Navigating Amtrak/Union Station with road bike

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Permalink Reply by Geoffrey Harding on October 18, 2016 at 11:18am

I can't speak to getting your bike on an Amtrak train, but navigating Union Station isn't an issue. I commute daily via Metra and it is ok. The only time it is bad is when there are major delays and the station becomes packed with people and it can be difficult to get your bike through the crowd, but this is rare.

I would enter and leave the station through the great hall. That way you don't have to carry up any stairs and can simply walk up to street level. I'd be curious to know what your Amtrak experience is. I'd like to head up to Milwaukee one of these days.

Good Luck!

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Permalink Reply by Peggy Brennan on October 18, 2016 at 11:21am

Great, thanks for this helpful info! I will let you know how it goes!

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Permalink Reply by Peggy Brennan on October 18, 2016 at 5:31pm

This is really helpful - thank you!

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Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on October 19, 2016 at 12:23am

I think the easiest entrance/exit to take (all street level) is on the NW corner of the big hall which will lead you to Adams and Clinton.

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Permalink Reply by Marc A. Irwin on November 1, 2016 at 5:33am

I agree, that is the easiest way to avoid the stairs and escalators.  The crowds are not normally a problem.

Marc

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Permalink Reply by Peggy Brennan on October 31, 2016 at 9:28am

Hi all, thanks for the info! It worked out well - on the way in I was on the City of New Orleans, they took the bike from me and put it in luggage. On the way back I was on the 'local' train, the Illini - very little help from the conductors who advised me to just stand it up in the space for luggage in front of the front row of seats. Less than ideal, but do-able. Union Station itself was totally navigable with the bike. I'd do it again! Two great lakeshore trail rides.

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