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Chicago Union Station

Chicago Union Station
Chicago Union Station facade.jpg
Location 225 South Canal Street
Chicago, IL 60606
Coordinates 41°52′43″N 87°38′25″W / 41.87864°N 87.64025°W / 41.87864; -87.64025Coordinates: 41°52′43″N 87°38′25″W / 41.87864°N 87.64025°W / 41.87864; -87.64025
Owned by CUST (Amtrak)
Tracks 14 (South Concourse)
10 (North Concourse)
Connections Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach
CTA "L" Lines: Connect at Quincy and Clinton stations
Local Transit CTA Buses
Local Transit Pace Buses
Intercity Bus Megabus
Construction
Parking Yes; paid
Disabled access Yes
Other information
Station code CHI
Fare zone A (Metra only)
History
Opened 1925
Traffic
Passengers (2015) 3.296 million Decrease 2.4% (Amtrak)
Services
Preceding station   BSicon LOGO Amtrak2.svg Amtrak   Following station
Terminus Pere Marquette
toward Grand Rapids
Blue Water
toward Port Huron
Wolverine
toward Pontiac, MI
Lake Shore Limited
Capitol Limited
Cardinal
Hoosier State
toward Indianapolis
toward New Orleans
City of New Orleans Terminus
toward Carbondale
Illini and Saluki
Texas Eagle
toward St. Louis
Lincoln Service
toward Los Angeles
Southwest Chief
toward Emeryville
California Zephyr
toward Quincy
Illinois Zephyr
Empire Builder
toward Milwaukee
Hiawatha Service
Metra
toward Manhattan
SouthWest Service Terminus
toward Joliet
Heritage Corridor
toward Aurora
BNSF Railway
Milwaukee District West
toward Antioch
North Central Service
toward Fox Lake
Milwaukee District North
  Future Services  
Black Hawk Terminus
toward Moline
Quad Cities Terminus
Designated May 1, 2002

Chicago Union Station is a major railroad station that opened in 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, replacing an earlier station built in 1881. It is the only remaining intercity rail terminal in Chicago, as well as being the city's primary terminal for commuter trains. The station stands on the west side of the Chicago River between West Adams Street and West Jackson Boulevard, just outside the Chicago Loop. Including approach and storage tracks, it is about nine and a half city blocks in size. Its facilities are mostly underground, buried beneath streets and skyscrapers.

Chicago Union Station is the third-busiest rail terminal in the United States, after Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station in New York City. It is Amtrak's overall fourth-busiest station. It handles approximately 120,000 passengers on an average weekday and is one of Chicago’s most iconic structures, reflecting the city’s strong architectural heritage and historic achievements. Its combination of Bedford limestone Beaux-Arts facades, massive Corinthian columns, sparkling marble floors, and magnificent Great Hall, all highlighted by brass lamps, create an environment that captures the imagination of passengers and visitors who enter its premises. In addition to standing out architecturally, Union Station has features that reflect its commitment to sustainability. In 2011, its lighting system was replaced with more energy-efficient light bulbs and motion sensors, reducing the station’s carbon footprint by 4 million tons annually.

Chicago Union Station was designated as one of America’s “Great Places” in 2012 by the American Planning Association (APA). The “Great Places” program by APA highlights places streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces around America that exhibit “exemplary character, quality, and planning.” These places are unique in their cultural and historical significance, sense of community, and vision. Other criteria include “architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement.” Chicago Union Station is considered a “Great Public Space” by APA, for promoting social activity and community cohesiveness. These spaces are safe and inviting, well-maintained, and attractive, both visually and in functionality. In addition, local culture and history are reflected within the space.


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