Navigating Chicagos Union Station
Ive ridden trains on six continents, and Im comfortable saying Union Station is one of, if not the, worst train stations Ive ever been to. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. We actually arrived at 4:52PM for our 5:15PM.
Union Station has two levels, a mezzanine level for eating / shopping and a concourse level primarily for actual train services . Coming from the Union Station Transit Center, youre deposited concourse level at the south concourse at the end opposite the Amtrak gates.
The south concourse has even-numbered tracks and the north concourse has odd-numbered. Certain trains use a combination letter-number system. The number is the actual track, and the letter is the gate. Gates A and B serve the north concourse and gates C, D, E, and F serve the south concourse .
So, a Metra information board will give you Metra trains and track numbers without gates.
While a separate Amtrak board gives Amtrak gate-track combinations for departures.
This isnt intuitive, because why would anyone think E 18 is right next to 16. Especially when something like C 26 also exists. C26 — E18 16 is not an intuitive way to arrange tracks.
All that said, the staff at Union Station are incredibly helpful. They get that its way too busy of a place, and they are more than willing to quickly direct you to your track number.
Bus From St Louis To Chicago And From Chicago To St Louis
Get a better view of the Gateway Arch on your next trip to St. Louis.
St. Louis is an aesthetically beautiful city that’s filled with attractions for any kind of traveler.
Get fired up at a Rams, Cardinals, or Blues game, check out Six Flags St. Louis, or spend a night on the town with its electrifying nightlife and music scene.
Feast upon the amazing local grub, visit the many wonderful museums, or explore the city’s local parks.
Perfect your Midwest travel and book a bus from Chicago to St. Louis today!
Planning A Move From The Windy City To The Gateway To The West
If youre fretting leaving behind your friends and family in Chicago when you move to St. Louis, dont worry! The two cities are only about 300 miles apart or a 4 ½ hour drive so its easy to go back for a visit. And while there are things youll surely miss in Chicago, like deep-dish pizza, shopping, or entertainment options, St. Louis offers a lot to get excited about, as well! Read on to learn about your new home and see how U-Pack® can help you with your move.
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Travel Tips From Chicago To St Louis
- When flying to St. Louis from Chicago, you can fly out of MDW Chicago Midway Intl or ORD Chicago Ohare Intl.
- It is best to fly out of MDW from Chicago, which is 6.9 miles southwest of Chicago.
- Many airlines have flexible COVID-19 policies around flight changes and cancellations for flights going from Chicago to St. Louis.
- Book your tickets from Chicago to St. Louis well in advance, because the drop in demand due to COVID-19 is forcing travel providers to limit daily departures.
- Taking a flight might be the fastest way from Chicago to St. Louis, but it is also 5X more expensive than the bus.
- The bus or train from Chicago to St. Louis might be 4 hours 45 minutes slower than flying, but has WiFi onboard to keep you connected.
The Journey From Chicago To Springfield
We departed on time at 5:15PM. Several announcements we made, reminding us that this was a full train and a family service .
Tickets were checked pretty much immediately. Having our party split across two rows caused a bit of confusion, especially when we moved together later. The staff spent much of their time reprimanding individual passengers for taking up two seats.
Having gone to college in central Illinois and having in-laws in southern Illinois, Ill say that the journey from Chicago to southern Illinois is one of the most boring routes you can undertake in the country. Maybe one day Ill take a great picture of a cornfield and share it here, but for now youll just have to take me at my word.
Mid-trip I swung by the Cafe Car .
There had been an announcement asking that we not use laptops or lounge unnecessarily in the Cafe Car because it was a full train.
My menu board photo came out blurry, but clear enough for me to quickly highlight some prices:
- Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites $5.50
- DiGiorno Pizza $9.75
- Sabra Hummus and Pretzels $4.50
- Liquor $7.25
- Domestic Beer $5.50
I didnt feel the need to eat anything, as I assume were all on the same page about the cost-benefit analysis that goes into deciding whether or not to eat train food.
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Greyhound Promo Codes And Discounts
Looking for a discount? There are 4 ways to secure Greyhound fare discounts so you can ensure you are getting the best Greyhound bus ticket prices:
Children:
Children travelling with an adult will receive discounted fares at the following ages:
- Children under 2 will travel free if theyre sitting on your lap
- Children under 2 with their own seat will travel at 20% off
- Children aged 2-17 travel at 20% off if travelling with someone 17 years of age or older
- Passengers aged 17 and older will not receive a discount
Conditions apply, see here for details.
Students:
Students can get 10% off Greyhound bus tickets with the Student Advantage Discount Card.
Students need to sign up for the card online before they purchase tickets and use the card when making the booking.
Military & Veterans:
Active or retired military personnel get 10% off full price bus tickets for themselves and their families when purchased at the station or when using the Veteran Advantage Card online. The card also gives cardholders 25% off on Greyhound Package Express services .
Seniors:
Senior citizens 62 years and older receive a 5% discount on bus fares. Passengers wanting to claim this discount simply need to use photo identification at the time of purchase.
Large group bookings:
Have a large group or need a whole Greyhound bus?
Greyhound buses offer discounts on large group bookings so get in touch with Greyhound buses to find out if your group is eligible for a discount!
Contact Greyhound buses here.
Chicago To St Louis Buses
With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from Chicago to St Louis is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.
We make sure you can find a bus service from Chicago to St Louis from the most reliable bus companies operating this trip.
From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses traveling from Chicago to St Louis, we offer a wide range of bus services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.
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Travel Distance From Chicago
Travelers and visitors are welcome to write more travel information about Chicago and St Louis.
