Chicago Locals: Help needed

Parent Cafe
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<p>Hello, I’m a Knox College student in Galesburg IL, and I’ll be flying home from Midway to ATL Friday night. I’ll be taking the amtrak from Galesburg to Chicago (Union Station) and then plan on walking to the CTA/Quincy Station. I’ll take the orange line to Midway. However, I’m a bit worried. </p>

<p>I’m from Suburbia Georgia, so I’m not use to public transport. I’ve been on bullet trains in France by myself and have been on the Metro with a French kid, and the Marta once or twice, but that’s as much public transport I’ve ever taken. I have also never been to Chicago except for a layover at O’Hare in January. I’m not use to cities really either. I’ll be 19 next month, I’m a freshman.</p>

<p>Anyways, I am not worried about the Amtrak, but more so about getting to the Amtrak to Quincy Station. I have found this online: [From</a> Union Station to Midway](<a href=“http://www.mrl.ucsb.edu/~yopopov/directions/us-mdw.html]From”>http://www.mrl.ucsb.edu/~yopopov/directions/us-mdw.html), but do not know how up to date it is. Also, I have friends from Chicago at Knox and they have warned me about the CTA. They told me the orange line isn’t the safest nor is the area around Midway. She told me the stops leading up to Midway & the line are a bit sketchy. Also, she wouldn’t recommend taking the CTA by yourself for the first time. Safety is my number one priority. I don’t want to get mugged (my friend said I look like a target lol). My mom is already freaking out after I told her what my friend said.</p>

<p>I could have flown from Peoria/Moline, but that’s $300 one way VS $110 from Chicago. I did fly to ATL to Moline in November/January, but had the layover in O’Hare and it was too much hassle (also $440 roundtrip and that was a good deal) when I could have just taken the train back instead of another flight and then hour long shuttle to campus. The shuttle/amtrak is about the same cost anyways. The cons of going to a college in the middle of no where!</p>

<p>I’ll be leaving Galesburg Friday and should arrive in Chicago around 3PM. My flight isn’t until 7PM, so I should have plenty of time. I am just worried about getting to the orange line from the amtrak and the safety of the area. I could take a taxi, but that’s $30 VS $2.25. Also, I am guessing it is easy to tell which one is the orange line and I’ll get my tickets from a machine or a teller? Can any Chicago natives help me out? I know I’m probably stressing for no reason, but I am just a bit worried. Thanks!</p>

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<p>Also guys, I will just have a carry on luggage along with my laptop bag. I’ll be doing the same thing in late March, but reverse. So, I’ll have to get from Midway to the Amtrak.</p>

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<p>I found these two links in case you don’t already have them, but I am sure someone who lives in the area will be able to offer some guidance.</p>

<p>[From</a> Union Station to Midway](<a href=“http://www.mrl.ucsb.edu/~yopopov/directions/us-mdw.html]From”>http://www.mrl.ucsb.edu/~yopopov/directions/us-mdw.html)</p>

<p>[Fly</a> Chicago | Midway | CTA Information](<a href=“http://www.flychicago.com/midway/en/GettingToFrom/PublicTransportation/Pages/default.aspx]Fly”>http://www.flychicago.com/midway/en/GettingToFrom/PublicTransportation/Pages/default.aspx)</p>

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<p>From Union to the Quincy station, you will be in the heart of the business area of downtown during a business day. 90% of the other pedestrians at that time of day will probably be business people. Just be aware of your surroundings and avoid pan-handlers. </p>

<p>On the train, it will be the start of rush hour, so probably business people there too. Again, just stay aware of things around you. Do not use your cell phone during the trip. Keep all electronics packed away. There have been thefts right out of peoples hands when using cell phones on the trains.</p>

<p>At Midway it will be mostly fellow travelers around you.</p>

<p>Don’t worry. It’s a pretty safe trip. Just stay aware.</p>

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<p>CTA is disgusting. I would take a taxi over it any day. If a taxi isn’t financially feasible then take CTA. The orange line does go through sketchy neighborhoods, so be careful. Make sure it’s daytime when you ride it. Also go to the first train car that’s the closest to the conductor, you’ll probably feel the safest there. PLEASE and I mean please (!!!) do not look like a tourist. Look like you’ve been in Chicago since birth. Try not to look your best and don’t have a naive look on your face. Hopefully this helps. As for any directions, google maps is your friend.</p>

