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.

Ah. Yes, you are definitely right about a 3PM arrival at Union Station. I was reading it as a 3PM flight from O'Hare.

Mugged? Highly unlikely, in my opinion. If it's preferable to walk further to get to a station with an elevator, the Jackson station is six blocks east, right through the middle of downtown, and it's a good walk for seeing a few sights (Sears Tower, Federal Reserve, Board of Trade).

That said, I'd recommend the Metra NCS. The ride is fast, Union Station has plenty of amenities while waiting plus elevators to the platforms, Metra has conductors who can help with bags, and the legs on ORD property (the shuttle bus and ATS) are short, high frequency, and easy enough to understand.

I can't hail an American taxi downtown, but I sure can request one by phone.

If you doubt me, how about a friendly wager...

You talking a specific driver or calling dispatch? A specific driver might break the law, but I doubt the dispatch would.

Nevertheless, no bet, as I said it's not legal, not that it wouldn't happen. And I certainly wouldn't recommend such an idea to someone not from the area.

I've done the trip and it is easy.

The "bus" that meets the Metra train is actually a shuttle that frequently circulates the Economy Parking lot so it is also in use by any long-term parking customers. The Metra station is along the edge of the economy lot. The shuttle also takes people to/from the ATS to/from the general area of their car, but the end of the route is the Metra Station.

The ATS is the automated people mover at O'Hare. It never stops running, and if it does, people trying to, for example, get from a Star Alliance Terminal 5 arrival to a Terminal 1 United Domestic departure, are also screwed. ;)

If he can make it down a couple flights of stairs with his bags, then the Clinton el stop 2 blocks away is a no-brainer.

I've spent a lot of time in that area and agree that the "mugged" comment is ridiculous.

I live one block from Union Station and have used all of the methods discussed here to get to O'Hare.

IMHO, the best option for the OP is to use Metra North Central Line. It is the easiest, most comfortable way to go.

The Blue Line from Clinton is slow, uncomfortable, and makes 21 stops before arriving at O'Hare.

Really?

I don't think I have ever seen a Metra conductor help anyone with a bag. Certainly not me, or my wife, or my brother, or either of my 75+ year-old parents.

OK - you've convinced me that the Metra option is worth a try.

Now, advice on my particular situation. The LaSalle stop on the Blue line is literally 100 feet outside my front door. Is it worth schlepping over to Union Station to catch the Metra or should I just stick with the Blue line. (which is/was derailed this morning, BTW. No service to ORD)

One real advantage of the blue line for me (besides my monthly pass!) is that I don't need to worry about coordinating with the Metra schedule - I just leave in time to catch my flight.

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.

If a 3-hour layover isn't enough, we would have to wait until 4:25PM, which is pretty unreasonable....

Thanks!
abebix

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.

Forgot to mention, but it will be a Sun morning, so it should take care of the rush problem. Will El trains still run this early in the morning?

The point about rush was a good thing, actually, because it meant Metra was an option. The Metra line doesn't run on the weekend, so you will have to take the L. The Blue Line runs 24 hours. Trains are about 12-15 mins apart at that time on a Sunday, so you should be okay assuming everything goes quickly at immigration/customs.

Thanks for the replies! ^ I appreciate all of the help that FTer's have been over all the years! Hopefully I've been able to be as helpful...

Has anyone had any issues with immigration taking a long time at 5AM on a Sunday morning?