Like New York City, Chicago has one of the best public transportation systems in the U.S. I've had several meetings in the Loop where my office is located. The trains are clean. The seats are comfortable. The conductors are professional, and most of all, the train is on time most of the time. I don't have to deal with expensive parking, and walk underground to the elevator to my office. Sweet! I go to the office twice a week and enjoy unwinding on the train. I prepare for meetings, too. The train takes you to the museums stop, Hyde Park, the south burbs, and the University of Chicago. It's the cheapest and most convenient way to visit the city. read more

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I travel on Metra Electric when I use Public Transportation about 90% of the time. Its usually good. Yesterday there were electrical delays at Millenium Station during Rush Hour. Got on tje train more delays. The conducter was great. He didn't take our tickets. Today as I'm in Hyde Park waiting on the Metra now 8 minutes late, the announcer says it the train conductor doesn't see you, he won't stop. I get on. Riding south they pass my stop without any announcement. The conducter says its the Engineers fault with NO compassion or recourse just Mitchy Attitude. I said bacl the MF up! He said can't do that. I had to ride to tje end of the line wait 10 minutes and get home an hour past the time I should've been. Wouldn't you be pissed at such an easy fix? Mistakes are human but arrogance and incompetence are unacceptable! read more

Metra - Train Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I live in S. Loop next to an Electric Metra/ South Shore station and love hearing the bells when they come and go! Also the love when they blow horns! I sit at window at Rush hour to watch all the train activity. The Indiana commuter trains share tracks and the older trains have the best sounding horns, they need louder bells though. I can't hear them unless my windows are open. I have yet to ride on these trains but the South Shore is a classic that goes all the way to South bend IN, and you can bring your own alcohol on the train. This is a true party train for over 70 years! Its nick name is the Vommit Commit! The Metra train line was here since 1851 it was Originally the IL Central line. read more

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Well I'm not from a city that utilizes trains as a means of getting around so this was an experience that I would rather skip. It took us forever to find the train that would take us to Gary indiana only to realize it is literally underground. None of the locals( Chicago prepd) knew how to get here and we even asked police officers and bus drivers. Anyway, once we found it, the lady at the ticket counter was very helpful and told us what time the last train would be coming back to Chicago. Well it is time to board and the guy " ticket taker " was a bit rude when we asked if we were getting on the right train. We told him we were unfamiliar with what our role was in all of this lol. He just looked at us and said keep your tickets lol. Oh and the quiet cars...ain't quiet! We made it to Gary. . .should've stayed in Chicago! The bus/train depot is very sketchy and was deserted. It was not a good feeling. The inside of the depot looked empty, but we saw someone working behind plexiglass and bars. Red flag #4321, I will say I hope to never have to use the train again. For those that do, I salute you! read more

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I cant talk bad about the transportation that gets me to work and home everyday. But I will say these trains STAY PACKED!!!! Everytime I am on them, day or evening! It's always packed. But I sit on the quiet car, which brings me great joy! Shhhhhhhhh! read more

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If you are taking South Shore Line in 2023, DON'T. You might as well take Greyhound because halfway through to South Bend, you will take an un-air conditioned bus the rest of the way. read more

Metra ain't got nuttin on this! South Shore Line is truly a step back in time. The railway lines follow the original lakefront which existed prior to adding "floating land" for the metropolis' parks and recreation. The trains are furnished with diner-looking pink and teal vinyl seats and the doors have bells that dings when doors are closing. The bells are identical to that of a vehicles turn signal and followed by a bicycle bell. Classy! I had never knew about the Millennium Station under Millennium Park but there's a whole mall down there with an artistic curving ceiling. You can purchase your tickets at the ticket booth or use the automated machines that accept credit/debit cards. Talk about convenience!! (Learn from SS Metra!) There's no cheating the conductor because you have to buy your ticket prior to boarding and the ticket is defaced by removing the stub. Oh and they're friendlier than the Metra too. OK enough of bashing the Metra... The train can be taken all the way to South Bend and Gary, Indiana or to the Indiana Dunes Park for a mini beach vacation. If you're looking into the lakefront's history of steel mills, you can learn a lot from a ride on the South Shore Rail. read more

