How to Get to Northwestern Memorial Hospital from Union Station [2025–2026 Guide]

From Union Station, reach Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 10–15 minutes by taxi/ride (US$12–18) or 20–25 minutes by bus (US$2.50). Distance: 2.5 miles.

If you’re arriving in Chicago by train at Union Station and need to get to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, you’ll be glad to know the journey is quick and straightforward. The hospital is located in the Streeterville neighborhood, about 2.5 miles from Union Station. In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the possible ways to travel in 2025–2026 — whether by taxi, rideshare, bus, or walking — with exact travel times and costs.

🚖 Option 1: Taxi or Rideshare (Fastest & Easiest)

The most convenient way to travel is by taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft), especially if you have luggage or an appointment to catch.

• The ride takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic, since it’s only 2.5 miles from Union Station to the hospital.

• Expect to pay US$12–18 for a one-way trip, with Uber and Lyft often being slightly cheaper than a metered taxi.

🚌 Option 2: CTA Bus (Budget-Friendly)

If you prefer a cheaper route, Chicago’s CTA bus system is a reliable choice and connects directly from Union Station to Streeterville.

• You can take the CTA Bus Route #151 (Union Station → Michigan & Huron), which drops you close to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The ride takes about 20–25 minutes.

• A single bus fare is just US$2.50 with a Ventra Card, making this the most budget-friendly option for solo travelers.

🚇 Option 3: Train + Bus Combination

If you want to mix speed and cost, you can combine Chicago’s “L” trains with a short bus ride.

• From Union Station, walk 5 minutes to Clinton Station (Blue Line), take the train to Clark/Lake, then transfer to a CTA bus heading east toward Streeterville.

• The total trip time is around 20 minutes and costs US$2.50, but it involves a bit more walking and switching.

🚶 Option 4: Walking (Only for Light Travelers)

For those who enjoy exploring the city on foot, it’s also possible to walk from Union Station to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

• The walk is about 2.5 miles and takes 40–45 minutes, passing through downtown Chicago along Madison Street and Michigan Avenue.

• This option is free but best suited for light luggage and good weather, as winters in Chicago can make the walk challenging.

🏥 Travel Summary Table

💡 Tips for 2025–2026 Travelers

• Peak traffic hours (7–9 AM & 4–6 PM) can double taxi or Uber ride times, so plan extra time if you have a medical appointment.

• Ventra Cards are the easiest way to pay for buses and trains, and you can buy them at kiosks inside Union Station or nearby.

• Accessibility is excellent at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, with wheelchair-friendly entrances and drop-off areas directly in front of the hospital.

❓ FAQs – Getting to Northwestern Memorial Hospital from Union Station

Q1: How far is Northwestern Memorial Hospital from Union Station?
It’s about 2.5 miles, or 10–15 minutes by car and 20–25 minutes by bus.

Q2: What’s the cheapest way to get to the hospital?
The CTA Bus #151 is the cheapest option at US$2.50, taking around 25 minutes.

Q3: Is walking a good option from Union Station?
Yes, but only if you have light luggage and good weather. The walk takes 40–45 minutes.

Q4: Do taxis wait outside Union Station?
Yes, there is a taxi stand outside Union Station’s main entrance, making it easy to grab a cab anytime.

Q5: Which option is best during rush hour?
The CTA bus may be more reliable than taxis or Ubers during peak traffic, as it uses bus-only lanes in parts of downtown.