Chicago Hyde Park-Oak Brook transportation?
 

I need to get from Hyde Park to Oak Brook (and then return a couple of days later). Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what my options are (including approx. costs) in terms of transportation for either direction, i.e. train, bus, cab, car service, etc. <BR><BR>Would appreciate any help, even if it's just to get me pointed in the right direction of what to look into--thanks!<BR>

If you are staying in a hotel in Oak Brook, ask the hotel about transportation options from Hyde Park (or the loop). <BR>Another option, check out this web site for the Chicago Transit Authority:<BR>http://www.transitchicago.com/<BR>Getting from Hyde Park to the loop is simple by bus (I've always taken the #5 Jeffrey Express, which is a quick shot and runs frequently). From there, you can probably connect with any transportation to Oak Brook, including commuter rail or bus. These options should be very inexpensive and are probably fairly simple. (The entire trip to O'Hare by train/bus is $1.85) Cab, while faster, would be an arm and a leg in comparison (guessing over $50). <BR>You can do it!

You could take the El train to the Chicago Loop. From there you can switch to the Burlington Northern Metro train and ride to Westmont. Cabs are few and far between in the Chicago suburbs, but you can call and have one sent out to get you.<BR><BR>This would be the cheapest option although it is time consuming.<BR><BR>Car Service would be expensive as the distance and time is considerable.<BR><BR>Your best bet might be to rent a car and drive it yourself.

Now I haven't lived in Hyde Pk for some time, but I visit a lot. In my day, the El didn't go into Hyde Park and you would definitely NOT want to transport yourself to the El near Hyde Park, nor wait for a train at an El stop. I strongly believe this would still be the case. <BR>The train we called the CTA did go through Hyde Park and we used to take it downtown, to its terminus at the Randolf St. Station (at MI Ave) all the time. I don't think the tracks or stations have changed. The train in Hyde Pk. does not connect with the El to the suburbs. It only goes downtown. <BR><BR>The bus is so much better now. It runs more often and is an express. It goes up State St. and there is a stop less than a block from the El. (Near the First National Bank Plaza with the Chagall Mosaic.)It is an easy walk from the bus to the El station.<BR>Again, check with the CTA.

thanks!

The train you are referring to as the CTA--which actually operates the L line west of Hyde Park, and which I agree you would be ill-advised to try to take--is actually the old Illinois Central (or IC) which is now operated by Metra. It still runs to the Randolph Street station, and Metra has a very good web site to look up schedules. But if the Jeffrey bus is as good as you say, it probably would make better connections to the L line that goes to Oak Park.

thanks for the clarification on the train line.

Except for perhaps the el to midway or a nonstop bus to Science and Industry, I don't think any tourist should take public transportation south of the loop.<BR>This may not be pc, but its my opinion.<BR><BR>

Boy, DanB, that's just plain loony, in addition to being not PC. I'm a north sider, but I wouldn't hesitate to take the L to see the White Sox, or the IC to Hyde Park or beyond. Or, let's see, how about a bus to McCormick Place or Chinatown. And why is the L to Midway magically safe?

marilynl,<BR>You're right. The train through Hyde Park used to be called the IC (Illinois Central), not the CTA. Gads! A senior moment on my part....<BR>We'd always take the IC to the loop, and I'd buy my Mom flowers at the Randolf St. Station on my way home. <BR>Then the IC service was cut back, and the bus schedule was beefed up, and we switched modes of transport. No more flowers. <BR>DanB, the Jeffrey Express (#5) cuts over to Lake Shore Drive from State Street, exiting at 47th Street in Hyde Park and proceeding south. It stops close to the Museum of Science and Industry on Hyde Park Blvd and 56th. It continues south from there. It has a racially mixed clientele, but I've always felt comfortable and been safe on it. The bus stops in Hyde Park are fine, too, though I'd be cautious about using them after dark.