Chicago Transportation Tips by yooperprof

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: Take the train to Chicago and save fuel, avoid the traffic and parking hassles, and arrive feeling refreshed!

Well, we all know that's a good idea, but is it actually practical? In the summer of 2007, I discovered that it was indeed a practical, economical, and relaxing alternative to the drive down from the north. I drove down to Milwaukee and parked my car at the MKE airport ($5 a day), then took Amtrak (7 trains daily, average 90 minute travel time) for the final 90 miles to Chicago.

Standart RT fare from Milwaukee is $42 RT - and I was able to get a 10% on that for being a member of AAA.

Did I miss the Edens and the Tollway? Not a bit! Was I glad not to have to pay between $20 and $30 a day for parking? Yup! Was the train crowded? Not really. Would I do it again? Shoor!

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Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL
Website: http://www.amtrak.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Gee isn't is peculiar how many of the cars in this picture have just one passenger in them?

Chicago's highways have prolonged "rush hours" - in fact, heavy traffic can strike at virtually any time (except perhaps the dead of night.) I have personally experienced bumper to bumper traffic on the Kennedy "Expressway" at midnight on a Wednesday.

If you're driving in Chicago, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination - and drive aggressively but smart!

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'Mode': TO
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Coming to Chicago is wonderful, but paying downtown parking rates is like getting a root canal. Many people (including myself) love to stay at those supremely comfortable hotels in the Loop or on North Michigan Ave., but when we see our parking bills it's like the hangover after New Years - a harsh reckoning. What to do?

One possibility is to park in one of Chicago's near neighborhoods and take the El into the Loop. I've never had any trouble finding ample surface parking (free and unmetered) in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area. It's a safe, upwardly mobile, and vibrant neighborhood, and I don't have any second thoughts about leaving my car there on the streets over the weekend. It's a short stroll to the Blue Line, and only about a ten minute ride to the Lake/Clark transfer station.

Needless to say, if you choose this option, it helps if you are "travelling light." Of course, pay attention to parking signs and make sure that you are not blocking anyone's driveways. You _do not_ want to have to deal with having your car towed in Chicago!

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Hey, it's an affordable and fun way to get on the Chicago River. It's not the most efficient - service is limited in the number of stops and the frequency of trips. But for $2.00, I'm not complaining. And it's a great idea to use the river for people moving.

There are three stops: Michigan Ave., La Salle/Clark, and Madison. Tickets can be purchased on board the boat. Or if you are a regular commuter you can purchase packages of ten tickets in advance.

I have to admit that I'm not sure if this service operates all year, or just in the warmer months. Best check ahead for details.

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Website: http://www.chicagowatertaxi.com/

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: RATTLE-RATTLE-RATTLE-RATTLE-RATTLE-THURUM-THRUM-THRUM-EEK-EEK-EEK-change for the brown line-doors open on the right

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: In a city known for its architectural richness, it's not surprising to find an El Station designed by a major European architect, Rem Koolhaas. This is attached to a new student center, also designed by Koolhaas, at the Bronzeville campus (35th and Halsted) of the Illinois Institute of Technology. (Most of the buildings on the IIT campus were designed by uber-guru Mies van der Rohe, and are worthy of a visit for their own sake. Which I must confess I have never done myself - but if you are an architecture buff, do as I say, not as I have done.)

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Phone: 1-888-YOUR-CTA
Website: http://www.transitchicago.com/

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: The Ogilvie Transportation Center is the Metra Station for the north shore suburbs of Chicago. (I used it to take the train up to the Ravinia Festival in highland Park.) The terminal is at the base of the Citicorp Center, this 1987 glass tower designed by the German - Chicagoan Helmut Jahn.

It used to be known as the Chicago & Northwestern Station, and I think most long-term Chicagoans still refer to it that way. on a typical business day, about 40,000 commuters pass through the station, though it's a lot quieter on weekend.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: How Parisian! This elaborate gateway is in the style of the classic "art nouveau" Metro signs in Paris. It's another example of Mayor Daley civic borrowings from the French capital.

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Website: http://www.metrarail.com/

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: Most international flights from O'Hare depart from Terminal Five (except for certain departures on American and United Airlines), and all international flights arrive here. It's only a short "people mover" ride from Terminals One, Two and Three. (Unfortunately, the "people mover" doesn't leave from the terminals themselves; you have to schlepp your bags a little distance to reach the "people mover" stations.) Whatever happened to Terminal Four? Don't ask. (I think flights to Hogwarts leave from Terminal Four.) The International flight check-in hall is a hive of activity, especially at holiday time, but it is well-designed and there is plenty of space to mill around. Still, I can't help but note that the restaurant and shopping facilities here are pretty meager, especially when compared with such true international hubs as Amsterdam and London Heathrow.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Let's not forget that the Chicago River is a working waterway. Particularly the South Branch, which goes through some pretty gritty industrial districts on its jolly way to Joliet.

Here a well-laden barge is carrying a significant amount of gravel. In the background, under construction you can see some of the new South Loop condo towers.

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