Any one use the Indiana Transit Train into Chicago?

[budbeerlady]

We are going to see Cirque in August. But Amtrak doesnt work for us, the train leaves at 5:20 and our show wont be done untill after that. We were looking at taking the Indiana train back to Michigan City and driving home from there. None of us really are eager to drive to Chicago and this looks like a better option. Any opinions or other ideas? Thanks!

 

[Galahad]

Where are you driving from? The Indiana Transit Train is reliable and will work well for you but I'm not sure you'll gain a lot. Where is Cirque playing?

 

[budbeerlady]

We live in west Michigan. My Aunt wanted to take the Amtrak out of holland, MI. It looks like they usually travel every hour or so.

Cirque is playing at the united center in July and August. We have never been to the united center but my cousin lives downtown and is going to be our "tour guide" for the day.

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/showstickets/corteo/intro/intro.htm

 

[Ava83]

Is the South Shore? Is it the same train? If it is it works out great, I used to take it all the time to South Bend (DH is from there)

Only thing is check the time zone. I am not sure what Zone Michigan City is in, but that makes a difference.

 

[Galahad]

Well, I'm sure it will work but it won't be nearly as convenient as your Amtrak from Holland. How often do they run - especially the return trip?

Hope you enjoy the show!

 

[Galahad]

Is the South Shore? Is it the same train? If it is it works out great, I used to take it all the time to South Bend (DH is from there)

Only thing is check the time zone. I am not sure what Zone Michigan City is in, but that makes a difference.

Most of Indiana in now on the same timezone as Michigan year round, and Chicago is an hour behind. However, Michigan City is now on Chicago time year round.

 

[RadioNate]

Like Ava asked, are you talking about the South Shore? I used to take it all the time. It'll get you downtown (Randolph) but not really near the United Center. You'll need a cab, friend or bus to get you to the show.

 

[Ava83]

Most of Indiana in now on the same timezone as Michigan year round, and Chicago is an hour behind. However, Michigan City is now on Chicago time year round.

My Inlaw's are in Elkhart and their clocks still aren't right! (okay I am teasing)


I also agree with RadioNate you will need to take more transportation to the UC, also the south shore's last train is 12:45am

 

[budbeerlady]

The cirque show is the 4pm on Saturday and the amtrak leaves chicago at 5:20pm. It might be the southshore, its more of a commuter type train. And the cost is a factor, the commuter train is only $7 each way, Amtrak was $100pp round trip.

 

[Bildmouse]

This is the web site for South Shore schedules -

www.nictd.com

You will want to use the Carroll Ave station and not the 11th Street station.

The last train leaves Randolph station at 12:45 am on weekends. We enjoy using the train to get downtown Chicago especially with the construction on the roads right now. If you have transportation from Randolph you'll be fine. I live about 1/2 mile from the Carroll Ave station so if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

[mickeysgal]

Is the South Shore? Is it the same train? If it is it works out great, I used to take it all the time to South Bend (DH is from there)

Only thing is check the time zone. I am not sure what Zone Michigan City is in, but that makes a difference.

I believe Michigan City is the end of the line for the South Shore. Do a google search on this train line and be sure the check the schedule. If you're traveling on a weekend or mid-day, you may be dealing with restricted schedules or a schedule that stops at every excrutiating stop. Stop and go, stop and go, stop and go. It may be easier to drive in, but then again 80/94 is usually a mess in both directions due to construction and it being a main artery for trucks into Chicago.

 

[Bildmouse]

The South Shore goes from the South Bend airport to Randolph Street in Chicago. Even with stopping at numerous stations it is still better than driving in the construction you have to go through to get to downtown Chicago.

 

[budbeerlady]

Thanks for the help!!!!!

 

[azgal81]

I grew up in Chesterton so I used to take the south shore from the dunes station into chicago all the time. It was alot of fun and much better then driving!