Hi-

My friend and I are travelling to Chicago from Boston for the U2 shows next month, and I'm not sure how we are going to get back to our hotel from the UC. We're staying at the Omni Ambassador hotel, and will most likely take a cab to the UC, but are they normally waiting outside after events??

I heard so many things about the UC being in a dangerous area, I wouldn't want to be stuck wandering around looking for a cab.

I know there are buses, but have no clue if they go anywhere near my hotel.

Any advice is appreciated!

thanks!

I've never actually attended an event at UC, but have been in the area. The area seems to have a good police presence and there were cabs available for people who wanted them.

If you do opt for the bus, the number 20 is Madison and stops in front of the UC. You'd have to take the 20 east to Dearborn, then transfer to a 36 bus (Broadway) north to the Division. You can check the trip planner on transitchicago.com for details. It would cost you $2.00 with the transfer.

I take the buses all the time, and don't have a problem. Maybe others can give you more insight.

The area isn't great, but usually after large events there enough people around that you could walk with a crowd towards Union Station where cabs might be easier to come by (but it's a long walk!). Enjoy the show! I saw them twice on the Elevation Tour and my husband and I will be seeing them in December.

I probably wouldn't hang around the area at night be myself with no events going on (I live by UC, so I know first hand) however, after an event you should have no problems catching a bus downtown and then taking a taxi back to your hotel. In fact that is what I would do if there were no taxis outside United Center after the show. Take the #20 Madison back into the city (with everyone else from the show), get off in the LOOP where there will certainly be taxis, and take a taxi to your hotel. To me that seems the easiest suggestion for an out of town guest.

As far as the buses are concerned, they are perfectly fine, I take them every day, and after a big event they usually run the #19 Stadium express bus, that will take you right downtown with minimal stops.

Thanks everyone!

Would it be easier to take that #19 Stadium Express bus? Does anyone know if that stops near my hotel in the Gold Coast?

I can't wait for the shows, and to see Chicago. I also saw U2 here in Boston in May (and will see them here in Oct. and Dec!)

You can get specifics on the #19 Stadium Express bus at www.transitchicago.com (along with great system maps, etc.)

The bus does not go past your hotel - its furthest north stop is at Chicago and Michigan, maybe 6 blocks or so south of your hotel and a couple blocks east. It's an easy walk, and if you head from Michigan over to State then north you'll be surrounded by people, so no real safety concerns. Or, you can cab from any of the bus stops for pretty cheap.

I'm sure there are cabs waiting outside of UC, but just in case, you can call these cab companies and a cab will arrive very shortly:

**Flash Cabs:773-561-1444
Yellow Cabs: 312-829-4222

I take cabs all the time so I know they're reliable. I personally wouldn't take the bus that late at night around the UC area...