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<p>You’ll be traveling on a Friday afternoon. It will be late enough that the train will be busy with people. You should have no problems with safety. I know it’s tough, but look as if you know what you’re doing and purposeful and you will be fine. Stay near a crowd of people. Be careful with your bags, and don’t use your phone. You won’t be getting off the train in any tough neighborhoods. The stop for Midway has a walkway that will get you to the terminal. You’ll purchase a transit card at the Quincy station. Have exact change for one or both trips. </p>

<p>Getting from Union Station to the Quincy station is easy. Head east (just remember Lake Michigan is east of Union Station. You’ll be able to tell–you’ll have to trust me on this.) If you’re on Jackson, turn left on Wells. If you’re on Adams, turn right on Wells.</p>

<p>Visit the transitchicago.com</p>

<p>Lots of information and brochures that tell you exactly how to pay your fare, how to figure out your train (it will say Midway on an Orange sign), etc. There are even pictures of the stations. </p>

<p>BTW–don’t call it the train. Call it the “L” Calling it the train will identify you as an out-of-towner.</p>

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<p>Agree about keeping your cell phone safe. Last year, my son was at the Amtrak station sitting by himself on the end of a bench and someone ran by and grabbed his iphone right out of his hands as he was texting me.</p>

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<p>Thank you everyone. My other friend from Chicago told me not to look at anyone in the face. She also told me not to ask for directions, which I have no problem doing if I’m lost. I guess I am not use to the mean city folks, lol! </p>

<p>I do know one girl who is from Washington State and she takes a Taxi from Midway to Union Station. I thought it was crazy with it being so much more money. It’s not that I cannot afford a taxi, but I rather take the cheaper option. I did hear there is a shuttle from Union Station to Midway, but it isn’t as frequent and more money as well. I think I will learn a lot from this experience.</p>

<p>I will probably just wear my bright green jogging pants (aka my flying pants) and a light jacket. So, definitely not anything uppity haha. Thanks for the comments about the phone. I had no idea not to use it as I am constantly on Facebook! Will definitely not be using it on the L (btw I was calling it a subway and the amtrak a train, lol). I am assuming it is fine to use my phone on the Amtrak though. Although, I’ve never been on it before, but it seems safe to me as I know a lot of people at Knox who use it to go home on the weekends to Chicago. It doesn’t seem like there will much walking from Union to Quincy at least…definitely walkable!</p>

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<p>OP - we lived in Chicago for a number of years. My husband goes there on business. When I first asked him. He said take a Taxi he said it would be easier and safer.Once I told him you were going on a friday afternoon. He said that there would be a lot of people so you would probably be ok. Also he said the taxi cost might be more than $30 given the traffic. However if it were one of our kids he would have them take a taxi just to be safe.</p>

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<p>I’ve taken public transportation in Chicago, and it was fine. Always during the day, though, never at night. If it gets late, or you feel uneasy for any reason, take a taxi. I know the cost seems high, but if you are worried in any way, it is worth it.</p>

<p>If you need to ask for help (directions, etc.), and not sure who to ask, do what I tell my kids to do. Go into a store or business and ask a clerk or customer service. </p>

<p>Try not to stand still, or look lost. Try to look preoccupied, like you are going somewhere, and focused on that (even if you aren’t sure what you are doing). I’ve never been mugged (so far, knock on wood), but I noticed in San Francisco, that the minute you stand still, you are subject to some very aggressive panhandlers. I don’t know if it is the same in Chicago.</p>

<p>There are more nice people out there than bad ones, btw, but be careful.</p>

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<p>Dont use your phone on the trainAmtrak unless you are in between cars.</p>

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<p>Hi! I’m Onward’s daughter and I graduated from Knox a few years ago. I currently live in Chicago and have even lived off the Orange line. You’ll be fine! It’s easy to get to Midway from the Amtrak station via public transit. If you get confused on which way to walk to get to the L, I’d just ask someone. People will happily point out the correct direction. When you find the Quincy station, head up the stairs to find the machines where you can buy a ticket (you’ll need cash), and you’ll be safe on the train. I took the Orange line to work and back for a year and never had any problems. No reason to stress! It will be much easier than you think.</p>