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My family was having a meet-up at the Indiana Dunes this spring- and since I live along this line on the south side- I thought I'd make my way to Portage via the South Shore. It was quite idea. I checked the South Shore website for train times and prices. The train was on time going. Was about 10 minutes late arriving when I was returning Sunday just before noon, but no big deal. The inner train decor is a bit dated- with 'pleather' seats in brown, pink and teal. Bleck. But it was clean. And the only problem I had- which I'll have to double check their website against- just to know if I misunderstood- I read on the website that they have a Weekend Pass- similar to Metra's weekend pass. It's about $5.50- and you go anywhere you want unlimited on the South Shore line using that one pass. When I boarded- the conductor told me no- they don't sell those. So that was a bit disappointing. I'd call perhaps if you're interested in that option- to make sure it IS an option. I'd surely use this line again if I ever had to head out to Indiana. read more

Metra - Portage/ Ogden Dunes train station (Indiana) - Train Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Their handling of yesterdays wire issue was absolutely horrible. Just leaving people on a train with no updates while we were just feet from the platform. This caused me to miss a concert for no real reason other than incompetence. It's been 4 years since I last too this train looks like it will be a lot longer before I would ever take that chance again. read more

The South Shore station has long been a dreary bunch of tunnels under construction. Although the work is not quite complete, the new station areas that have been unveiled are rather attractive. The blue floors have racing stripes that almost seem to guide the public along the paths where they need to go. read more

Metra - South Shore station - Train Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Today was the day & when I got to the station I noticed none of the track signage indicated which track was being used. Both Oglivie & Union Station have each track signage with each stop indicated. I asked a gentleman who worked there & he was super nice and explained to me that the track would be announced over the loud speaker. On my return trip I saw a Metra person open up the door at the front of the car. I always sit up top, it wasn't busy (I was the only one up there) & I am nosy = I walked up to take a peek. He saw me & I explained I was just being nosy. He was awesome enough to let me in on the other side & gave me a brief explanation of what everything was. SO COOL! read more

Eureka! I have found it! I drive from SW Ohio to Chicago a couple of times a year for long weekends etc. Always stay near the Mag Mile and have finally found what I think is the best way to get into and out of the city without having to drive and pay $50 per day to park. I drove to Dune Park station; parked for free (under a light and camera), hopped on the train ($14 round trip) spent a pleasant couple of hours riding to Millennium station. Then took the red line to my lodging. Upon my return to Dune Park, my car was safe and sound. This is definitely the way to go for me from now on. read more

I made the journey out to Michigan City Indiana this weekend. Not counting the CTA, I have never taken a train ride before. This line makes it very easy to get out ot NW Indiana and it will take you way out in to Hoosier country if you so desire. This could have easily been a five star rating except for literally one thing. I wished for one extra inch. If there would have been one extra inch between the two seats. I would have been perfectly comfotable. Although I felt kind of awkwardly seated, the ride was smooth, the trains arvived and departed on time and the conductors and the girl working the ticket counter was very friendly. If the South Shore line could have given me one more inch this would have been a five star ride! read more

