Chicago Union Station

“Butiful historic station with plenty of options for food, and everything went smoothly for us.”

Butiful historic station with plenty of options for food, and everything went smoothly for us. The Christmas tree is also amazing.

Damien Fox

Nov 2025

“Union Station in Chicago is stunning.”

Union Station in Chicago is stunning. The architecture is phenomenal truly eye-catching and you can wander around for hours just taking it all in. With the Christmas decorations up, the entire place feels even more magical. It’s an enormous building with towering spaces and beautifully detailed design.

Tara

Nov 2025

“Very cool building with a great history.”

Very cool building with a great history. I am so very glad we got to stay in the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge for our layover on our train vacation.

Shawn Surma

Aug 2025

“We were eager to see this railway station which is a landmark of Chicago.”

We were eager to see this railway station which is a landmark of Chicago. Featured in many Hollywood movies its very beautiful inside and huge too. Lots of dome & arch like architectural designs. Beautifully illuminated. Very well maintained. Loved to see it in real...👍🏻😍

Sagar Gosavi

Jul 2025

“One of the great train stations of the world.”

One of the great train stations of the world. It could just as easily become an elegant museum, in the style of the Museum dOrsay in Paris, converted from an old lavish train station, and it would feel appropriate. There are ornate Greek columns of the Corinthian order, florid and lavish, a long with grand arches and ceilings decorated with geometric ornamental patterns. There is a large, intricate brass clock and grand statues and elaborate lighting fixtures designed with swirling organic forms and vegetal tendrils. It is a Beaux Arts masterpiece, Chicago's equivalent of Grand Central in New York. It has the scale and artistic elevation of a great palace, and yet it belongs not to the high and mighty but to the people, creating a sense of wonder and refinement as they wait for their trains. A building like this was constructed as a statement that mass modern travel can be as elegant and sprit thrilling as any of the great estates and gardens of the old European aristocracy: it's a soaring, exhilarating structure.

Joshua Fagan

Jul 2025

“When I first stepped into this dazzling building I was immediately struck by its architectural grandeur.”

When I first stepped into this dazzling building I was immediately struck by its architectural grandeur. Chicago Union Station has nothing to envy from its counterparts in New York or Washington, D.C. Everything about this place seems designed to remind travelers of their smallness, yet also of their connection to something far greater. Standing in the Great Hall, surrounded by towering marble columns and classic curved wooden benches, you can feel the weight of history and purpose. It’s more than a train station, it’s a monumental space that leaves a lasting impression. In this hall, you realize that trains aren’t the only things that depart; something within you is moved as well.

Jean Louis Quinones

Jul 2025

“The building is gorgeous.”

The building is gorgeous. Even if you're not going anywhere it's worth the trip to see the beauty of the Great Hall. I use this building for their Amtrak trains. A lot of city buses are always outside and they have a lot of food options on the top floor. They have Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin, Auntie Anne's pretzels, and a Sbarro Pizza. There are a lot of bathrooms and they are usually clean.

Jennifer Winthurst

Jun 2025

“Perfect hub for Amtrak and Metra trains connecting Chicago to the suburban districts of the state...”

Perfect hub for Amtrak and Metra trains connecting Chicago to the suburban districts of the state and also to rest of the parts of the country. A—> Connecting trains to the suburban districts of the state -Run by Metra -Station Name: Chicago Union Station -Suburban Trains in the format Route Code-Route Name>Destination City 1) BNSF-Burlington Northern Santa Fe>Aurora, IL 2) HC-Heritage Corridor>Jolliet, IL 3) SWS-South West Service>Manhattan, IL 4) MD-N-Milwaukee District North>Fox Lake, IL 5) MD-W-Milwaukee District West>Big Timber, IL 6) NCS-Northern Central Service>Antioch, IL B—> Connecting trains to other parts of the country- -Run by Metra -Station Name: Chicago Union Station 1) Blue Water 2) Borealis 3) California Zephyr 4) Cardinal 5) Carl Sandburg 6) City of New Orleans 7) Empire Builder 8) Floridian 9) Hiawatha Service 10) Illini 11) Illinois Zephyr 12) Lake Shore Limited 13) Lincoln Service 14) Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner 15) Pere Marquette 16) Saluki 17) Southwest Chief 18) Texas Eagle 19) Wolverine

ABINASH MOHANTY

Jun 2025

“First time traveling by train and we traveled from Milwaukee to Chicago, with our 3 kids.”

First time traveling by train and we traveled from Milwaukee to Chicago, with our 3 kids. It was crazy but we had so much fun. I thought it was easier traveling this way than by air. I will for sure use the railway more than air travel. Way easier, already planning our next trip.

Cory Peters

Jun 2025

“As a local photographer, I absolutely love working at Chicago Union Station.”

As a local photographer, I absolutely love working at Chicago Union Station. It’s one of the city’s most iconic architectural gems and offers a truly timeless backdrop for wedding, engagement, and portrait photography. The Great Hall, with its soaring 110-foot-high atrium, dramatic columns, and grand staircase, provides an unmatched elegance that feels both classic and cinematic. The natural light that streams in through the massive windows makes for perfect photo conditions throughout the day. The station itself is also a living piece of Chicago history, dating back to 1925, and serves as a major transportation hub for Amtrak and Metra trains. Even with all the activity, there’s a certain calmness and grandeur that makes it ideal for photo sessions. I always recommend it to clients who want that grand, old-world Chicago aesthetic. Just be aware that for formal or commercial photography, you may need to arrange for a permit. Highly recommend Union Station for anyone wanting an unforgettable Chicago backdrop!

Albany Capture

May 2025

“Chicago Union Station is always impressive, but it truly shines during the holidays.”

Chicago Union Station is always impressive, but it truly shines during the holidays! The grand architecture, with its soaring ceilings and elegant details, is even more magical when adorned with festive decorations and twinkling lights. It's like stepping into a classic holiday movie! This station is not only one of my favorite buildings in Chicago, but it’s also a top filming location for a reason. The timeless beauty and cinematic atmosphere make it unforgettable. Whether you're traveling or just stopping by to admire the space, it's a must-see, especially during the holiday season. Union Station perfectly captures the charm and history of Chicago. Highly recommend visiting to soak in the holiday spirit and appreciate one of the city’s architectural gems!

Zeljka

Dec 2024

“Came on Amtrak to Chicago from Minnesota.”

Came on Amtrak to Chicago from Minnesota. It was a good trip. Staff as nice. Friendly. Train was clean. Restrooms were clean. The return trip boarding was a little confusing but quick.

Lisa Carmichael

Sep 2024