I arrive at Midway about 2:20 before the departure of the CZ on 6/19. Anyone taken the Orange line downtown before and know where to get off and then walk to Chicago Union Station?
And what about a place closeby the station for a quick bite. Another question..probably a silly one. Since they will have extended lunch to 3pm and we board at 1:50 will they serve anything on the train?
Posts: 15 | From: Tulsa | Registered: Mar 2006
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It definitely helps Robert and I appreciate your quick response..have a good weekend.
Posts: 15 | From: Tulsa | Registered: Mar 2006
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I found that the Orange Line is a GREAT way to get into town from Midway. The only downside I found was that it's something of a walk from the terminal to the station although I remember it all being enclosed or covered. If you have luggage with wheels it should be no problem.
Taking the Blue Line to O'Hare is fine if you don't have to change lines. I encountered lots of stairs and no elevators that were easily available.
Frank in Sunny after a good rain SBA.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Re Union Station dining: if you have time, here are some quick-seeming places right near the station that have been recommended to me: Lou Mitchell’s, a sort-of downtown landmark (dating to 1923), 565 W Jackson at Jefferson, near the SW door of Union Station, 312-939-3111, open daily for breakfast and lunch (i.e., til 3PM), known for especially good omelets and little treats they give you if you wait for a seat (malt balls, doughnut holes etc). J&C Inn, 558 W Van Buren, 1 block south of Union Station behind Lou Mitchells. Breakfast and lunch on weekdays only, noted for Italian beef, eggplant parmigiani, other Italian sandwiches and soups. Harold’s Chicken Shack, outside the NW door of Union Station & 1 block W on Adams. Note that several of the places in the station are closed on Sundays (but I think the hotdog place is open).
But I have a question: If you are to arrive in Midway at 2:20, how can you make a 1:50 departure at Union Station?
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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By that I mean't I arrive two hours and twenty minutes before departure..11:33 am at Midway. I wasn't very clear.
Posts: 15 | From: Tulsa | Registered: Mar 2006
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Here is the main web site for the CTA "Chicago Transit Authority. The great thing about Chicago is that there Subways roll right up to the airports. MR Mosses in New York felt that was a no-no. The second link is for a trip planner from Midway RTA to A el station 0.3 mi from Union Station. Walk west on Adams you will walk past Sears Tower and over the Chicago River and you'll see the station. It looks like travel time is just under 30 min by train so I guess you could do a walk in look around and get back. Of course you'll have to count on a quick run through the security line back at Midway.
Posts: 516 | From: New Haven, CT USA | Registered: Feb 2005
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This last Tuesday, I did exactly what you are planning to do. Flew into Midway, took the Orange Line to Quincy, and walked over to the station. Zephyr left right on time. Passenger load was very light, so the trip was a real pleasure. Saw a dozen bald eagles in a tree on the banks of the Mississippi in Burlington, IA. A fresh snowfall in the Rockies made the scenery extra special. Saw skiers coming down the slopes at Winter Park, and elk walking near the tracks. We ran on time to SLC, but had slow orders galore in Nevada, and a long halt for equipment inspection in the Sierras (in the middle of a snowstorm). Got into Sacramento 3 hours late. Despite the delay, it was a great trip. Wanted to do the CZ in Winter, and to get this trip done before they downgrade the food service.
Posts: 133 | From: Canaan, CT | Registered: Dec 2004
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Pack light because it is quite a trek from your Midway gate to the RTA! All covered BUT includes a dogleg all the way through a parking garage!
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Sorry I misunderstood, thought you where just sightseeing. The 2:20 in between will be plenty of time weather deleys non with standing. There is one of those bar/restraunt type venues that is just off the Histroric waiting room there are tables outside the bar so you can eat and have a beverage and admire the Great Hall. The Amtrak waiting area is bus terminal like low ceilings and plastic seats.
Posts: 516 | From: New Haven, CT USA | Registered: Feb 2005
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You are assuming that the plane gets in on time. This may be the biggest fallacy in the whole thing. Do you have a "Plan B" in case of a late flight?
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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