I'm a long time rider or the South Shore line. Usually Gary to Chicago, but I've used the Miller, Hammond, Clark Street, and East Chicago stations as well. This is how I visit my family while living in Chicago...and I would not have it any other way. For the price, you just can't beat it. It has went up over time, as I remember one way trips being $4 from Gary to Randolph. But hey, doing the same on Greyhound is still more money at the end of the day. I love the train and being able to see everything as you ride along. Just reminds of my childhood. Sorry, flashback... Anyways, it's $5.75 now to do the same trip, one way. Not bad. On holidays, children ride for cheaper, which I love and parents appreciate when traveling for fireworks. Now, those are the busy and crowd days. In addition, as Christmas comes around, except the trains to be packed with shoppers and visitors from and to the city. The trains are more late in the summer, in my experiences. Not really sure why any where from 2 to 15 minutes. Any other time, it's on time and I usually get left :( Please be sure you go online to find the schedule, as the schedule changes A LOT! Like, every three months or so. So if you picked up a printed schedule this summer that says it changed in July, fyi that SSCRS has a new one dated for this month (Oct). The stations are OK. Gary Metro Station is a bit scary, especially now not having too many businesses in their station and greyhound service stops here. However they just revamped the platform. Don't visit the bathrooms in Gary. Half the time, there is not toilet paper. My favorite platform in Hammond. The station is a bit newer and feels safer. It also reminders me a lot of the Chicago El platforms. Clark street is on the street, no lie. And most of the time, the train will not stop there, so look at your schedule carefully. Additionally, you will have to press a button for the train to stop. Don't feel like doing all this, go to the Gary station. Lastly, Hammond has a shelter there for you in the winter, but the platform is small. Overall, I love the south shore line. I pray I am able to take my kids on it one day for a trip to the big city. It's a effective way of bridging NWI to Chicago and I will never complain about that. read more

Oh South Shore, how I love to hate you. From the bright orange and mud brown seats, to the never ending stream of ridiculous people on this train, to the hour and forty-five minute ride it takes to get to Michigan City. *sigh* That all being said, I don't have a car. So even though I know I can make this trip in an hour, I'll suffer through another forty five minutes of train-ness because it's my only option. But also, it's a straight shot from Chicago to MC, or to South Bend if you're going that far. NEVER EVER run even a second late if you're planning on taking this train. Chances are, it'll run a few minutes early, and you'll get there just in the nick of time to watch your train roll out. Be EARLY with this one. Trust me. An extra fifteen minutes will save you lots of headaches. You can find train times online, through the NICTD. And even though this train may be my mortal enemy, I'm thankful it's there. It's also decently priced. $8 gets me to Michigan City, If you're very annoyed by people talking on a train, definitely bring some headphones and tunes. Otherwise, a good book will see you through. Also, it's always fun to walk through Millennium/Randolph Station. The Dark Knight motorcycle scene, ya'all. read more

I don't care to drive to Chicago, so this is the way I roll. I haven't had any problems so I'll continue to take this to get to where I'm going. It's so convenient. read more

If you enjoy riding the Vomit Comet, you're nuts. Don't get me wrong, I like the fact that a train line exists between Chicago and Northwest Indiana so that my car-less self can easily visit my family. But, when I weigh that love against this list... well, meh: *Always late *Sometimes leaves Millennium Station early *Small, uncomfortable seats *TOURISTS... TOURISTS EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!! *Smells like vomit I wish wish wish they would: *Develop NEW cars *Improve their scheduling, especially on weekends *Offer more stops in the Northwest Indiana area, so patrons don't have to get off in dangerous areas (i.e. - Gary Metro, Miller) read more

I need more practice with taking this service. I got to the station at Michigan and Randolph and bought a ticket. There was no one at the Information desk and the monitor didn't have the track # listed of the train I wanted. So of course I keep going up and down the ramps to where some of the trains are standing. The doors are shut and personnel is no where to be found. Finally I see someone and ask what the deal is. So here's what to do. Wait at the top and listen to the announcements about 10 minutes before the arrival of the train. It will tell you the track # you want. On the way back from the 57th St. station it works a bit differently. There is only one train just make your you're standing on the correct side whether you want to go north or south. What was annoying was that when the train came, only one door was open way at the front of the train so I had to hustle since I was toward the end. read more

Okay, one crazy this morning. The more I ride South Shore, tho', the more I grow to like it. Minus the one crazy. read more

