Are you looking for information on luggage storage near Chicago Union Station? Well, your search ends here, Becuase we are here to help you kick off your travel plans without having luggage worries.
Maybe you have a business meeting near Chicago Union Station or You want to explore Downtown Chicago or You’re are just waiting to board your next Amtrak train. Whatever the reason, If you are in search of luggage storage check out this detailed guide. No matter whether you’re wondering “where to store luggage near Chicago Union Station?” or you have questions such as “Is there any locker at Union Station?” and “Is Amtrak Chicago Union Station luggage storage safe and reliable?”, this guide is for you and will answer them all.
We know the pain of lugging your luggage while planning one of your dream vacations and that’s why we’ve covered everything by sharing all the helpful information. And don’t worry! Because there are plenty of storage options near Chicago Union Station and we’re going to list them all here.
More About Chicago Union Station?
Being an iconic building and marvel of modern transportation, Chicago Union Station is the fourth-busiest railway terminal in the USA. It’s the hub of all Train activity in Chicago and the largest railway station in the state of Illinois serving more than 140,000 passengers on an average weekday. The station was opened in 1925, and today the station itself is considered a destination on its own that reflects the strong architectural heritage and historical achievements of Chicago. The station is the home to both popular railways Amtrak and Metra which serve the nation. You can catch Amtrak and Metra trains at this station to many destinations in the USA.
Chicago Union Station is located in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago. And with both railways, it has a strong connection to almost every state and major city in the United States. Along with serving long-distance passengers it also serves as a major station for inter-city passengers connecting to each and every point in the city to the downtown area of Chicago. And the station enables all tourists to explore the city of Chicago without facing challenges in transportation.
Where to Store Luggage at Chicago Union Station?
If you are someone who doesn’t want to lug luggage behind after arriving at the station, don’t worry, because you get the luggage storage option at the station itself via Amtrak Parcel Check which is located on the concourse level. But what about you, if you’re someone who doesn’t want to limit himself storing luggage after arrival and needs some extra flexibility in storage? Well, you don’t have to worry too! To help you have the best-in-class Chicago experience we have another great option to store luggage.
There are several luggage storage companies that are incredibly capable of managing luggage. And they’re seriously dedicated to providing this specific service and making luggage storage something fun, and changing the way we take care of our luggage while traveling. And of course, using the service is more of a flexible experience rather than being stuck in lines for traditional luggage storage such as lockers. Brands such BagsAway, Stasher, Bounce, and others aren’t only providing plenty of different options for storage, but the service offered by them is affordable as well as way more reliable in the real world.
Once you leave your luggage at the locations they offer with their partners, consider your worries about the luggage just got an end.
How Much Does it Cost?
Great! You got both options to store inside the station and outside the station, but now the big question comes which is exactly what you’re thinking “How much does it cost to store luggage at Chicago Union Station?” And which is more affordable of these two options?
Well, the parcel check or left luggage offered by Amtrak at Chicago Union Station has a rate that most travelers won’t like unless they already have a ticket for Amtrak trains. If you are a passenger of Amtrak you will be charged $10 but if you aren’t you will be charged twice, which becomes $20 in total for a day per item.
It is very clear that the storage of luggage at the station is expensive, and surely most of the passengers will prefer lugging their luggage rather than storing them considering the confusing pricing. But here things start to get interesting as other brands outside the station offer luggage storage in a more flexible way and they charge $1.5/hour or $6/Item for 24 hours with no limit in weights and size. Not all of them have the exact same pricing, but most of them have similar features and rates. They also offer free insurance that comes in the package of the same pricing.
Quick Details About Chicago Union Station
Station Name & Code: Chicago Union Station, Amtrak (CHI) & (CUS)
Location: 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, Illinois
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:20 PM
Parking & Disabled Acess: Available, You may ask the help desk to claim the service.
Website: chicagounionstation.com
Lost & Found Support: Well, surely the station is a great place to explore, and you can store wherever you want but luckily the station is offering lost and found support. And in case you lose something you reach out to the officials on their official email ([email protected]) and get support for your items.
