Chicago Union Station is the Midwest hub of the Amtrak system. Thus, you may wish to consider starting your long-distance train trip from Chicago. But if you are flying into Chicago Midway Airport before starting your rail adventure, you have numerous options for transportation between the airport and train station. Each travel mode has its advantages and disadvantages depending on what is important to you.

Here are four ways to travel from Chicago Midway Airport to Chicago Union Station:

One: There are mass transit trains operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) available to ride. They run 24 hours a day from a station adjacent to Midway Airport to the Quincy/Wells station four blocks east of Union Station. The cost is $2.25 per person. The advantages of taking the CTA train are the inexpensive cost and all-day service. The major disadvantages include the necessity to walk outside downtown between the CTA and Union Station and the lack of accessibility for the disabled at the Quincy/Wells station.

Two: Shuttle vans to/from Chicago Union Station can also be reserved. These vans are usually clean and comfortable and you receive door-to-door service. At around $30 a person the service is cheaper than limo service but more expensive than mass transit. But you need to reserve, in advance, a quality van service that will arrive punctually. Also, you will be sharing the van with other passengers that may be dropped off before you arrive at your destination.

Three: At both Midway Airport and Union Station, there are taxis available for hire. They will transport you and your party door-to-door without stops. At $28 plus charges for additional people and luggage pieces, it could be a cost effective way of transporting two or three people. But the quality and comfort of taxis vary considerably in Chicago. Also, do not take rides from taxi services that solicit in or out of the terminal or train station that are not in the designated taxi line!

Four: If you have three or more people in your party or if you like to travel in style, a chauffeured sedan or limousine will likely be the best way to travel between Chicago Midway Airport and Chicago Union Station. Sedans hold three or four people and cost about $80 to hire the vehicle. Stretch limousines cost around $125 and can hold up to six people comfortably. On a per person basis, this option may be cheaper than any other non-transit mode of transportation. But be sure you reserve, in advance, a vehicle that is clean and comfortable with all of the amenities since limo companies vary in quality.

Charles Self is the editor of the Amtrak Train Stations Across America website. At http://passengertraininfo.com/chicagoairporttravel.aspx you will find additional information on transportation between Chicago Union Station and Chicago Midway Airport and information about other Amtrak train stations.