Wake up people! This is public transportation and it extends far into the south suburbs! Where else can you receive a weekend pass to take you many miles back and forth, all weekend, for just $7 per person. I love taking the Metra Electric downtown, to a Bears game or to the campus facilities to enjoy a stroll downtown or to spend more time talking with my companions rather than stressing out on driving downtown, looking for a parking spot and then dreading the ride home after walking around. The savings on parking alone justifies the $7 per person weekend pass. We are fortunate to have access to this type of reliable and speedy public transportation. I think more people need to appreciate the simpler things in life. GREAT JOB TO METRA! read more

Hey, I like trains. Sure, the Chicago to South Bend trip usually takes two hours by car and it's almost three by rail, but it's consistently three hours. Not like some of those times when it takes an hour and a half just to get out of the city by car on a Friday afternoon. Nope...the South Shore speeds right along. Sure, it's not luxury transportation, but it gets there. I've only ever had small delays, and they've never been more than 15 minutes or so during peak times. Not a biggie in my book. Last time I took the ol' South Shore, the ticket counter was backed up so they waived the service fee to buy tickets on the train. Moved things along nicely, so props to you, South Shore operators. My one beef is with the ticketing system. First of all, how about a ticket vending machine like Metra and CTA? It can't be that hard. Secondly, cash only at the ticket window? Bleh. Bummed they did away with the weekend fares, but I get it. See you this Christmas! read more

The train varies day to day. Sometimes it's great and sometimes it's difficult. I could run to make it and the close the door on my face or they may wait. Sometimes the announcer can be heard and at other times it's muffled radio noises. It's the risk you take but it's consistently inconsistent. read more

A decent rail system. Going onto the Southshore, I wasn't expecting anything amazing. I got what I expected, a train-ride that got me to and from where I needed to go. Comparatively to the Metra, though, SS's seats were terribly uncomfortable. I couldn't fall asleep once no matter how I sat. I even tried some really awkward fetal-like positions to see if they'd work and nothing! Funny enough, I saw a bunch of other people trying the same thing. Yeah, not comfortable at all. Then again, this isn't Amtrak. read more

I used to live in Valparaiso and rode the train in to Chicago on weekends. As commuter rail goes, it's about par for the course. Depending on where you board, the train is frequently between five and ten minutes late. On rarer occasions, it can be delayed over an hour. Getting stopped on the rails to wait for other trains or because of mechanical problems can also happen. The trains themselves get the job done. They're kept tolerably clean (at least more so than the CTA) and the employees are usually friendly (MUCH more so than the CTA). There are electrical outlets scattered throughout the cars, which is nice if you have a laptop. The cars are warm during the winter and cool-ish during the summer. The train also allows alcohol, which is great if you want to get liquored up on the ride, but less so when the train is packed with rowdy baseball fans or weekend tourists. Ticket prices are reasonable, but they're also government subsidized, so even when you aren't riding the South Shore, you're still paying for it. read more

You can't beat having a train. Its an awesome way to get from Indiana to Chicago or chicago to indiana. Here's the only thing I hate...ok maybe one thing I hate. They don't run as frequently. Geez really! I come from Chicago so I hate that I have to wait 2hrs to catch a train. 2nd thing is that sometimes even though they have more then 2 trains attached they only allow you to board the 2 first trains. Seriously?! Staff is not that friendly but then again I really don't want people talking to me when I'm on the train. However, a hello won't hurt anyone. Overall ok. read more

I love the fact that the Metra Electric drops me off in the basement of the building I work at in downtown Chicago. Yes, the basement of my building. So I do not face any of the Chicago winters, rain, heat, etc. I just walk up the stairs and take an escalator to my employer. HOWEVER... the Electric Line has NO BATHROOMS!!! This is not a fun HOUR LONG ride for those of us commuters that have to use the facilities. What's more is that there are hardly any "unlocked" bathrooms at any of the train stations along the way. If you saw the neighborhoods we commute through, you would NOT want to stop and use a local gas station or restaurant for you'd be taking your life in your hands. That being said, since my monthly pass has just gone up from $106 to $139, I trust Metra will be carving out some of that $396 per year increase to convert ALL trains to include bathrooms, not just a chosen few like there are right now. Its 2012. Time to get with the program. read more

