Originally Posted by
abebix
While continuing the thread w/o sidetracking it, I wanted to post a related question: Will I have enough time with a group of 9 college undergrads arriving into ORD at 5:07 AM from Sao Paulo to catch the "El" and transit to Union Station in time for a 8:14AM train to Champaign-Urbana? We will already have our train boarding passes in hand and I know the route quite well from ORD-the Amtrak boarding area. I think there is only another flight arriving from FRA and perhaps from DEL within the same hour to ORD. I have done this trip using the El and Amtrak before, but never so early in the morning. The last time immigrating through ORD was a snap, but I usually arrive in the late-morning or early evening. All students are US citizens with the exception of a Canadian.
Given your timeframe and that your timing goes with morning rush, I would recommend the Metra route others have mentioned here. From terminal 5, take the inter-terminal train to remote parking. From there, take the bus to the F lot/Metra station. There are trains at 6:17 (arrives 6:55), 6:53 (7:25), 7:07 (7:47), and 7:30 (8:04, probably too close). $3.80 each. metrarail.com, you want the North Central Line.
You're probably fine on the L, but the Metra route would probably get you into Union with enough time to grab breakfast and sit for a little bit before getting on the Amtrak.