Need help with public transit (Chicago, Schaumburg: condo, hotel, travel)

[snowlandcook]

We live in Minnesota and will be visiting Chicago area in a couple of weeks. We are planning to stay at a hotel (Wingate) in Schaumburg (much cheaper than any locations downtown) and travel to Navy Pier one evening (for a dinner cruise--courtesy of our niece) and to Wrigley Field the following evening for a Cubs game.

Besides a taxi (which I fear will be too spendy), is safe public transit available between Schaumburg and these destinations? Where? How late does it run? And how close would it be for us to walk to/from pick-up/drop-off sites? (Is evening walking safe?)

I don't mean to sound bumpkin-ish, but we are unaccustomed to Chicago lifestyle and need advice.

Thanks.

[BJT83]

From Schaumburg to Navy Pier I would take the Milwaukee District West line, the station is located right near the Schaumburg Flyers stadium at 2000 S. Springinsguth Rd. That train will take you to Union Station. From there, you could take the Chicago Water Taxi or Shoreline Water Taxi. I think that's much more enjoyable than any bus or taxi.

Unfortunately, there's really no great way to get to Wrigely, not to mention park there. You could take the Metra again, then use a combination of bus and el to get up there, but that's pretty time-consuming. I think I'd drive and just get there early enough to park in one of the overprice lots.

As for safety, I wouldn't be too concerned. The Metra between Schaumburg and Union Station is safe for sure, and from downtown up to Wrigley is fine as well. Your biggest concern should probably be drunk, belligerent fans at the game.

[BJT83]

I should add:

The walk from Union Station to either water taxi is very short. Shoreline taxi is across the river on Adams, and Chicago Water Taxi is about 2 blocks north on Madison. Pretty bustling area at all times of day/night, definitely safe to walk to and from. Will you have a vehicle?

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by BJT83

Unfortunately, there's really no great way to get to Wrigely, not to mention park there. You could take the Metra again, then use a combination of bus and el to get up there, but that's pretty time-consuming. I think I'd drive and just get there early enough to park in one of the overprice lots.

I disagree. No bus/train combination is necessary. Just spend the day downtown before the game, and take the Red Line north to the Addison stop (it has stations up and down State Street in the Loop). Just watch your wallets (front pockets!) and bags, and don't stand in the doorway blocking the other riders who are trying to get on/exit. It will be packed with Cubs fans, so it will be pretty obvious what to do after you buy your transit pass (if your hotel concierge sells these, it would save you time).

Staying downtown would have definitely added a lot of convenience to your trip. Cab rides from Schaumburg would be REALLY expensive. I've never done that cab ride, but it's $40 just to get to O'Hare from downtown--and Schaumburg is easily twice as far. The Metra or a rental car is definitely your best bet. Parking downtown is very expensive, but nothing like that cab fare! Also, the Kennedy Expressway (I-90) is a traffic nightmare.

[BJT83]

Well yes, spending the day down there and taking the red line is the easiest option for Wrigley. I was assuming all travels were between Schaumburg and the city. You can also easily walk from Union Station to the red line.

I would for sure avoid cabs ($$) and buses (confusing for out-of-towners)

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by BJT83

I should add:

The walk from Union Station to either water taxi is very short. Shoreline taxi is across the river on Adams, and Chicago Water Taxi is about 2 blocks north on Madison. Pretty bustling area at all times of day/night, definitely safe to walk to and from. Will you have a vehicle?

The walk from the Mag Mile to Navy Pier is longer than it looks, and is pretty bleak (lots of parking lots and condo buildings with tall blank walls for parking garages). I would just walk around downtown and take a cab when necessary. You can hail a cab just about anywhere in central Chicago. I usually tip $1 plus change for fares under $10 and $2 plus change for fares between $10 and $20.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by BJT83

Well yes, spending the day down there and taking the red line is the easiest option for Wrigley. I was assuming all travels were between Schaumburg and the city. You can also easily walk from Union Station to the red line.

I would for sure avoid cabs ($$) and buses (confusing for out-of-towners)

There are free trolleys for tourists, and they are idiot-proof. I'd get a map of these before coming. I know Navy Pier is a big stop.

[Avengerfire]

Wrigley Field Express Bus
Route 282 Schaumburg – Wrigley Field Express
$3 a person each way exact cash fare required
Free parking at the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg
Pace Bus - Wrigley Field Express

[snowlandcook]

Wow--thanks everyone. I will definitely look into the free trolleys, but I am also glad to hear that we can get where we need to go other ways too. I didn't realize the el went out as far as Schaumburg.

Yes, we will have our car with us. We are driving from MN. We could just drive to Navy Pier and to Wrigley, but I was under the impression that parking would be impossible. No? Any idea of cost for parking?

[snowlandcook]

Where do I get a map of the trolley lines? Do they run to/from Schaumburg?