Provided the flight is on time, is that enough time to get a cab from OHare to Union Station and catch the SWC to LA?
Thanks
Posted by Room Service (Member # 2405) on :
Also, is the CHI Metro Lounge open 24/7?
Posted by rresor (Member # 128) on :
O'Hare is about 25 miles from the Loop. Without traffic, it will take you around 30 minutes. Yes, I think the connection is *way* too tight.
First, in my experience (and I fly a lot), airlines are rarely on time. They *almost always* push back a few minutes late, and often land a few minutes late. You're got a few minutes, period, in your schedule.
I'd suggest that you allow at least three or four hours between plane arrival and train departure.
Posted by Room Service (Member # 2405) on :
Thanks. I agree. I found an arrival at Noon. Is there an L connection from the airport to Union Station? And, is the Metor Lounge open 24/7?
Posted by TheBriz09 (Member # 3166) on :
Yes, there is an L connection - in fact it's a direct shot on the Blue Line from O'hare to the Clinton street stop. CUS is about two blocks north of the Clinton street stop on the blue line. Check out the L map at http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/maps/F2004D.html (CUS is on the left side in the middle).
Posted by iowamomofsix (Member # 3695) on :
I agree. Too tight. I've gotten frustrated trying to go somewhere in Chicago that should take 30 minutes, only to get there in 60, and that was on a Sunday afternoon. How I wish we could work out our train/flight connections! Then I'd take Amtrak on my vacation this spring.
Debbie
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
I agree also, way too tight. Don't forget that checked baggage can take an age to come off a plane. I assume it's a domestic flight rather than international?
As for the Metro lounge, I can only put 2 and 2 together and hopefully come up with the right answer. The station hours are 05:30am to 10:30pm; the lounge is open "during station hours". So, no, it's not open 24 hours.
Geoff M.
Posted by rresor (Member # 128) on :
Noon should give you enough time to take the El. Just don't bring too much luggage.
The El trip takes roughly 45 minutes to the Loop, and a few minutes longer to Clinton Street, which is actually west of the Loop, so you'll ride right down Dearborn Street and then under the Chicago River a second time before the train stops at Clinton.
Just follow the signs at the O'Hare terminal. The El station is underground, closest to Terminal 2 but accessible from all.