This page details various transportation options for getting to the Unconference.
Flying into Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has two main airports O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). Either of these airports are about a 45 minute drive from Joliet, IL, so car rental would be required. Both airports have all major car rental carriers represented. Please note that Chicago traffic can be very congested.
Joliet is also easily accessible by train from Chicago. Shuttle service will be provided from the hotel to the Unconference. Details to follow!
Directions from ORD to University of St. Francis
Directions from MDW to University of St. Francis
CTA (Chicago Subway) Airport Transfer Information
Getting to Joliet by Rail
Taking the train to Joliet will be significantly cheaper than renting a car, but will take up to 3 hours, depending on where and when you arrive.
Joliet is served by Amtrak and Metra (Chicago's commuter rail service). Prices are similar. Amtrak is faster and requires reservations (which can be purchased at the station if seats are available), but Metra runs more frequently and does not require reservations.
Amtrak and Metra leave from different stations in Chicago but arrive at the same station in Joliet. The station is a couple of blocks from the hotel.
Amtrak
Amtrak trains depart from Union Station (station code CHI) and arrive at Joliet Station (station code JOL). Service is provided by the Lincoln Service (4 times a day) and the Texas Eagle (once daily). Travel time is 50-60 minutes.
The Texas Eagle provides direct service from various cities between San Antonio and Chicago.
Arriving at O'Hare and Connecting to Amtrak
After collecting your bags, follow the signs to "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City", which will take you to the CTA Blue Line.
There is no best way to get to Union Station. Choose from one of these:
- Exit at Lake and walk south on Canal 3 - 5 blocks. (The first train station on your right is not Union Station.)
- Exit at Jackson and walk west on Jackson 6 - 7 blocks. (Union Station is right after you cross the river.)
- Transfer at Clark for the Pink Line (elevated) and exit the Pink Line at Quincy. Walk west on Jackson 2 - 3 blocks. It's probably easier to choose one of the other options.
Allow 60 - 90 minutes to make this transfer, depending on your comfort with transit.
Arriving at Midway and Connecting to Amtrak
After collecting your bags, follow the signs to "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City", which will take you to the CTA Orange Line.
Exit at Quincy and walk west on Jackson 2 - 3 blocks. (Union Station is right after you cross the river.)
Allow 40 - 60 minutes to make this transfer, depending on your comfort with transit.