What to Expect at Chicago Union Station?
As mentioned the station is no less than any destination with so many interesting things to explore. A tour around the platforms and waiting halls is no less than the experience of visiting a world-famous museum. The Great Hall at the station is known to be the most luxurious place inside the station building which can be booked for private events. A glimpse at the Great Hall can help you see the beautiful architecture designed by one of the finest architects of America, Daniel Burnham.
The station can be easily accessed from any point of the city by taking a short train ride from any station or taking a short taxi ride from your location. And the station offers easy access to the most well-known tourist attractions such as The Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Navy Pier, and a lot of other great places. This iconic building doesn’t only host events but the station itself has so many restaurants, coffee shops, and a lot of other options to add some fun to your day as a passenger. Metropolitan Lounge at the station is considered luxurious where you get an amazing dining experience and you can also store your luggage free of cost there.
Services and amenities at the station include a lot, from dining to shopping, exploring to resting you will get everything that comes with quality assurance, and has some luxury charm over it. There are a lot of great hotels located around the station to stay and explore the city. Being located in Downtown Chicago it’s one of the best places for personal photography which is obviously permitted at the station, it’s also heaven for street photographers as well. Along with all these incredible things the station features other things such as free Wi-Fi, parking, ticket counters, a help desk, and many more great things.
Best Place to Stay near Chicago Union Station
You’re still looking for another alternative luggage storage? Well, booking an affordable hotel near Chicago Union Station might complete the Plan B you have for storing luggage. Although hotels don’t offer that much flexibility it surely offers more convenience. And if you are not carrying extra weight a hotel can be both affordable and suitable for you. And we know that you’re in search of a hotel that’s why we have listed some of the best options near the station. Here are the top 3 hotels for a budget-friendly stay
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Located in the heart of Chicago this two-star hotel has everything you need, it’s near Grant Park and within walking distance of several popular Chicago attractions, offers a comfortable stay with entertainment and free WiFi, and is Rated 8.8 out of 10 on major booking websites, a night at the hotels cost just $140/night.
Travelodge by Wyndham
Located in Downtown Chicago Travelodge by Wyndham is a 2-star hotel, that offers comfortable being affordable in price, this hotel is just 1.3 miles from Millennium Park, from fully air-conditioned rooms to airport shuttle you get everything in a hotel near Chicago Union Station, one night stay cost anywhere between $120-150 per person.
Freehand Chicago
A very luxurious three-star hotel located at a distance of 1.7 km from Chicago Union Station which is obviously not the closest location, but a bus or metro ride will make it easy to reach the hotel. It’s located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, from ac rooms to safety boxes as well as luggage storage, You get everything here at this hotel. It’s also among the most affordable options in Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Where can I store luggage at Chicago Union Station?
You can store your luggage at the Chicago Union Station at the parcel check facility offered by Amtrak. But it comes with confusing pricing, for those who have got tickets with Amtrak will have to pay $10, and those who don’t have a ticket will have to pay twice the rate which is $20 per day.
Where else can I store luggage near Chicago Union Station?
Alternatively, You can store luggage with brands that offer luggage storage, You can store it at your preferred locations. It offers more flexibility than any other storage options available out there.
How do you get around Chicago Union Station?
There are a lot of transportation options to get around, You can use Greyhound intercity buses, you can also use the metro or train to access different locations around the city as well as you can use other transportation such as taxis and car rentals. From both airports (Midway & O’Hare) you get direct trains to Union Station.
How early should you get to Union Station in Chicago?
If you got a ticket and most things are ready you better plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure. And If you have no tickets and other things ready for your travel, You try to reach the station within 45 minutes or one hour.
Is it safe to store your bags near Chicago Union Station?
Yes, All options including the station’s parcel facility, Airbnb-inspired luggage storage, and hotels are considered safe but make sure you check security tags, details of the storage provider, and online reviews to check the authenticity.