How to get to downtown Chicago?

Question

I will be visiting downtown Chicago but will be staying in Schaumburg. I was wondering what the best method for getting to downtown would be. I was thinking about driving to a park and ride and then taking the blue line to downtown; however, I do not know which park and ride or how quickly they fill up (it looks like they have very limited slots). I'd really rather not drive downtown because I have heard it is an absolute headache. Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi Lauren F,

I lived in Arlington Heights,Ill. for 12 years & my youngest son resides trhere now, we would park about a block from the station & walk over & catch the train. Just make sure you don't park on a posted no parking street. Yes if you are not there early there's never a spot to park. Besides traveling down on the Northwest train is so much easier as the traffic is nonsense sometimes. If you can drive to where a Jewel Food store is & park in there lot (Arlington Heights has one of course) it's close to the train station or Arlington Raceway Park horse track but you have to pay to park. And once you get downtown depending on where you want to go find the trolley as it doesn't cost to much & they will take you on a sightseeing tour, then you can just get back on the trolley when done & do some more sight seeing, I suggest Shedd Aquarium & any of the museum's, The Pier (on Lake Shore Drive) also-good food, shops. Good luck & have fun. :0)

Answer 2

I have lived and worked in Schaumburg for 25 years. I work for a delivery service that drives all over Chicago every day.

Please ignore the first posters comments. I-88 has no relationship to Schaumburg.

The closest metra stations are Schaumburg and Roselle. If you choose to use the blue line, the best thing to do is drive to the Cumberland Station, park and ride. It is located about 9 miles East of Schaumburg on I-90, exit on Cumberland Ave. You will have to pay a toll, pay to park in a ramp. If you do this before 9AM during the week, it will be slow going.

True, Arlington Heights is a possibility for a metra station but I prefer the 2 mentioned above because of better parking.

Good thinking not to drive downtown especially if you are not a big city person. Have fun!

Answer 3

Just take 90 E to Chicago. It's a straight show. Also, you can hop on the L in Rosemont and go that way. Or the Metra in Schaumburg and go that way too. Driving downtown isn't bad once you get downtown. Sometimes the traffic in the highway is pretty bad though, depends on the time of day you go.

Answer 4

You could also take the Metra. There are stops in both Schaumburg and Arlington Heights. Most of the stops have parking attached to them (most for less then $2/day). I've done this before and it's quick and easy :) The only downside compared to the Blue Line is they do not run as often (averages once or twice an hour depending on day/time)

Here's the link:
http://www.metrarail.com

Answer 5

Here's the CTA trip Planner:
http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/tripplanner.html

I think the Cumberland CTA stop has a park n ride.

You can also take a bus from say, Woodfield, to the blue line. Here's one:

http://www.pacebus.com/sub/schedules/route_detail.asp?RouteNo=606

There are different buses from Woodfield and some stop at the hotels as well. You will need to check it out via the trip planner.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I've driven in Downtown Chi Town before.... It isn't so bad... However, I suggest you drive to a well-known desination and park there. From there, you can catch a cab anywhere.... Make sure your car is locked, and nothing enticing is visible... like stereos, radar detectors, etc. If someone jacks ya, give 'em the money and take your life.... they don't know where their head is.... ok? But you will prob'ly be fine... I always was.... Chi is a fine town, just don't push.... be nice and she'll be nice to you. Gotta go feed my Widow, g'nite... write if you want more, -Rick

Answer 7

I second Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinders. The place is packed, you give your name to the host/maitre d, he does not write it down, but he'll remember your party and how many 30min to 1 hr later to seat you. Their Pizzas are different. The ingredients are baked in a ceramic bowl with the crust draped over the top. At your table, the waitress flips it over and serves it to you. Each pizza is intended for one person. The Mediterranean bread is a great appetizer. Just rip it and eat it. Or, dip it in the poppyseed dressing that comes with a salad. The Oven Grinders are also great, but you asked for pizza. The St Valentine's Day massacre happened across the street. It is definitely a fun place that you will always remember.

Answer 8

Driving downtown is not so bad. Just take I-88 East, which turns into 290. Follow it until it turns into Congress Pkwy and you're there. Just have to find somewhere to park (there are a ton of parking garages). Everything is practically in walking distance (unless you're going to any of the museums, then you'll have to hop on Lake Shore Drive & go south -- follow the signs).

It will give you more flexibility to bring your car. I've been there hundreds of times. Taking I-88 East to 290, is never a headache. Traffic can get a little congested here & there (forget about rush hour), but generally not bad.

Answer 9

Maybe the CTA link will help, parking downtown isn't worth the pain or the cost!!

Answer 10

Get a CTA train or rent a car for 1 day or ask someone to drive you....