I originally posted this review on June 5, 2008. Idiotically, Yelp moved it to a listing for Metra,…read morea completely different train system that shares some of the South Shore Line's tracks and stations. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One thing I loved about living in South Bend, Indiana, was being able to take the South Shore Line to Chicago. So it wasn't the fastest way to get there, and honestly, if I were going to be tooling around Chicago, I usually drove. But when I had a flight out of Midway and didn't feel like being gouged for leaving my car at long-term parking, I took the South Shore Line there. The first thing you'll notice about the South Shore Line is how old school it is. From the trains themselves--which look like they were reupholstered in the '60s--to the conductors' uniforms to the tickets, you know you're riding something that has changed very little since the 1930s or whenever it started. Although it takes a long time, it's still a cheap way to get to Chicago and many obscure points between South Bend and the Loop. I would gladly give the South Shore Line five stars except for a couple problems. First, it's very easy to be on the wrong car of the train and get left somewhere far from home. Make sure when you get on that you're sitting in the correct car, as on some runs only some of the cars make it all the way to South Bend. Second, and this isn't really the South Shore Line's fault but it does make riding a little weird, a lot of the Chicago stations are sketch fests. If you're going to Midway, just go all the way to the Loop and catch the orange line from there. I used to go to the Roosevelt station and walk the few blocks to the Orange Line. I saved a dollar or so, but the walk is really annoying. And some of the South Side stations are really really really scary. I'm talking desolate scary.

I love taking the train into Chicago. Relaxing, easy to use and currently only $20 round trip…read more Can't beat it!

It's been almost 10 years since my previous review. In that time the Miller station has…read morecompletely transformed thanks to the South Shore Double Track project that completed in May 2024. There's now a larger inside waiting area that folks can wait at for the upcoming trains which now can pass either through Track 1 or 2 (hence the Double Track). Train arrival times can still be unreliable at times but generally now seating is more available though it gets overcrowded again by the time it rolls into East Chicago and Hammond. Initially there was confusion over whether a train would arrive on Track 1 or 2 and at times you'd have to scramble quickly to the other track. But that's gotten better. Overall trip times to and from Millennium have gotten better even though not at the times promised by the new schedules. But they seem to be working on that as they continue to make modifications to the schedule. Good job South Shore!

If you're unfamiliar with the South Shore, you need to know that the Miller station is cash only on…read morethe train. Unlike other stations, the Miller NICTD station does not have a booth or vending, so you must have cash-money in hand when you board. In my experience, the South Shore is generally on time, but don't be surprised if the train is running three, five, ten, or 15 minutes late. It happens. But what's more frustrating is when the train is early. As inconvenient as it sounds, I suggest arriving a minute or two early and maintaining a patient disposition. Ample parking is available as long as you're willing to walk a little bit. I've left my car overnight on several occasions without incident, but I was more than a little nervous each time. I recommend troubling a friend for a ride if you won't be back the same day. As for the actual structure, the station itself is a Miller landmark. I've given directions or estimated arrival times from the Miller NICTD station a zillion times. And every winter I look forward to the fresh greenery, red bows, and twinkling lights at the Miller station as I approach Lake Street from highway 12. Lots of people can't stop hating on the South Shore, but in my opinion, these are folks who take public transportation for granted. Why not crack open a can of beer and let someone else do the driving?

There's no real station here, only a little shed you can get out of the rain in... and the vending…read moremachines for the tickets are clear across the parking lot. But the plus is that there is a TON of parking both at the "station" and across the street in the overflow parking lot. It also seems to be WAY safer than the other Michigan City station just down the road.

