Western Chicago Suburbs travel to the Loop?

[cabanafrau]

I'm trying to help a group chaperone plan travel into the downtown Chicago Loop area for a small group of women/teen girls traveling in from the Oakbrook area for a few evening hours this summer. This would be a weeknight.

Looking at a map I'm trying to figure out if it's a reasonable plan to drive to either Forest Park or Oak Park area, or alternatively the Cicero area to catch the CTA blue or green into the downtown area?

If anybody is familiar w/ the area, travel time, safety of these areas, how late the trains might be running to get them there & back, etc., I'd really appreciate the insight.

 

[RadioNate]

Where are they going downtown. I'd use one of the Metra lines. Either out of Hindsdale, Downer's Grove or Elmhurst depending on where in Oakbrook they are or where their downtown destination is.

 

[SpecialK]

Where are they going downtown. I'd use one of the Metra lines. Either out of Downer's Grove or Elmhurst depending on where in Oakbrook they are or where their downtown destination is.

Hinsdale and LaGrange would be good options,too. Personally, I'd steer clear of the areas you mentioned if they aren't familiar with the area.

 

[cabanafrau]

They will be near York Center Mall, heading into the theatre district. Can they buy Metra passes at the station?

Any idea about how long the ride in & coming back might be? Do the Metras end at Union Station?

Can you tell I'm only "partially" CTA downtown literate?

Thanks for the help.

 

[RadioNate]

Hinsdale and LaGrange would be good options,too. Personally, I'd steer clear of the areas you mentioned if they aren't familiar with the area.

I edited to add the Hinsdale station too. I forgot about that one. These aren't my regular lines. I tend to stick to Rock Island or the Electric line depending on where I want to end up.

But I agree that I'd stay away from the bus routes if you don't have to. I'm a train girl, lol.

OP - you'll have to check out the Metra website. One of the western lines ends up at Union Station. The other I'm not super sure about.

I'd much rather drive to a Metra station then drive into Oak Park and get a bus.

There is parking at the train stations and you can usually buy a ticket in a machine at the station (not all "stations" have actual buildings with ticket sellers) or from the conductor on the train.

The schedules will be on the Metra website.

 

[aduck126]

Thats is perfect because Ogilvie (I can never spell that right since they changed the name from Union) station drops you off right next to the theater district downtown. It is so much easier taking the Metra thats what I would do. They can buy their tickets on the train after they board.

 

[RadioNate]

Thats is perfect because Ogilvie (I can never spell that right since they changed the name from Union) station drops you off right next to the theater district downtown. It is so much easier taking the Metra thats what I would do. They can buy their tickets on the train after they board.

I looked and I think this is perfect. From Yorktown Center the Lombard station on the UP-W line to Ogilvie would be the easiest solution. Yep, just get the tickets on the train.

 

[cabanafrau]

I looked and I think this is perfect. From Yorktown Center the Lombard station on the UP-W line to Ogilvie would be the easiest solution. Yep, just get the tickets on the train.

Thanks to everyone for the help. Certainly shortened the learning curve on this for me. Just didn't have enough confidence & background info. to tackle the Metra website cold.

Very much appreciated!