Airport (probably Midway) to Amtrak Union Station?

Question

My wife and are planning our fourth trip from Alabama to Everett, Washington, north of Seattle, to visit relatives. We had a “wild hair” idea to do something different this time, instead of flying into SeaTac and renting a car there and driving north to Everett.

We were thinking about flying to Chicago and taking the Amtrak Empire Builder to Everett, the train station there is only 2.5 miles from the hotel we stay at. (We’d probably have to do Turo for the car if we did this, and outbound we’d be flying the whole way home out of SeaTac.)

We can get a 6 a.m. one-way, nonstop flight out of Birmingham on Southwest to Chicago, landing at Midway at 7:50 a.m. The Empire Builder would leave Union Station at 3 p.m. later that day. One would think that’s plenty of time to allow for any delays and to negotiate the logistics of this plan.

My question: Would Uber or Lyft be the best way … not necessarily the cheapest way, but the best way … for people with luggage to get the 7 miles or so (according to Apple Maps) from the airport to the train station? We’re not opposed to other options including public transportation but again, we will be carrying luggage and we don’t pack lightly given the length of the trip.

Answer

For your situation, taking an Uber or Lyft would likely be the most convenient and efficient way to get from Midway Airport to Union Station with luggage, especially since you’re traveling with multiple bags and want to avoid the hassle of public transportation. Given the distance of about 7 miles and your flight arriving at 7:50 a.m., you should have ample time to catch a ride and still make it to Union Station by 3 p.m. for your Empire Builder departure.

Here are the key transportation options to consider:

Uber or Lyft: Both of these rideshare services will offer a door-to-door, direct ride from Midway Airport to Union Station, which is ideal when traveling with luggage. The journey will take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and will cost around $25-$35 for a standard ride. For more comfort, you could opt for a larger vehicle like UberXL or Lyft XL, which may cost slightly more (around $40-$50). These options are typically the most convenient if you're carrying a lot of luggage, and you can schedule your ride directly from the airport terminal.
Public Transportation (CTA): If you’re open to public transit, you can take the Orange Line from Midway Airport to the "Loop" station and transfer to the Blue Line at the "Clark/Lake" station, which then takes you to Union Station. The total travel time will be about 45-60 minutes. While this option is cheaper (around $2.50 per person), it’s less convenient with luggage, and you might have to navigate some stairs and crowded trains. This is a more budget-friendly option, but it can be stressful with heavy bags.
Airport Shuttle or Private Transfer: Another option is to pre-arrange an airport shuttle or private car transfer. While these services can be more expensive than rideshares, they might offer a more luxurious experience and could be useful if you prefer a more scheduled, reliable service. Expect prices for a private car transfer to range from $50 to $75, depending on the provider. Shuttles are generally cheaper but may take longer due to multiple stops and other passengers.

Since you’re traveling with luggage and want a straightforward, stress-free trip to Union Station, Uber or Lyft are likely your best options. They’re convenient, relatively affordable, and will get you directly to your destination with minimal hassle. Just make sure to account for potential morning traffic as you leave the airport to ensure you have enough time to reach the train station comfortably.

Also, make sure to leave a little buffer time between your flight’s arrival and the train departure just in case of any delays or issues with your ride.