- It can be your previous travel experience between Chicago and St Louis.
- Available transport routes to reach St Louis like train routes, bus routes, air routes and cruise routes.
- Tourist places or any other important places on the routes between Chicago and St Louis.
- Hotels, restaurant information on the way to St Louis.
- Travel queries and other relavent information related to this page.
Is It Easy To Get Around In St Louis
St. Louis is a big city, but its pretty easy to get around. If youre using your own vehicle to get around, you wont be stuck in traffic long. According to research firm INRIX, which ranks St. Louis as the 50th most congested city in the country, St. Louis drivers only spend about 30 minutes a day in traffic. If you dont own a vehicle and relied on public transit to get around in Chicago, youre in luck. Public transportation is readily available in St. Louis, as well. The city offers rail and bus transit that provides access to neighborhoods, attractions and shopping districts all over the area.
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What Amenities Are Included On A Bus From St Louis To Chicago
- free Wi-Fi
- free onboard entertainment with Megabus RIDE
- individual power outlets
- reserved seating
- fares starting at just $1*
When you ride with us, you could catch up on all of your TV shows. Just don’t reveal any spoilers to your bus neighbors!
Whether your bus trip from St. Louis to Chicago or Chicago to St. Louis is for business or leisure, megabus will get you there comfortably and conveniently.
All of our seats on buses from St. Louis to Chicago are equipped with onboard restrooms, individual power outlets, three-point seatbelts, reclining seats, free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment subject to availability.
Plus, when booking your bus tickets from St. Louis to Chicago, youre given multiple seating upgrade options to ensure your experience is as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
On all of our buses from St. Louis to Chicago and Chicago to St. Louis, we offer reserved seating.
Reserve one of the 10 most popular seats on our buses to enjoy a more spacious ride or secure seats next to family and friends .
Remember that reserved seats are limited, so make sure to plan ahead and book early for your St. Louis to Chicago trip!
Travel Tips From St Louis To Chicago
- If you are flying from St. Louis to Chicago, you can fly into MDW or ORD .
- Chicago is southwest from MDW – Chicago, so consider flying to MDW – Chicago if you are headed southwest.
- Faretrotter searches airport transfers too, so you can also use Faretrotter to find transport from MDW to Chicago as well.
- Many airlines have flexible COVID-19 policies around flight changes and cancellations for flights going from St. Louis to Chicago.
- Book your tickets from St. Louis to Chicago well in advance, because the drop in demand due to COVID-19 is forcing travel providers to limit daily departures.
- Taking a flight might be the fastest way from St. Louis to Chicago, but it is also 5X more expensive than the bus.
- The bus or train from St. Louis to Chicago might be 5 hours slower than flying, but has WiFi onboard to keep you connected.
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Bus Ticket Prices For The Bus From St Louis To Chicago
When booking in advance, you can save big on bus ticket pricing from St. Louis to Chicago.
Megabus makes bus travel easy and affordable for your upcoming St. Louis to Chicago trip, with fares as low as $1*.
Reserving your bus tickets for your next St. Louis to Chicago trip is made simple online or by smartphone on megabus.com.
Our trip planner allows you to choose your flexible schedule for your St. Louis to Chicago or Chicago to St. Louis trip and find the itinerary that works for you.
Bus Stop Locations And Drop
Whether youre traveling by bus from St. Louis to Chicago or vice versa, you will be centrally located for hotels, restaurants, and public transit when you arrive.
In addition, when leaving from Chicago, you can find parking available near our bus stop.
When traveling by bus from Chicago to St. Louis, you will depart from Van Buren Street between South Canal and Clinton Street.
Your Chicago to St. Louis bus will arrive at the Gateway Transportation Center at 430 South 15th Street.
Learn more about St. Louis and things to do by visiting our city guide.
When you travel by bus from St. Louis to Chicago, you will depart from Bay 10 of the Gateway Multi-Modal Transportation Center at 430 South 15th Street.
Your St. Louis to Chicago bus will arrive at Van Buren Street between South Canal and Clinton Street.
Learn more about Chicago and its sights by visiting our city guide.
You can check your reservation for the exact location and time of departure anytime online or from your smartphone.
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How Many Daily Bus Connections Are There Between St Louis And Chicago
The number of buses from St Louis to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 11 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from St Louis to Chicago by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.
Plan Your Trip To St Louis Missouri
This grand midwestern city is known as the Gateway to the West for good reason. Nested along the slow-flowing Mississippi, this river town is known for its large influence in American history, loyal sports fans, hundreds of yearly events and festivals, and so much more. If youre planning a group trip to enjoy all of what this Midwestern city has to offer, GOGO Charters has the charter bus or minibus you need to make sure you dont skip a beat.
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What If My Dates Are Not Available
We’re constantly adding new departures dates and times, as they’re made available to TakeTours by our local suppliers.
In some cases our suppliers have not yet confirmed their future schedules. So and keep checking back with us if you don’t see the dates you’re looking for.
We also recommend you sign up for TakeTours’s monthly email newsletter, in order to stay on top of the latest deals & travel news.
Faqs About The Bus Route Chicago To St Louis Mo
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Route Information For The Bus From St Louis To Chicago
Our bus from St. Louis to Chicago happens to be one of our most popular routes among our network of over 100 cities across North America, allowing you flexible scheduling.
With convenient departure times, megabus makes planning your next St. Louis to Chicago to trip simple.
Keep track of your St. Louis to Chicago itinerary online at megabus.com, easily accessible from your smartphone.