Originally Posted by
milepig
Taking a Metra train to a bus to another train is enough of an issue that many previous posters have advised against this option. Too many failure points, it seems like to me.
I disagree.
In fact, it eliminates the first failure point: Getting from Union Station to the L. What could be more convenient than not even having to leave the building to catch the connecting train?
Plus, the shuttle from the O'Hare Metra stop, IIRC correctly, is that same bus that loops through the F lot. Thus you are assured it will come along every 10 minutes or so. And the airport tram is highly reliable and offers frequent service.
Plus, the Metra ride is going to be a heckuva lot more comfortable than the L. The only thing more convenient would be a cab, but as others have stated this costs plenty of cash and if you have 5 hours, is not really a necessary expenditure.