Question when I'm at Union Station in Chicago?

Question

O.K. I am going to be on a 2 day Amtrak ride, and one of the stations it goes through is Chicago's Union Station. I will be there for around 5 hours waiting for the next train. I have heard that train stations attract thieves so I was not only wondering how safe it is, but also what to do? By the way, I am a 21 year old female, traveling alone so I don't want to get myself into trouble and I'd prefer to stay near the station but don't want to be bored out of my mind??

Answer 1

You will be fine just be aware of your surroundings security is very good there. You will will be right downtown just walk around and enjoy yourself, Chicago is a great city. Make sure you have something warm on.

Answer 2

Click on the source link I posted below for the little information I could find about Union Station and the attractions in the surrounding area along with a map.



You mention that you expect to have 5 hours waiting for a connection. In my many cross-country travels with Amtrak and their predecessors, we never arrived at our final destination on time. So unless you are arriving on a local Amtrak (starting 100 or 200 miles from Chicago), do not expect to arrive in Chicago on time.



Please realize that I love trains. My father worked on the railroad and we took a family vacations each year by trains long before Amtrak. Once my father and I arrived late into New York City and had to wait until the next day for our connection. We chose to spend the night in Grand Central Station instead of getting a hotel. As I recall, that was the longest layover I ever experienced to make a connection.



Even as an adult, Amtrak is still my preferred method of traveling within the USA. I have switched business airline flights to Amtrak. To some people, I sound like I'm complaining. But in reality, I'm just being realistic. Sit in areas where others are sitting. Keep an eye on your baggage always whether you are sitting on a bench or standing in line at the ticket counter. When sitting down, I would take a shoulder strap and loop it through my suitcase handles to hold them together. It is very easy for someone to grab a single suitcase handle and then run off. I saw this happen once in New York's Grand Central Station during our overnight stay. However, I have never had a problem or witnessed anything out of the ordinary at Chicago's Union Station. But that was prior to 1999 because I don't travel far within the USA anymore.

Answer 3

I travel through Union Station every couple of weeks. If you are waiting during the day you will have no problems... Just as always, dont leave your purse or bags behind, be mindful of your surroundings and dont trust people with your things or well-being. Just be smart and you will have absolutely nothing to worry about.



5 hours is a long time by yourself in a strange place, but you could always go for a walk through downtown, the Willis Tower (Sears Tower) is literally 2 doors down. There is also a pretty decent bar inside of union station... 2 actually, I like the one downstairs, it has a pool table. But again, 5 hours is a lot of drinking, and you may miss your train : )



Good Luck

Answer 4

Well I've been to Union station once and I remember on the way out to the streets there were many little restaurants and stores close to the train and you should find something there to occupy yourself. I am not sure what you like or anything but I hope it helps. 5 hours is relatively long time, I would either stay near by, in a restaurant that you can afford and stay for a while until your train comes, that is what I would do to theft or something bad like that.

Answer 5

Hi Union Station has good security / I was born and raise in Chicago their is a lobby inside. Bring a book to read and be street smart . Do not talk to strangers stay in the Station. You will be OK five hours will go by fast talk to a friend on the cell phone too. Yahoo Friend L.B.J.

Answer 6

It's perfectly safe.



Sears Tower (actually Willis now) is only 2 blocks east of the station, you could take a look. You also have enough time to go to State street and check out the old Marshall Fields (now Macy's) I guess nothing stays the same!



If you keep your senses about you, you will be fine. What do you think happens in the city, mayhem all the time?

Answer 7

The area is completely safe. There are tens of thousands of people milling around Union Station every day. The only thing you have to watch out for is the throngs of beggars and panhandlers downtown. IGNORE THEM and pretend you do not see them! They are persistent, but they are not dangerous. Enjoy your visit. PS: Your route to Cincinnati is weird. You could have taken a more direct route via Washington DC.

Answer 8

If your wait is during the day you are going to be fine. I have been there with just me and my daughter and have never felt threaten. It is a busy place, lots of people around. There is fast food place to eat at on the top level. You will be right by the river.. Head towards the lake and you will find lots of shops.

Answer 9

lolly is right you will be fine, Chicago is no different than any other place in America. you have to be smart and careful any where you go in the U.S. Go to Macy's! They have such cool atrium's and other great things to look at there even if you do not shop