Lincoln Park to U of C Hospital

Question

My college age son is staying with a family member in Lincoln Park area, not sure of more exact location at the moment. They’ll be traveling to U of C hospital for shadow. I lived in Chicago 20 years ago but was never in the area, so I’m not helpful. What would be safest travel?

Answer

For travel between Lincoln Park and the University of Chicago (U of C) Hospital, there are a few safe and convenient options. The distance between Lincoln Park and the U of C Hospital is about 7-8 miles, and depending on traffic and time of day, the travel time can range from 20-30 minutes. Here are a few transportation options that would be safe and reliable:

Public Transit (CTA): The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers reliable public transportation options, which are typically safe and cost-effective. One option is to take the CTA Brown Line or Red Line from the Lincoln Park area to the Jackson Park/53rd Street station. From there, a short bus ride or walk will bring you to the U of C Hospital. This option is ideal for budget-friendly travel and is commonly used by locals. However, keep in mind that public transit can be crowded during peak hours, so be prepared for that.
Uber/Lyft or Taxi: If your son prefers a more direct and comfortable trip, using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is a good option. The ride will be quicker and more private, with the added benefit of being door-to-door. This is especially convenient if the specific location in Lincoln Park is far from public transit stops. The ride will take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and is generally safe, especially if traveling during daylight hours.
Driving (Personal Car): If your son has access to a car, driving is a straightforward option. The route from Lincoln Park to U of C Hospital is along major streets, and the drive is generally safe. However, parking near the hospital can be limited and expensive, so it's good to check ahead for parking availability. There are metered street parking spots or parking garages nearby, but they can fill up quickly during busy times.
Bike/Divvy Bike Rental: If your son enjoys biking, Chicago has a bike-sharing program called Divvy. It could be a fun and healthy option to bike from Lincoln Park to the U of C Hospital. The route has bike lanes and is generally safe for cycling, though he should always wear a helmet and be cautious of traffic. The ride should take about 30-40 minutes, depending on the pace and route.

Safety Considerations:

All of the above options are generally safe during the day. For night travel, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft would be the safest, as they provide a private and secure ride directly to the destination. Public transportation is safe, but be mindful of peak hours and always stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. For walking or biking, it's best to stick to well-populated areas and well-lit streets, particularly during the evening.

If you're unsure of the exact Lincoln Park location, it's always good to check for the nearest CTA stations or popular streets for easy access to public transit, or confirm rideshare availability for a more direct route.

Overall, taking public transit, a rideshare, or driving would all be safe and convenient options for travel between Lincoln Park and U of C Hospital.