How safe is the Orange Line CTA to Midway and to the Loop?

Are there any Metra and CTA connecting stations?

• I am taking a Amtrak train into Union station in Chicago. I know the loop is about 3 blocks away, but I have quite a lot of luggage and don't really want to mess with walking the three blocks and trying to get it up the stairs by myself. Is there any point where the Metra and CTA join up? I'm going to midway airport so ill need to take the cta orange line.

• Answer:

  The only places where Metra and CTA 'L' lines have adjoining stations are Oak Park, Irving Park, Jefferson Park, Davis Street and Main Street. All of these trains operate out of the Ogilvie Transportation Center, not Union Station. None of these trains go anywhere remotely close to Midway Airport and all but one go in the exact opposite direction from Midway. And all of the transfers would still require going either up or down stairs (or both!). There is no point along the Orange Line that has an adjacent Metra station. If you want to consider CTA bus lines, you could take the BNSF Metra line to the Cicero stop and walk over to Cicero Avenue and take the 54B South Cicero bus to MDW. The tracks are at ground level in Cicero, so there would be no stair climbing needed. You would also stick out like a sore thumb with all your baggage as you passed through some rough neighborhoods on the bus. I notice from your other post that you are carrying two 50 lb bags plus a back pack. Trying to carry this much luggage on a CTA train or bus is just not practical. There is no luggage storage space on any of these vehicles. You either have to take up some extra seats or block the aisles or doorways with them. It just won't work. Here is the smart thing to do: Make a reservation with Go Airport Express for a van from Union Station to Midway. The fare is $23 plus tip. They have room for baggage and the driver will help you with the baggage. They will also drop you off in front of the airport. In contrast, to get from the Orange Line station, you'd have to drag your luggage across the parking garage: https://www.airportexpress.com/midway_shared_ride_shuttle Or, for some more money, take a cab. There are plenty around Union Station. If you really want to take a Metra train to an airport, next time fly out of O'Hare. The Metra North Central Line runs out of Union Station to O'Hare parking lot F where you can catch a free shuttle to the O'Hare Transit System (people mover) which is also free. But service runs only on weekdays with very limited service outside of rush hours. You can also take a Metra UP Northwest Line train to Jefferson Park and transfer to the Blue Line there, but that involves going down stairs and the UP trains run out of Ogilvie, not Union Station.