The only time I've ever taken this train was 4th of July weekend last year. Needless to say, it was packed, but my roomie and I needed to get out to Michigan City to visit a friend... It took us almost 3 hours to get there...apparently the line was down and we had to wait for an actual freight train engine to pull us the rest of the way. Not my idea of fun on a holiday weekend...but what are ya gonna do? Get out and walk? I don't think so...not this girl! Anyway, the return trip was much quicker as the lines had been repaired. Its cheap, and easy and you can take a nap while you travel...if you don't have a car I guess you have no choice! read more

Southshore is amazing! Surely, there is usually drunk people on it during the weekends who are far too loud, but for a $9 train ticket I don't mind. It is always on time, in fact, so early that I get to board early and find a comfortable place to sit. Best part? It's always on time, which is so lovely. read more

All the other reviews talk about the "ugly train." What is an attractive train? It gets you from A to B for 8 bucks with the ability to drink booz and make fun of the tourists who try to put their 'American Girl Place' bags on the seats only to be scolded by the blunt and semi-abrasive conductors: "you need to put your bags in the overhead, we have a full train tonight." great train, convenient, dependable, and CHEAP. What more do you want? read more

If you have to go between Chicago and northern Indiana, this is a relatively painless way to go. Older train cars, but they work to get you from point A to B. Not the cheapest ride, but hey, it gets you there. Amusing to watch the crowds when you take the train into the city from Indiana... ;) read more

Well, I guess it's mostly reliable and has only run slowly about 2-4 times for me in the roughly 20+ times I've taken it. However, it's not the cleanest train and they do not do much in the way of restricting alcohol (theoretically seems fun, but not when you are a sober passenger surrounded by drunken idiots). I also wish there was magically a station a little south of Gary, cause most of the stations in NW Indiana are crumby, and a little scary sometimes, especially for a petite female late at night. The worst is if you miss a train later in the evening and another one doesn't come for 2-3 hours! I chose to rent a car one time when going to a wedding because the schedule was so awkward in the evening. read more

I took a ride on south shore to and from south bend to visit a friend and run some errands. I wish I utilized this service while back in college! It's cheaper!! If I didn't stay out so late in Chicago when I visited the city back then, I'd definitely take the train here, rather than drive- saving me in toll and gas money. Good thing I had friends who lived in the city at the time, that would hook me up with a parking space and then we'd go off and play so I rarely had to worry about the parking situation... looking back, that was one of the few positives in terms of driving to Chicago besides it being convenient for work related things and being free to go wherever, whenever- like say Oak Park, Skokie, etc.. Toll money = gaaaaaaaaaah! Toll here, Toll there, Tolls everywhere!! Shoulda gave in and bought a damn I-Pass at the time. Avoiding the toll road and going on 94 is shittier cuz the 94 is usually more conjested and has slower, suckier drivers and it seems to be patroled by more cops on that thing. What a bitch! Price of fare is very reasonable-- about 21 bucks to go back and forth between Chicago and South Bend?? Sweet deal. read more

The absolute WORST customer service. I've been riding this line my whole life and not once have been treated kindly. Most recently, I was trying to buy a monthly pass but the machines were down so when getting on the train I began to explain only to have the conductor yell that she can't hear me. After I explained she told me "well I can't help you, you're gonna have to buy a one way" so I asked if they'd be able to refund me and she told me I'd have to ask the people at the desk once I arrived. I followed her instructions and the guy at the desk simply replied "no" and I stood there a second waiting for more... like an "I'm sorry about that" or "we apologize for the confusion" but that was it. Glad metra was able to right THEIR wrong with it being THEIR machine was down. Thanks metra read more

Got to love this train. I am able to go back to Northern Indiana and visit all of my friends without owning a car. Yeah the train is ugly, but it gets you where you need to go. Chicago downtown to South Bend Regional Airport! for under $10 YAY. The restrooms have much to be desired. If cleanliness is next to Godliness then this is a train ride to hell! read more

