How to Get to UIC from Union Station [2025-2026 Guide]

Posted on by John Mathew

How to Get to UIC from Union Station [2025–2026 Guide]

From Union Station Chicago, reach UIC (University of Illinois Chicago) in 10–20 minutes. Options: CTA Blue Line ($2.50, 12 mins), bus ($2.50, 15–20 mins), taxi/Uber ($10–15, 10 mins).

If you’re heading to the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) from Union Station, you’ll be glad to know the two are very close—just over a mile apart. Depending on your preference, you can walk, take the CTA Blue Line train, hop on a bus, or grab a taxi or rideshare. Each option has different advantages when it comes to cost, time, and convenience.

Here’s your step-by-step 2025–2026 travel guide from Union Station to UIC.

🚇 Option 1: CTA Blue Line Train (Fastest Public Transit)

The CTA Blue Line is the quickest and most reliable transit option from Union Station to UIC.

  1. From Union Station, walk about 8 minutes west to the Clinton Blue Line Station.

  2. Board the Blue Line train heading toward Forest Park.

  3. Get off at UIC-Halsted Station, which is located directly on campus.

  • Time: Around 12 minutes (including short walk + train ride)

  • Cost: $2.50 with a Ventra card or contactless payment

  • Best for: Students, visitors, or commuters who want a fast, low-cost, traffic-free option.

🚌 Option 2: CTA Bus (Cheapest Direct Ride)

Several CTA bus routes connect Union Station to UIC without needing a train transfer.

  • The CTA #60 Blue Island/26th bus or the #157 Streeterville/Taylor bus both run from the Clinton or Canal stops near Union Station directly toward the UIC campus area.

  • Buses drop you off within walking distance of campus buildings.

  • Time: About 15–20 minutes depending on traffic

  • Cost: $2.50 per ride (Ventra card or cash)

  • Best for: Travelers who prefer a one-seat ride without walking far.

🚖 Option 3: Taxi or Rideshare (Fastest Door-to-Door)

If you want the quickest and most convenient way to reach UIC, take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from Union Station.

  • The trip is very short—only 1.2 miles to campus.

  • In light traffic, it takes about 10 minutes, though during rush hour it can take longer.

  • Rideshares can drop you directly at University Hall, Student Center, or your department building.

  • Time: 10–15 minutes

  • Cost: $10–15 depending on traffic and surge pricing

  • Best for: Visitors with luggage, groups splitting the fare, or those short on time.

🚶 Option 4: Walking (Scenic & Free)

If the weather is nice and you don’t mind a short stroll, you can walk from Union Station to UIC.

  • Head west on Jackson Boulevard or Van Buren Street.

  • The walk takes you through the West Loop Gate area before reaching UIC’s east campus.

  • Time: 20–25 minutes (about 1.2 miles)

  • Cost: Free

  • Best for: Budget travelers and those who enjoy a downtown Chicago walk.

✅ Travel Summary Table

Option Route Time Cost Best For
🚇 CTA Blue Line Walk to Clinton → Train to UIC-Halsted ~12 mins $2.50 Fast, reliable
🚌 CTA Bus Bus #60 or #157 from Canal/Clinton 15–20 mins $2.50 One-seat ride
🚖 Taxi / Uber / Lyft Via Canal → Harrison → Halsted 10–15 mins $10–15 Convenient, direct
🚶 Walking Jackson Blvd / Van Buren St 20–25 mins Free Scenic, flexible

❓ FAQs: How to Get to UIC from Union Station

1. How far is UIC from Union Station?
UIC is about 1.2 miles west of Union Station.

2. What’s the fastest way to get to UIC from Union Station?
A taxi or rideshare takes about 10 minutes, but the CTA Blue Line is nearly as fast and cheaper.

3. What’s the cheapest way to get to UIC from Union Station?
The CTA Blue Line and CTA buses both cost $2.50 per ride. Walking is free.

4. How long does it take to walk to UIC from Union Station?
Around 20–25 minutes depending on your pace.

5. Which CTA bus goes from Union Station to UIC?
The #60 Blue Island/26th and #157 Streeterville/Taylor buses both stop near Union Station and head toward UIC.

6. Is UIC accessible via train?
Yes, the CTA Blue Line UIC-Halsted Station is located on campus.

7. Can I take luggage on the CTA Blue Line?
Yes, luggage is allowed, but if you have large bags, a taxi or Uber may be more comfortable.

8. Is Union Station connected to UIC by direct transit?
Not directly—you’ll either need a short Blue Line ride, bus, or walk.

✅ With this guide, you now know all the best ways to get from Union Station to UIC in 2025–2026—whether you want the speed of the Blue Line, the simplicity of a bus, the convenience of a taxi, or the scenic free option of walking.

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