Chicago Advice and Help

Hi all,

I know that there are a fair number of Chicago locals here so I need some help. The weekend of 9/11 I am flying into Chicago and staying Friday through monday morning. I am flying into Midway and going to see the Cubs play on Friday, and either Saturday or Sunday. The other day I will probably be going to Six Flags. My question is I can't find any hotel rooms in the city that wont cost me my left arm and right leg. I don't mind staying in the burbs but I need to stay somewhere thats close to the train between Midway Airport and downtown or Wrigly and Downtown. Any suggestions? Also are there any buses that go from downtown to Six Flags? Any help ASAP would be greatly appreicated!

Your best bet for transportation would be to look at www.transitchicago.com and www.metrarail.com

the first link is for the CTA in downtown Chicag, and metra traisn run out to the suburbs. I don't know of any busses that run out to the park directly, but I know that one of the Metra lines runs out to gurnee, and then you can hop on a buss from there. I've done it once and it was a pain.

your best bet for transit to sfgam is to take the metra train from downtown to waukegan station. from there either take a cab or the bus to sfgam. check the previosly mentioned sites and www.rtachicago.com the rta site allows you to put in addresses and will calculate exactly the route you need to take. just for fun i put in 500 w madison(the metra station downtown) to start and great america to finish and it worked showing a total cost of $ 6.40 .

To help you out a tad bit, on the transitchicago.com site, the trains you are going to be looking at are..

Orange line -- runs midway to the loop
Red line -- runs north/south, that is the train that stops just beyond right field of wrigley
Blue line -- if you find a hotel by ohare (rosemont), this would be the train you would need.

There is a free transfer on any of the CTA (subway/elevated) trains. The cost to ride is $1.75 per ride. I believe there is a $.25 transfer cost if you need to transfer to a bus. I haven't ridden Metra (regular, commuter trains) in awhile but I believe the price varies on that based on how far out of the city you are going. Also, I believe the CTA now sells unlimited weekend passes for the subway, elevated trains, and busses.. but I could be mistaken on that.

*** Edited 8/22/2004 10:57:40 PM UTC by onceler***

Yeah I was going to get a weekend pass, but are there any good hotels really close to the Orange line?

During the heart of the summer there is an express bus that runs from the Rosemont el stop (near O'Hare) direct to the park. Unfortunately, that stopped running on 8/21.

I would be weary of the pace bus that goes from the Metra station to the park. The one time I took that route the bus was 30 minutes late picking up at the park, and thus I missed the train. The trains do not run very frequently so I was stuck waiting at a Wendy's for over 2 1/2 hours for the next one. I would definitely recommend having a local cab company’s number handy. Your best ticket deal on the Metra is to buy a five dollar unlimited weekend pass, since the Metra is not included in your CTA card.

Enjoy your stay!

Dan.

I would seriously rent a car at Midway airport when you fly in.

That way you can stay at a hotel that is reasonably priced and make your trips to Wrigley Field and SFGAm at your own will. As soon as you get the car, drive out of the immediate area that Midway is in. Not the best area to be lodging or hanging out. *** Edited 8/23/2004 2:19:08 AM UTC by Chitown***

Do NOT stay at the Ramada near O'Hare....worst.hotel.ever!

Can't believe I got an opportunity to put that in SO quick....what a DIVE!

During our honeymoon in States this summer, we used the combination of a Metra to Waukegan and a pace bus to SFGAm. We had to ask directions a couple of times and in the bus we talked with a nice guy who told us when we should get off, but it was pretty straightforward.

However, we were travelling with a very low budget. Those who prefer to pay extra for their convinience should consider taking a cab from Waukegan.

If you want a nice hostel, try Fat Johnny's Last Resort Home Hostel ...NOT! Filthiest and most rundown hostel we've ever seen (and we've seen a lot), but for 12 bucks a person it's pretty much an unbeatable deal for those looking for the cheapest rate available. It's also pretty close to the orange line and the 24h Archer bus #62 goes near it.