Can someone tell me the best way to get from Midway to Waukegan? I thought of renting a car but am afraid the traffic might be too much for me, and public trains might be better. Please advise. Thanks.

It will be easy to get to Waukegan by Train but you may have trouble getting around up there without a car.

To get there by train take the CTA orange line to the Washington Stop, Walk to the Ogvile Transportation center and Take the Metra train to Waukegan.

Thank you so much for the information. You make it sound easy. Maybe we can rent a car once we get to Waukegan. We are attending a memorial service there.

Just one more question? Are the above modes of transportation safe?

Where are you coming from? More specifically, how are you arriving in Chicago? Plane, train, etc.?

I would definitely recommend taking the train. It's absolutely safe to travel -- even pleasant -- providing you are walking to the Ogilvie Transportation Center during the day or taking a cab there at night, but walking around Waukegan isn't always safe. Will someone be there to pick you up? Do you have any train information at all?

I am very familiar with the train you'd take if you need more info, but I will probably have to respond to any questions in the morning although I'll try tonight.

Martha

Okay! I read your first post again and see you're coming into Midway.

Take the orange line like bri19sp recommends and walk or take a cab (at night just to be safe) to Ogilvie.

Martha

The Metra Union Pacific District North Line runs from the Ogilvie Transportation Center to Waukegan. The trip to Waukegan takes about 1 hour, 15 minutes (this is on top of the time it takes to get downtown on the Orange Line and walk to Ogilvie). During evening rush, the trains run more frequently, but the rest of the day and later in the evening they only run about once per hour.

Here is a link to the schedule:

http://metrarail.com/Sched/cnw_n/cnwn.shtml

What time of day do you arrive at Midway?

Not sure yet our time of arrival. Thanks for the information.

MarthaB:
You indicate that parts of Waukegan are not safe. Is is safe around the train station there? Also, I assume they have taxi service in Waukegan.
Or is there a rental car agency near the train station?

If you haven't booked your flight yet, check out flights to Milwaukee's airport. Waukegan isn't far from the Wisconsin border, and the Milwaukee airport is on the south side of the city; it's definitely easier than going through downtown Chicago.

patg:
Thank you so much for such a good idea.
I checked that out and it seems we can get to Waukegan in about an hour driving from Milwaukee. I don't think I would be afraid to drive in that traffic and could rent a car. You have definitely simplified things for us with this suggestion!

If you're flying into Milwaukee, try to fly Midwest, especially if the flight is on their signature service--large leather seats two across and chocolate chip cookies baked on the plane.

And watch your speed limit on the highway between Milwaukee and the border. It's a huge speed trap. Good luck with your plans.

Flying in & out of Milwaukee is a breeze.

Also the drive down to Waukegan will be VERY simple... great idea to fly thru there & also good to have your own wheels.

We want to thank everyone so much for the information. We have definitely decided to fly to Milwaukee and rent a car. Now, all we have to do is find a hotel in Waukegan and Milwaukee. Any suggestions from anyone?? Thanks.