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<p>If you can read a map, you should not have any trouble walking from Union Station to Quincy Station. You can get a printout from Google maps [Google</a> Maps](<a href=“http://maps.google.com/maps]Google”>Google Maps) . When you leave the Amtrak train at Union Station, stop a moment to view your surrounds (for the return trip), then follow the crowd up and out to the street. There are bridges over the river heading East. Follow the crowd over one of them. Like rrah said, “If you’re on Jackson, turn left on Wells. If you’re on Adams, turn right on Wells.” Union station is busy, has bathrooms, coffee, etc. so make your comfort stops before heading to the El. Good luck!</p>

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<p>Thank you everyone! I asked another suite-mate from Chicago and she told me I’ll be fine and that it’s super easy. She just told me to never leave my bags, but that’s common sense!</p>

<p>Thanks Onward’s daughter as well. It’s a pleasure getting help from another Knoxie haha! Much appreciated and thanks for the directions tree! I have already looked at Google Maps, it looks simple–thank Goodness!</p>

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<p>I’ve taken the orange line to Midway and it was ok (this was a couple of years ago), but rule #1 in cities is to be aware of your surroundings. If your gut instincts are warning you, listen to that, even if you feel really stupid about doing so. If you can attach yourself to someone who looks safe (think a family travelling together), that can help boost your confidence, too.</p>

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<p>D takes the orange line to and from Midway and rides the L all over the city. Just use common sense, be aware of your surroundings.
I am concerned about the light jacket, it’s still pretty cold in Chicago</p>

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<p>I made it home safely! My professor actually told me afternoon trains are late because they come from the West Coast. And in fact, my amtrak train was originally delayed an hour and a half. I was freaking out. But they found another train we can go on 20 mins later, but told us we may have to stand since it’s packed (and it’s 3 hours…not exactly short). However, I found a seat, and I actually got to Chicago before my first train was to arrive. This train was faster. I actually saw some Amish on the train! </p>

<p>It was raining in Chicago, but no fear, I checked the weather and brought an umbrella. It’s funny how the natives don’t use them. I definitely looked like a tourist though as a lady was trying to sell me stuff on the street. I had my google map print out in my hands, suitcase/laptop bag, and umbrella which made me stand out along with my bright green pants LOL. At first when I got out of the Amtrak station, I didn’t know if I was suppose to go left or right, but went the wrong way for a minute, but besides that I had no trouble finding Quincy Station (orange line). In fact, I used landmarks to help me. For example, I knew to turn by the CVS and then later on the McDonalds. Good thing I walked it virtually haha!</p>

<p>I actually had trouble once I got to the station. The machine would only accept one of my dollar bills, and I had used all my other cash (besides a $20) to eat out, so only had exact change. However, I asked a woman for help and she let me trade my $2 with hers and then it worked easily. I will definitely bring more $1 bills next time. Then I had trouble putting my card through the gate (didn’t know which way to put it), but some very nice Chicago natives helped me. The first train to come was the pink line, but I didn’t notice and started to step forward, but they told me it wasn’t the orange, so no worries. </p>

<p>Besides that really, this trip was VERY tiring and exhausting, but not too hard. I never felt unsafe on the orange line, but could tell it wasn’t the best area of Chicago. I did hold tight to my luggages though. I think I felt safer for some reason when I saw a couple from LA…maybe because I thought if someone was going to mug one of us…it would be them since they looked like they had money! </p>

<p>I got to the airport at 4:30 (flight at 7), so I was way early. I ended up having to go through the body scanners and I was randomly selected (must be those green pants) to get searched, but she said I was too slow and just searched my boots haha. I was waiting for my luggage to come out. My flight was a little delayed (also had to change gates), but other then that everything was fine. I’ll let you guys know how my trip back is! I did meet a lot of people on the way, but mostly all out of staters, but the Chicago natives I talked to were very friendly and helpful! Also, I am afraid of flying and besides having a little panic attack during take off…was better than normal!</p>