Chicago Union Station

[Devil's Advocate]

Last year, on our way to NYP, we tried to peek into the Grand Hall but it was occupied for a fancy dress reception. A good use for the space.

A good use for the space in a passenger train station would be something passenger train related. Although I find the city of Chicago to be absolutely fascinating I've found Chicago's Union Station to be surprisingly uninspired. The waiting areas are bland and dull while the impressive areas are left virtually unused and the train areas are completely off limits to casual rail fanning. Doesn't really matter if you're in the coach or sleeper waiting rooms, the views from both are equally disappointing.

 

[Shawn Ryu]

Union Station is up there with NYP as one of the more uncomfortable place to wait for train at.

 

[Train Rider]

I have been in Chicago Union Station a number of times during layovers between CZ, EB, and LSL - all of a few hours. Every time, I have hung out some in the Great Hall. I usually travel with a guitar, and have sat there and strummed and as a result made many people's acquaintance. It is a beautiful room and I have never understood why more people don't use it. The point has been made that you hear no announcements, which is GOOD thing if you don't expect your train to depart for several hours.

If you have a layover, it is probably the quietest place you can hang out, not as comfy seating as the 1st class lounge but you don't have to put up with the TV being on all the time and all the lounge occupants staring at it like zombies. A huge refuge from the mayhem of the "modern" parts of the station.

Best to you all.

 

[the_traveler]

Union Station is up there with NYP as one of the more uncomfortable place to wait for train at.

I'll agree with you half way. The coach waiting room is the pits, but the ML (with direct access to the tracks) is not uncomfortable at all!

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

One of my favorite places to wait at CUS is the "remote" waiting room aka Lou Mitchell's! Even if I arrive with a belly full of AmChow, I can always find room for a meal at Lou's :lol:

 

[Spokker]

In first world nations you don't stand in a cramped area to wait for a boarding announcement. You simply go to the platform. The trains have these weird signs that tell you where the train is going.

 

[TraneMan]

I have been in Chicago Union Station a number of times during layovers between CZ, EB, and LSL - all of a few hours. Every time, I have hung out some in the Great Hall. I usually travel with a guitar, and have sat there and strummed and as a result made many people's acquaintance. It is a beautiful room and I have never understood why more people don't use it. The point has been made that you hear no announcements, which is GOOD thing if you don't expect your train to depart for several hours.

If you have a layover, it is probably the quietest place you can hang out, not as comfy seating as the 1st class lounge but you don't have to put up with the TV being on all the time and all the lounge occupants staring at it like zombies. A huge refuge from the mayhem of the "modern" parts of the station.

Best to you all.

I agree with you.. I hung out there as well while on our layover on my first trip on Amtrak, and last spring we had time to kill before the train left. NIce to be there where it was quiet.

 

[Shawn Ryu]

Union Station is up there with NYP as one of the more uncomfortable place to wait for train at.

I'll agree with you half way. The coach waiting room is the pits, but the ML (with direct access to the tracks) is not uncomfortable at all!

Its always implied that whenever I am talking bad about Union Station Chicago or NYP I am not including Club Acela or Metropolitan Lounge.

Its hell during summer. WE NEED AC THERE! Jesus.

 

[PerRock]

isn't Amtrak planning a re-do of the interior of CUS?

peter