For many commuters, this station is not very far from the Pingree station, also located in Crystal Lake. That said, unless you're coming from the east, you should really be using this station.
I value the Crystal Lake station for several reasons:
* Ample parking spaces, whether adjacent or right across Main Street
* Convenient automated payment options: cash, credit, or commuter card
* It has an agent who can answer all your questions and sell you the ticket you actually need (plus you pay less if you buy from the agent)
* It's close to the end of the line, which means more seat availability inbound to Chicago
* It has several convenient scheduling options to and from Chicago
* And lastly, there are two coffee shops within 50 feet of the station: Trax, which is in the station itself, and Grounds Coffee Bar, which is immediately north of the station
One other note is that the conductors who run these lines have been really friendly, and I have really been on every train in the morning from the 606-636, and outbound from 625-663.
If you've been a loyal Pingree user, or if you're thinking about commuting, you should definitely try the Crystal Lake station! read more