Public Transportation to the 2017 Chicago Auto Show
Whether on the road or on the rails, there are plenty of public transportation options for getting to the Chicago Auto Show
There’s even a train station located right next to the Chicago Auto Show
Photo: David Wilson
The 2017 Chicago Auto Show is already in full swing! As such, this massive convention for motorists is currently attracting automotive enthusiasts from around the country.
Of course, the Chicago Auto Show isn’t just for out-of-towners. It also happens to be one of the most anticipated events of the year for residents of the Windy City.
One of the best ways for the citizens of Chicago to make their way down to the Chicago Auto Show is by using the city’s extensive public transportation systems. Nevertheless, even the most seasoned Chicago traveler can tell you that navigating the city isn’t always the easiest task. In order to make traversing through public transit simpler, we have assembled a guide exploring public transportation to the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.
Auto Show Buses
Do you want to both get to the Chicago Auto Show and experience the best technologies in the automotive industry firsthand? Then consider climbing aboard one of the special Chicago Auto Show buses. These specialized buses use all-electric power, demonstrating some of the most efficient technologies in the world of transportation.
To make matters even better, you can ride these special Chicago Auto Show Buses free of charge!
These buses are set to operate between 9 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., except on Monday, February 20, when they are set to operate between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Buses arrive between 10 to 30 minutes apart, depending on the specific day and location.
The buses travel between Ogilvie Transportation Center/Union Station and McCormick Place. Stops for these buses include:
- Ogilvie Transportation Center on Clinton at Madison
- Union Station on the corner of Clinton and Quincy or the corner of Jackson Boulevard and the Chicago River
- Museum Campus on Columbus at 11th Street
- McCormick Place at Gate #26
For further information about this special fleet of buses, be sure to visit the Chicago Auto Show website.
Additional Busing
In addition to the Auto Show Buses, CTA bus transportation also operates between the Fairbanks/Ontario station and McCormick Place. This bus arrives every 20 minutes, and it runs from 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on the weekdays. This excludes Monday, February 20, when the bus operates from 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. On weekends, this bus service runs from 9 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. The standard fare for a one-way trip on this bus is $2.
CTA Metra Train
If traveling by rail is more of your style, then you are in luck. The Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station is approximately three blocks away from the McCormick Place convention center.
Standard fare for the CTA Metra Train sytem is $2.25
Passengers who are not already on the Green Line can make free transfers from the Red, Orange, Brown, Pink, and Blue Lines from the following stations and locations:
- Red Line: Transfer at Roosevelt and board the 63rd-bound Green Line train.
- Orange Line: Transfer at Roosevelt and board the 63rd-bound Green Line train.
- Brown Line: Transfer to a 63rd-bound Green Line train at Clark/Lake, State/Lake, or Adams/Wabash Loop Elevated stations.
- Pink Line: Transfer to a 63rd-bound Green Line train at Clark/Lake, State/Lake, or Adams/Wabash Loop Elevated stations.
- Blue Line: Transfer at Clark/Lake to a 63rd-bound Green Line train at the Loop Elevated platform (farecard required).
For more information about the train service or specific lines, visit the Chicago Transit Authority website.
South Shore Train
In addition to the CTA Metra system, the South Shore Line provides train service to McCormick Place.
The South Shore Line service usually only offers transportation to McCormick Place on the weekends. However, it is set to offer limited transportation to the Chicago Auto Show during the weekdays.
Inbound trains arrive at McCormick Place at the following times:
- 10:15 a.m.
- 11:02 a.m.
- 12:29 p.m.
- 1:11 p.m.
- 2:05 p.m.
- 4:11 p.m.
- 5:24 p.m.
- 6:05 p.m.
Outbound trains depart from McCormick Place at the following times:
- 2:33 p.m.
- 3:23 p.m.
- 5:18 p.m.
- 6:06 p.m.
- 7:18 p.m.
- 8:48 p.m.
- 11:08 p.m.
One-way transportation using the South Shore Line has the following fares, based upon location:
- Hegewisch: $6
- Hammond East Chicago: $6.25
- Gary: $6.75
- Portage/Ogden Dunes Dune Park: $8.25
- Beverly Shores: $9.25
- Michigan City: $9.50
- Hudson Lake: $12
- South Bend: $13.25
For more information about the South Shore Line or its limited weekday service, visit its website.
Whether by bus or by train, traveling to the 2017 Chicago Auto Show is a breeze, thanks to the city’s numerous public transportation services.
Just remember that it is a C-T-A Bus, not a C-A-T Bus
Photo: Studio Ghibli
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The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.