We will be arriving at Union Station on Amtrak and need to find the closest place to purchase this card. Do you know of a location within walking distance? (with luggage!)
Thanks

Oops, wrong forum.
Sorry.

Brahmama,

I am not sure your best option is a Smart Card. It requires set up of a permanent account.

http://www.chicago-card.com/

I think you might be better off with a visitor pass. The CTA sells visitor passes for 1,2,3,or 5 days. They are good for unlimited rides on CTA buses & trains.

Try the CTA website:

http://tinyurl.com/buds7

The best part is you can buy the visitor passes on-line. Unfortunately it takes 10 days to get them. I know you were planning your trip for September. You might not have enough time to get the tickets through the mail.

According to the CTA website the only place to buy the visitor passes is CTA headquarters located at 567 W. Lake Street, (5 blocks north of Union Station on Adams St.) Chicago, IL 60661. The CTA Cashier's Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Just looked on the Chicago Visitors Bureau website. CTA visitor passes are also available at O’Hare and Midway rail stations, visitor information centers, Hot Tix centers and select other locations.

Chicago Water Works Visitor Information Center
(The Water Tower on N. Michigan Ave.)
163 E. Pearson Avenue
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 7pm
Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Holidays: 10am - 4pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day

Chicago Cultural Center Visitor Information Center
77 E. Randolph Street
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 7pm
Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Holidays: 10am - 4pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day


Hot Tix (1/2 price same day theater tickets)
72 E. RANDOLPH, Chicago
Tues-Fri 10am-6pm
Sat. 10am-6pm
Sun 11am-4pm

163 E. PEARSON, Chicago
(At Michigan, in the Water Works Visitor Center)
Tues-Fri 10am-6pm
Sat. 10am-6pm
Sun 11am-4pm


You did not say when you were arriving or where your hotel was so I can't suggest which of these locations might be most convenient for you.

Cheribob,
Thanks for the help. I did get on the website that you provided and found that at Union Station (where we arrive) there is a Vending Machine that has Visitor Passes.

That will be perfect. We are staying at the Affinia and only 3 sleeps before we leave!