Car vs Bus from Lincoln Park to Museum Science/Industry (Chicago: renting, hotel)

[Ilovejazz]

I'll be in Chicago in a few weeks, staying in Lincoln Park, and we want to visit the Museum of Science and Industry.

There will (probably) be four of us, so we could each get a $5.00 all day bus pass, so the total cost would be $20.00 (possibly $25.00) for transportion.

Or, I could drive there and pay $12.00 for parking. However, there is the added expense of gas and wear-and-tear on the car. Google says it's 14 miles, and we'd start out at about 0830. CTA says that it will take about 50 minutes, and we'd take two buses.

Considering not only money, but traffic (and the fact that I'm not a native driver), what is the opinion of those who live in the area: drive a car or take the bus?

Thanks.

[Mel2882]

I'd take the bus. You didn't say if you'd be renting the car, but there's the expense of that plus parking, and if you decide to go anywhere else (even to eat) parking could be an issue. Also if you decide to go anywhere else, the pass is unlimited, so it'll take you anywhere. That's just what I'd do, but I don't use my car here, so who knows...others may have some pros for that option as well.

[ahava]

I would also take the bus. 99% of the time I prefer taking public transportation to driving, and especially parking, in Chicago.

[Ilovejazz]

Thanks for your responses. I'll be driving into Chicago from out-of-state, so I'll already have a car. But it sounds like we need to just leave the car at the hotel and take the bus.

[jdiddy]

I no longer own a car, so I take public transportation everywhere I need to go, and usually advise others to do the same in order to avoid parking hastles and traffic. But this is one instance where I'd say you're better off driving.

The Museum of Science and Industry is very easy to get to via car, and if you are leaving that early on a weekday, you shouldn't have any problem parking in the main garage. Get on Lake Shore, take it to 57th, you're there.

[Drover]

Ditto jdiddy. With that many people, it will be more economical to drive and park... UNLESS you plan to get day passes anyway, in which case you might as well use them at every opportunity.

[Ilovejazz]

Originally Posted by Drover

Ditto jdiddy. With that many people, it will be more economical to drive and park...

That was my original thought. If it were just a couple of us, I think no doubt it would be best for the bus. I wasn't planning on getting day passes, but without them, it is $4.00 one way, so it would be $32. for four people getting there and back!

Thanks very much to all for your time.

[redbricks]

If you got a car DRIVE for pete sakes........straight south on LSD to 57th ST.
why put up with all of that stopping and going, all those different nuts getting on and off the bus....14 miles less then a gal of gas appx $3.00 for trabsportation. Yes there is a fee for parking, but there is usually ample parking at that location,,,plus you might to tour the Hyde Park area while you ar over there or stop by the aquarium, museum of Natural History, The Bean, navy pier you'll be passing alot of places

[mdz]

One more vote for driving--it's an easy lot to get to, and the bus will take forever and be more expensive.

[j33]

If you have a car, then drive. If you are really nervous about it, chip in together and take a taxi, the bus from Lincoln park to Hyde Park seems like a pain in the butt.