rev:text
| - This is the best way to get to and from Chicago from Champaign. If you book long enough ahead of time, you can ride for $13 each way. If you wait until the last minute, you are going to pay $36, which is still less than the private busses.
If you are going to Chicago, the Amtrak drops you at Union Station, which is really convenient to take the Metra out to the 'burbs, Blue Line to O'Hare, Orange to Midway, el to wherever (3 block walk) or busses and trolley (a free bus) to wherever else. It is true that the train can run late, just like the private busses, but it is extremely rare for this to occur on the early morning trains.
I actually prefer it to driving, as I can do work on the train, read a book, or sleep. Trains are much more spacious than buses or planes and have plugs for laptops, etc (no WiFi yet). You can even walk around, and use a human-sized bathroom. In the car all that I can do is sit, eat, and get older.
You can also drink on the train (cafe car has beer, but you can also BYOB). Just sayin'.
Also, if you are feeling awesome, check out the Rockstar Ride: departs Friday & Saturday nights from Champaign at 7:59pm, arriving downtown Chicago at 10:45pm. Departs from Chicago on Saturday/Sunday morning at 8:15am. A night to never remember.
|