The Carroll Avenue Station on the South Shore Line is the quintessential small-town train stop. I…read morewould call it a station, and it technically is, but you hardly realize it when you're here. Everything about the station makes you think it's 1936. There's the tiny building filled with uncomfortable chairs. There's the ticket agent who's neither friendly nor rude. There are the tearful reunions at the tracks. OK, I made that last one up, but tearful reunions in the muddy parking lot doesn't sound right. One time when I was visiting South Bend, the train schedule worked out (or didn't work out) so that I wouldn't be able to get all the way to South Bend in time to spend time with my dear friend Jen W. So she very generously offered to meet me in Michigan City. This was when Indiana still didn't have Daylight Saving Time (and it was confusing because the state has two time zones, and one of them does change), and because my friend lived in Granger, she got here an hour early. Our reunion was grand, and teary on her end. We were so engrossed in our conversation that we didn't realize she had made a wrong turn on the way back to South Bend. I really like this station, especially because it reminds me of Jen W. and our Michiana misadventures. OK, they weren't misadventures, but alliteration is fun when you're in the Midwest. Oh, and for you geography buffs, Michigan City, Indiana, is not in the region known as Michiana. How ridiculous is that? About as ridiculous as East Chicago being in Indiana, I would say.

Visited and had lunch. Had a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Wow!!! Really big and very good…read more Highly recommend it. Also the cream of mushroom soup, don't recommend as highly.

Well this is our first time taking the trip from Detroit to Chicago and I am not sure it could be…read moreworse. The train had mechanical issues and stopped in Niles, Michigan. At first it was an hour and half for a part to show up, then it was texts sent we have alternate transportation (which showed up but was not for everyone). Then it was we need to disconnect the cars that need the part but will leave soon. Now we need a new crew. Been on the train for 12 hours now. Still not in Chicago. No idea if we will ever leave. Worst communication ever. No idea if anyone is telling the truth because everything we have been told has been wrong if they communicate which they mostly don't. I would suggest you do anything but use Amtrak.

This is quite an impressive train station. It is very nicely taken care of and you feel like in the…read more1920s. Restrooms are clean as well as the station. The waiting benches are also well preserved and add a nice nostalgia touch to it. They have free wifi just in case you need to stream your favorite shows while you wait. Overall really impressed!

LOVE the Pere Marquette/Train 371 route from St Joe to Chicago. For a mere $21, you can enjoy a…read moresmooth, plush, and direct trip to Chicago. The trip takes just under two hours and departs each day from the station (next to Silver Beach Pizza) at 8:09am arriving around 9am CST (yes, don't forget about the time difference gaining an hour when coming from EST). Pro-tip: install the mobile app for a digital ticket and to keep up to date on whether your train has been delayed. It's mostly been on time for me and I don't mind delays since things happen + it's still way better than driving. However, if you have something important the next day or in the early morning, it might be better to come in the previous day or find a transportation alternative. The cabins are extremely comfortable. Sits are in pairs so you don't have to worry about middle seats. There's nearly 40" of legroom, leaving plenty of space, even for folks about 6' like myself. Huge shoutout to conductors Steve and Warren, as well as Jamie in the cafe cart. They've all been infinitely welcoming and professional. Enjoy and safe travels, everyone! All aboard!

I have used this train numerous times to get to chicago.  It is attached to Silver Beach Pizza and…read morehas indoor seating.  The train is comfortable for the distance.  I would recommend amtrak for Chicago goers though recommendation isn't really needed since it's the most common way to get to Chicago.  If you got time before your ride, I highly recommend getting a pizza.

I commuted by train to Chicago for many years. Like NYC, the transportation system is convenient to…read moreuse and reliable. You don't have to deal with traffic on the Dan Ryan or Ike here, and you can read or knock some work out while relaxing. I have a meeting in the Loop today so I'm headed to the city on the express train which has very few stops. Not all of the trains are express only the ones during rush hour. You can purchase a monthly pass or round trip ticket. Since I do most of my work from home, I buy tickets as needed. My tickets today total a little under $7.50 round trip. For a comfortable and relaxing ride, hit the rail to the Loop!

Metra is totally the only way to FLY! however there has been…read moresome rudeness on the 705am train People taking up 2seats because they don't want someone sitting next to them.... The trains are packed. No one wants a headache early in the morning dealing with that. We all pay a hearty fee riding this train. Do better people!

Nice. Clean. Easy to get to. Although parking can be rather bothersome. On some days there is…read moreplenty to go around and on others not so much.