Crystal Lake to Chicago downtown - commute question (Palatine: train, station)

[martink]

Any problems with taking Metra train from Crystal Lake to Chicago on daily basis? How is the parking at Metra station in Crystal Lake?

[bobsmith319]

Well, the train ride is long, I took the train to downtown from Mt. Prospect for eleven (1993-2004), and that seems long, but people do it so there you go!

[xxJoyfulxx]

I've done it off and on for the past couple of years from CL and I would suggest getting on at the Pingree Rd station if you can. It's less crowded, more parking, brand new station, etc.
There are a couple different rides you can catch from Crystal Lake and the earlier your daily commute (before 8am) the better. You can catch the "express" ride which is about 55 min - 1 hr with less stops and that is the quickest ride. Otherwise all normal rides are 90 minutes with every stop along the way.
The most crowded, common train during the week is the 8:10 into Chicago from Pingree - it probably puts in at the downtown station at 8am. It's ridiculously crowded and by the time you get to the Palatine stop, there's basically nothing but standing room.

Parking at downtown CL station fills up by about 7:30am, but I've honestly never had a problem finding a really good spot there too. Pingree Rd still has parking spots open until about 8:15 it seems. But that could vary, of course, this is just my personal experience.

[RRConductor76]

Originally Posted by martink

Any problems with taking Metra train from Crystal Lake to Chicago on daily basis? How is the parking at Metra station in Crystal Lake?

If you keep your feet off the seats, mind your language and have your ticket ready when the conductor makes his/her sweep, there are no problems.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by RRConductor76

If you keep your feet off the seats, mind your language and have your ticket ready when the conductor makes his/her sweep, there are no problems.

"Tickets Please"

"Upper Deck"