maggi

We will be in Chicago the weekend of February 9th and my husband is interested in attending the auto show which opens that Friday. We are staying at the Talbott. We are arriving in town early (2:00). Should we go to the auto show Friday or Saturday? I know it will be busy either day. Should we drive there from the Talbott or take mass transit? One more question: should we get our tickets in advance? Thanks in advance.

Jeanette

I can vividly remember one car show parking "walk" that has stayed in my memory for about 7 or 8 years now. DO NOT take your car because of the possible walk between car and entrance. Ask at the Talbott for best transportation. Cab to the show would probably be as much as parking fee. Coming back, there may be shuttles/ buses etc. that are just as close and handier. Talbott could tell you. I would go early on Saturday. Nights have to be worse than the day hours, but all will be super crowded. Dress for warmth as McCormick Place at this show can be really drafty, as I recall there were large open sections without walls that tended to be cold.

jen

Hi- I would agree with the previous poster- go on Saturday- it will be more crowded, but you'll have more time to wander around- if you go earlier in the day, you may be able to avoid the worst of the crowds. As for transportation, I would also take a cab-- in the end will probably cost as much as parking, and will be more convenient. Some of the McCorminck Place lots are up to a mile away from the show.
Finally, if you can get tickets in advance, do- I doubt that it will sell out, but this way you can avoid the lines at the ticket booths-
Check www.metromix.com for other stuff to do in Chicago.
Have fun!

Kristy

I disagree. You should definitely go on Friday. It is open from noon until 10pm and it willl be considerably less crowded. Just go early. Take a cab. Driving is horrible, especially for tourists. I don't mind it much but I do it all the time and am used to the walk, the cold and the frustration. If it were my vacation, I wouldn't want to waste it on that. In terms of getting tickets before hand, it doesn't really matter unless you go at a time when it will be really crowded and the lines are longer than usual, even though the ticket lines aren't terribly long anyway. If it makes you feel better, buy before hand, but I don't think it will make a difference. email me or post if you have any more questions for me.

Kristy

patg

Here is their website
http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/info/geninfo/index.cfm

The buses it lists don't go as far as the Talbott on North Michigan Avenue. I'd take a cab. There is sure to be a charge for parking a car, and, as noted, the lots are huge and not convenient.

If you avoid rush hours, Chicago is easy to get around. It would make sense to go ASAP Friday afternoon and stay until at least 6:30 p.m.

Sabrina

You've gotten plenty of advice about which day to go. I'd like to offer some about transportation. Cabbing it is certainly an option, but if I were you I'd consider taking public transportation. The #3 King Drive bus will drop you off directly in front of McCormick Place. You'll get there in about 15 minutes and it's only $1.50. Call CTA at 312-836-7000 or ask at your hotel for more details.