| Chicago’s Union Station is a landmark in the | | | | are two blocks away in a garage. It is probably |
| Amtrak system. Completed in 1925, it served as one | | | | easier to book ahead with Enterprise or National which |
| of the six passenger train stations in downtown | | | | we either pick you up at the front door of the train |
| Chicago. As Amtrak’s current Chicago train | | | | station or reimburse your taxi fare. You will be |
| station, it is still an exciting place to begin or end a train | | | | serviced at their facilities and will not have to face |
| trip. | | | | Chicago’s weather to pick up your car. |
| Here are five tips/hints for making your visit to Chicago | | | | Four: Speaking of front door, there are many |
| Union Station enjoyable: | | | | entrances to Chicago Union Station. If you drive to |
| One: If you are a coach passenger, spend as little | | | | the address listed for the train station, you will see a |
| time in the coach waiting lounges as possible. | | | | beautiful building created in the Beaux Arts style that |
| Unfortunately, the coach lounges have the feel of | | | | has a sign saying “Union Station” on it. Do not |
| airport gate lounges. If your train leaves from the | | | | enter this building if you are an Amtrak passenger! |
| south lounge and it is crowded, try finding seats in the | | | | Across Canal Street from the main building you will |
| north lounge. It is often less congested. | | | | see a sign for the most convenient Amtrak entrance. |
| | | | | Also, shuttle buses and taxis are available at this |
| Two: If you will be spending hours waiting for your | | | | entrance. |
| train, spend some time in the magnificent Great Hall. | | | | Five: If you have time, don’t miss sampling |
| This relatively little used centerpiece of Chicago’s | | | | Chicago’s great cuisine. On the mezzanine level |
| train station has 18 Corinthian columns, terra cotta walls | | | | there is a food court that serves Chicago hot dogs, |
| and pink Tennessee marble floors. The Great Hall | | | | barbecue and pizza. Between the boarding lounges |
| contains comfortable benches and plenty of room to | | | | and the Great Hall is a café and bar with good |
| spread out. Just be back to the lounge in time to | | | | food. If you have time to leave the station, check out |
| catch your train! | | | | Wishbone for American food, the Parthenon for |
| Three: Although the Hertz counter is conveniently | | | | Greek food or Giordano’s for excellent Chicago |
| located outside the boarding lounges, their rental cars | | | | pizza. |