Chicago Union Station guide

Chicago Union Station serves as the central hub of Amtrak's long distance network. Most western long distance trains start their journeys here, making the facility a vital transfer point for cross country travel. The Great Hall, which opened in 1925, features a classic Beaux Arts waiting room that provides a grand setting for departing passengers. Sleeping car and premium passengers have access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge before boarding. Metra commuter trains also share the station, bringing thousands of daily riders into the city center. Whether you are heading across the Midwest or starting a multi day journey to the Pacific coast, this station is a busy and important terminal.

Trains from Chicago

As of 2026, Chicago Union Station hosts an extensive list of Amtrak services. Daily long distance routes include the California Zephyr to San Francisco, the Southwest Chief to Los Angeles, and the Empire Builder to Seattle and Portland. The City of New Orleans offers a daily overnight trip south, taking about 19 to 20 hours. Travelers heading east can take the daily Lake Shore Limited to New York and Boston, or the temporary Floridian to Miami. The Texas Eagle runs daily to San Antonio, with through cars continuing to Los Angeles three times a week. Regional services run frequently, including the Hiawatha to Milwaukee with many round trips a day, and the Lincoln Service to St. Louis. The Borealis provides daily service to Minneapolis-St. Paul, taking about 8 hours.

Getting to and from the station

Chicago Union Station is located in the West Loop, just west of the Chicago River. It is a short walk or bus ride from the Loop, making it highly accessible from downtown Chicago. Passengers connecting to local transit will find the CTA Blue Line Clinton stop nearby, along with many local bus routes. Metra commuter trains also use the station, providing easy transfers to the surrounding suburbs. If you are catching a long distance train, allow plenty of time to navigate the station and find your boarding gate. Check local transit websites for the most current schedules and route maps before you travel.

Around the station

The station places you right in the West Loop, a busy area just west of the Chicago River. A short walk brings you to the Loop, the central commercial district of Chicago. The immediate neighborhood offers quick access to the city center and the riverfront. If you have a longer layover, the Great Hall provides a comfortable place to wait right inside the building. For those interested in regional railway history, the Illinois Railway Museum is a popular scenic railroad destination located outside the city, though you will need to arrange separate transportation to get there.