BEWARE BIKE RIDERS. The South Shore Line does not clearly communicate their bike policy-- i.e. no bikes in the winter. My boyfriend and I rode from Chicago to Munster, IN with the intention of taking the South Shore Line back to Chicago. Both of us were first time riders and thus unfamiliar with the bike policy. After checking the schedule on the website and not seeing anything regarding bike restrictions we bought our tickets and waited at the Hammond Station to return home. When the train came (late) the conductor and ticket collector wouldn't let us board (despite the train being more than half empty). When we explained we didn't see anything regarding bikes not being allowed on the trains posted on the website, they laughed and told us to "figure it out and take a cab." The doors closed and train pulled away leaving us stranded in Hammond. Regardless of South Shore's bike policy, the customer service was unacceptable-- downright offensive, actually, making a frustrating situation far more unpleasant than it needed to be. If you intend on taking a bike aboard the South Shore, I strongly recommend you call ahead to ensure the train will be accepting bikes. read more

What a very unique Metra line all around! You have got to see the cars on this line. They are NOT powered by the blue F40PH locomotives that the bi-level Nippon-Sharyo-built Metra cars on the other lines are dependent on for power. Instead, they depend on overhead electrical lines for their power. The cars are bi-level like the rest of Metra's cars, but look at this! Instead of stepping up three stairs to reach the first level, you simply walk inside, and walk down a short dark brown ramp, because the first level is positioned at a lower level than that of the other Metra cars. This Metra line will remind you of the CTA L trains in several ways. When I rode to University Park, I boarded the same train going back to the Van Buren Street station where I boarded, and I was surprised to see that the seats cannot be reversed like they are in the other Metra cars. So that means, if you travel south and are facing south, you'll face that same direction when you're traveling north. Whenever a ME train nears a station, oh my gosh, you can hear the electricity screaming as it brakes, reminiscent of CTA trains turning at high speeds (e.g. IB Blue Line trains around curve between Harlem and Jefferson Park stations). Also when a train nears a station, the empty space between the ME's tracks expands, so the stations are situated in the middle of tracks, very much like the stations on the Orange Line from Roosevelt on, or those on the sections of the Blue Line when it travels down the Kennedy/Eisenhower Expressways. Very interesting Metra line all around, like I said before. Would like to ride it once again in October. read more

still the best and easiest way to go from michigan to indiana. cheap, cheap, cheap. you can park your car safely and be right in millennium station when you depart. love, juston read more

I commuted from downtown to hobart, IN every day for a few years. They seemed to run on time at first but it wasn't out of the ordinary to have an hour+ delay. Once I was stuck for over three hours! In case of an hour or longer delay, they give you a voucher for a free ticket. If you had a monthly pass, as I did, this does absolutely nothing for you. As some people mentioned, it gets crazy crowded during baseball season and forget finding somewhere to sit during taste of chicago. Fellow riders range from polite to complete tools but that's par for the course on public transit. The conductors are almost always polite and never woke me up to punch my ticket if I had already passed out. I appreciate that more than they'll ever know. I'm getting wordy but I'm almost done...I know they're not responsible for damage/theft to vehicles but you can't help but be upset when some douche steals two of your tires and nearly gets a third. Seriously? If you're reading this thief, I still have your block that you left my car on so the joke's on YOU! It's fine for the occasional weekend traveler but the endless delays killed it for me. read more

I've taken the SSR 6 times now, and never had a bad experience. I've been lucky enough to get a seat next to an outlet each time, and the train has been on time every single time, and the staff has always been friendly. Plus it's really cheap. Definitely a great way to travel into Chicago. read more

anyone out there who has driven down to indiana (ok - no indiana jokes, please) knows that it is F'ing impossible with all the road confucktion in and around Chicago. Take the South Shore, its easy, convenient, and gosh darn reliable. I can't remember what a round trip tix is (I have a 20 ride) - but i'll bet its less than paying the tolls on the Sky Way. read more