with. The station is huge and has many gorgeous areas.
Written 29 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TobyRyane
Hart, MI116 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
I have been there a couple times, but this most recent was the longest I had spent there. If you want to see the architecture, then by all means you must go. The Grand Hallway is beautiful! If you are traveling thru only, just know it's big, busy and a bit confusing to navigate. And it's hard to find anyone to get directions from. Avoid the food court during rush hours, if possible, because commuters are running through to catch their trains. I tried to walk thru at 3:30-4:00 p.m. and could barely get out of their way. Not sure what time it slows down as I avoided the area after that. If at all possible go into the Metropolitan Area waiting room. Passengers that have sleepers and also business class can use it. It's clean and a lot more private than the rest of the station. They also have restrooms, showers and a place to store luggage. They will call you when it's time to board your train, too. They have very light snacks... nothing much. But it's much nicer than having to wait for hours in another part of the station.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DLRC08
Chesterton, IN7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Family
We had purchased tickets weeks in advance, paid for a hotel room and made holiday plans for our 5 year old to ride the Polar Express. With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. No later train option, no accommodation, only that we would have a chance to ride AFTER Christmas. Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. Would never recommend, terrible.
Written 20 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MNice
Bloomington, MN5,411 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
We rode the Amtrak Empire Builder down and back from Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota. Only our second time riding inter-city rail service in the United States. We came into Union Station on an 80 degree day in April and your first impression of the station is semi-underground with unattractive platforms dimly lit, poorly marked and permeated with the smell of diesel smoke. All part of the rail experience you might say. Of course, in the history of the United States, the rails converged upon Chicago in order to circumvent the Great Lakes and also was the beginning of the gateway to the East Coast of the United States. This grand old station has welcomed millions over the last centuries to the architectural heights of one of the greatest American cities. Worn by time, trains, and a lack of upkeep, it is somewhat of a confusing series of hallways and rooms which require a bit of concentration to find the way out. Getting in is a bit easier if you come in the door marked “main entrance.” We walked by this giant place a few times while we were in Chicago and some doors are marked with no access to Amtrak. There’s a place called the Great Hall, but we never actually saw it, we were relegated to the Amtrak dungeon. We never really got lost here, but we only found our departure gate by following the Empire Builder signs. Unfortunately, we pushed on a large glass door to get out to the platform that made a massive screeching sound and were immediately admonished by the Amtrak guy who did the same ritual with several other unsuspecting guests. The line for Minneapolis/St Paul is not marked and to make it more confusing, the train for Milwaukee is in a different line behind the blue line. It’s confusing because the train we are going on also stops in Milwaukee and none of the electronic signs work next to their corresponding gates.

There is another station for the local Metra trains just to the North of the Union Station. Although Amtrak and the local trains use the same tracks we thought there was another station for the local trains. When we arrived and departed from Union Station we found the Metra Trains coming in next to the Amtrak Trains. Fortunately, we never had to broach the subject of transferring to a local train, but there is a way to do it and then you have access to virtually the entire city. Chicago has an amazing mass transit system, but like the Union Station, it’s old, dirty, and seems like it could use more than a little updating.

We had a great experience on the train, but the Union Station is not like flying into a large, unfamiliar airport. The electronics are rickety, signage confusing and requires turns and never quite knowing where you will come out. If you want to get the best overview of the freight and passenger rail in Chicago, go up into the Willis Tower Skywalk and you will see the vastness of this rail network.
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sachin0408
Bengaluru, India897 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The Union Station is one of the most grand and awesome train station that I have ever come across. Its pristine, clean and well maintained.

I was here last December when I was walking towards the Willis Tower to witness the city atop the Skydeck. My friend was here from Macamb and we both visited the Willis Tower for the skydeck from here. It was then that I got the chance to enter and view the magnificient marvel called Union Station. Definietly worth a visit.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LMKaz
Melbourne, FL51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2024 • Couples
My husband & I enjoyed riding the Metra from Mundelein (payment for parking was cash 75 cents at the vending machine) to the Union Station using the Ventra app for our train tickets. Seats were comfortable and the stops were quick. We walked to South Branch Tavern for a nice meal and saved room for a shared dessert (PB/Snickers/Oreo concoction). Be sure to use the restroom as there are no public places as we walked around. Then we walked to the marina to board the 90 minute architectural tour (had to reserve our tickets - I used a Groupon a week in advance) that we enjoyed under a hot sun (use sunscreen and dress accordingly!) Learned a lot! Walked back to the Union Station - used the restrooms there - (we had to ask for directions). Took a 'quiet car' back to the parking area. Glad we did it!
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eva T
United Kingdom5,655 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2024 • Couples
We arrived with Amtrak after 5pm from NY instead of 10am due to the result of a tornado which brought several trees down on the track. So we didn't look around too much as wanted to have a rest in the hotel after 35 hours journey knowing we will see the hall when we will leave for Denver. There is some work going in front of the building and the area is fenced so we entered from the side. It was amazing - we did look down from the first floor to huge tall hall full of people sitting on rows of benches. While sitting and waiting for our train we saw that the building is used by wedding photographer and bride and groom. Near the time to the departure of our train we asked for assistance because I used stick to help me walking (I have bad knees) and we were asked to wait in the designated room. Then we did hear an anouncement that the passengers to our train should start boarding but we still did wait in red cap assistance room as we were asked to do. There was only one member of staff giving assistance and he still helped passengers of another train. Then suddenly female member of staff came and said we should urgently walk to the train as it will not wait. I started panic as I thought we will not make it with me walking very slowly and loosing time waiting for assistance. Another female staff saw my face and suddenly came with a wheelchair and literally run with me and our luggages to the platform which had already closed. She explained what happened to 2 guys at the door who opened them and she brought us to the train. It was very stressfull. They need better co-ordination at assistance. So we enjoyed the building but ending our stay at the station with stress.
Written 4 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Union Station - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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