Riding the Hiawatha on Points Run

[Railroad Bill]

Hello All,

As we head for Chicago next week, we are considering a double points run from CHI to Glenview, IL and back on the Hiawatha.

Not having taken this train previously, would like to know some particulars of riding.

1) Since our Capitol Ltd will be arriving around 8:30am (we hope), we will take the 10:20am #333 to Glenview and the #334 train on the return scheduled to arrive back in CHI at 12:29pm. That should leave enough time to prepare for boarding our westbound #5 CZ

Are these Hiawatha trains pretty reliable as to on-time performance? If we miss the 334 train will we be up a creek to get back to Chicago in time :unsure:

2) We will be in the Metro Lounge when we are in Chicago. Will they call passengers for the Hiawatha in the lounge or do we need to be out in the main boarding areas to board Train #333?

3) At what gates are the Hiawathas usually boarded in Chicago?

4) Since it says the Hiawatha is an unreserved train, if we buy tickets online for one train but need to board another, will that be a problem?

5) Is the Glenview Station also a Metra station (in case we need to get back to Chicago earlier or miss the #334 train?)

Thanks again for all your help.

RR Bill

 

[Trogdor]

Hiawatha usually reliable. Metra from Glenview is a good backup. metra Milwaukee North Line serves Glenview (same station, Amtrak and Metra, in fact even same ticket agent at GLN) from Union Station.

Hiawatha leaves from north side, usually track 17. They normally are called from the met lounge, though no priority boarding.

If not called, just go to gate 10-15 minutes before departure.

Any Hiawatha unreserved ticket is fine. No problem boarding a different train.

 

[J-1 3235]

In my limited experience riding the Hiawathas, I believe my trips were pretty much ontime.

They depart from the North side, track 17. As you leave the Met Lounge, take an immediate right into the North waiting area (I forget which "Gate" it is)

As the Hiawathas are unreserved, you may use the ticket for a different Hiawatha.

Yes it is a Metra station. Train 2132 departs Glenview at 11:39, arrives CUS at 12:22 Train 2134 runs one hour later, which will get you back 41 minutes before the CZ departs.

Hope this helps

Mike

Edit: Trogdor knows best- deleted the answer about the boarding announcement from the lounge.

 

[Railroad Bill]

Thanks Trogdor and Mike for the informative answers. Hoping our #29 is on time into CHI so we can try this run.