I'm tagging along while hubby goes to some classes in Schaumburg the second week in December. I will probably spend a day at Woodfield Mall, maybe drive to Long Grove (unless it's too cold) one day and I want to get into the city one day. What is the best way to get into the city from Schaumburg? I'm confused about how the Metra and El overlap (if they do). I really don't want to drive in since parking can be such a pain.

Thanks!

METRA is the rail route to the suburbs. The El/subway are local within the city (for the most part). From Schaumburg, you would take METRA into the city and then dependin on where you want to go take the El/subway/bus to your local destination if necessary. Check out www.metrarail.com for metra schedules.

I agree, Metra's the best way to go from the 'burbs (I live in Schaumburg)...the issue you may have, without a car, is getting to/from the train stations. There are usually no cabs at these suburban stations and depending on where you're staying in Schaumburg, the various train stations may be a fair clip away. If you give me a cross street or landmark I'm happy to help with more specifics.

Just fyi too...while you're in the Woodfield area, you ought to pop across the street to Ikea too.

s

There's a free shuttle that connects Woodfield, Ikea, and many other shopping centers in the area. Buses run about every 20 minutes, 7 days a week. Here's a link with full details.

http://www.ci.schaumburg.il.us/vos.n...rg/EMUR-58PRBY

The Schaumburg Metra station is in an light industrial area on the opposite end of town from Woodfield. Though it does sound like you will have a car since you're thinking about going to Long Grove. Look for the Milwaukee District West line at Metrarail.com Here's a direct link for that route with schedules, maps and station info.

http://metrarail.com/Sched/md_w/md_w.shtml#MAP

Transitchicago.com will give you CTA info. Here's a link to a PDF downtown sightseeing map and guide. You'll be arriving at Union Station.

http://www.transitchicago.com/downlo...ightseeing.pdf

The city also runs a free shuttle service.

http://tinyurl.com/4x8o5

You may want to take the CTA blue line into the city, Parking is plentiful at the Cumberland Stop which is right off the interstate. CTA trains run about every 5 to 15 mins depending on the time of day while Metra trains are much less frequent, 1 hour apart outside of rush hour.

If you are staying near Woodfield it will be about the same distance to drive to the Metra station or Cumberland Blue Line.

Actually, the Cumberland station could be more than a half hour away depending on traffic. It's much faster to get to the Metra station in Schaumburg. It's over 10 miles to the Cumberland station, and traffic is usually bumper to bumper. It's only about three miles to the Metra station, and traffic isn't going to be a problem.