On my return trip from NJ back to Indiana I am considering taking a different train other then the Cardinal. I am looking at the lake shore train which would mean I would have about an 6-7 hour layover in chicago before I could catch the Hooiser to get me back down to Indianapolis. Any suggestions of what I could do with my luggage during that time so I could go out and roam chicago for a few hours and not have to carry that bag.
What would I do with my luggage
Started by
dn4192
, Mar 27 2012 10:39 AM
12 replies to this topic
#2
jimhudson
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Posted 27 March 2012 - 11:14 AM
If you are riding on a Sleeper on the Lake Shore, are Select Plus or have a Lounge Coupon you can Leave your Luggage with the RedCap in the Metro Lounge for Free !(be sure and tip!!)On my return trip from NJ back to Indiana I am considering taking a different train other then the Cardinal. I am looking at the lake shore train which would mean I would have about an 6-7 hour layover in chicago before I could catch the Hooiser to get me back down to Indianapolis. Any suggestions of what I could do with my luggage during that time so I could go out and roam chicago for a few hours and not have to carry that bag.
Also, you can wait for your Train in the Lounge and get a RedCap to Pre-Board you so you don't have to Wait in the Bullpen with the Crowds!
If not, you can Day Check your Luggage in the Lockers in Union Station but there have been Reports that this is Pricey and a Hassle with being able to Pay/ Use Codes etc. Several Posters have mentioned not being able to get their Stuff Out and had to find an Attendant to Open the Lockers for them!(the Workers in CHI tend to not be the Friendliest or Most helpful Around Except for the Redcaps who are Good Folks!
) 
Edited by jimhudson, 27 March 2012 - 11:20 AM.
Hope to See See ya' in the Windy City for the Gathering in Oct!!!
"What a Long,Strange Trip it's Been!"-Grateful Dead
"..My heart is warm with the friends I make,and better friends I'll not be knowing,
Yet there isn't a train I wouldn't take,No matter where its going!.." -Edna St. Vincent Millay
#6
Oldsmoboi
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Posted 27 March 2012 - 02:47 PM
There are locker rentals in the baggage claim area.
#7
dn4192
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Posted 27 March 2012 - 02:48 PM
Going with the Lake Shore train will cost me more as I will have to train into NYC and then hang around chicago for about 6-7 hours before catching the Hoosier home, but I thought that route might be enjoyable. I can ride NJ transit right into Penn Station and then hop the amtrak LS train to chicago, it's just that layover that has me a bit concerned, without a place to stash my stuff, I just can't see taking that train.
#9
AlanB
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Posted 27 March 2012 - 03:53 PM
Several Posters have mentioned not being able to get their Stuff Out and had to find an Attendant to Open the Lockers for them!(the Workers in CHI tend to not be the Friendliest or Most helpful Around
The lockers are run by a private company and not Amtrak, so they aren't Amtrak workers.
Alan,
Take care and take trains!
Take care and take trains!
#10
Exiled in Express
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Posted 27 March 2012 - 04:36 PM
Do you need it onboard? Would it be possible to check it through at NYP and have the bags ride the Cardinal to meet up with you at IND?
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previous: 4,116 miles Empire Builder, Hiawatha, Capital Corridor, Cascades, Keystone, Pacific Surfliner, NEC, Pennsylvanian, Texas Eagle, Illinois Service
#11
jebr
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Posted 27 March 2012 - 04:46 PM
I've used the lockers once at Chicago Union Station. They're $3/hr or $9/day for the smaller ones, which could fit a standard carry-on plus a backpack, if I remember correctly. Didn't have an issue with them (got one around 6:30-7 AM, picked up my stuff around 10:15 PM.)
#12
dn4192
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Posted 27 March 2012 - 04:50 PM
I've used the lockers once at Chicago Union Station. They're $3/hr or $9/day for the smaller ones, which could fit a standard carry-on plus a backpack, if I remember correctly. Didn't have an issue with them (got one around 6:30-7 AM, picked up my stuff around 10:15 PM.)
Found the CUS web site and it shows the lockers. Kinda shocked they have lockers but glad they do just hope there will be some available on that day, for $9 you can't beat it and I could then head out and see chi town over the hours I have without carrying stuff.
#13
AlanB
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Posted 27 March 2012 - 04:57 PM
I've used the lockers once at Chicago Union Station. They're $3/hr or $9/day for the smaller ones, which could fit a standard carry-on plus a backpack, if I remember correctly. Didn't have an issue with them (got one around 6:30-7 AM, picked up my stuff around 10:15 PM.)
Found the CUS web site and it shows the lockers. Kinda shocked they have lockers but glad they do just hope there will be some available on that day, for $9 you can't beat it and I could then head out and see chi town over the hours I have without carrying stuff.
Note that lockers are available in both the south waiting room (these tend to fill up faster) and the baggage claim room (a bit out of the way, but generally less busy. This is also where the attendant can be found, the baggage claim room.
Alan,
Take care and take trains!
Take care and take trains!
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