Thinking about making a quick trip to Chicago this weekend. I’m trying to determine how far outside of downtown I could stay while still being able to use public transportation to get into downtown.
Any suggestions as to what area to stay in would be appreciated. All other Chicago related traveling suggestions are welcome as well.
If you want to be near public transportation, you probably don’t want to get too far outside of the city. Evanston has some decent hotels right near some train lines that go downtown (and Evanston has a nice downtown area itself).
I’d recommend looking at hotels near the Greektown neighborhood on the west side… Halsted and Adams area. I’ve had friends stay around there for a decent rate and it’s easy to get places from there.
The Union Pacific West Line runs as far as Elburn; probably 40 miles or so.
Other lines run in other directions.
Trains run regularly and are easy to take. I think it’s about $5 each way from Elburn, as an example…
I’ve stayed at the Best Western in Evanston. Basic, but fine. There is a charge for parking in their ramp. Nevin’s Pub across the street was pretty good for a beer and some grub.
Thanks for the advice!
Or try hotels near O’Hare, which should have cheap weekend rates. If you look them up on Google Maps, you can see how far they are from the Blue Line, which is much cheaper and more convenient than Metra (and runs MUCH more often on the weekends).
If you do use Metra, they have a pass that’s good all weekend for, I think, $7 total.