Union Station Great Hall
A magnificent Beaux-Arts train station, the Great Hall is an architectural marvel and a cinematic backdrop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best natural light for photos
Union Station Great Hall
Best Time
Best natural light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Beaux-Arts train station, the Great Hall is an architectural marvel and a cinematic backdrop.
"It's more than a train station, it's a monumental space that leaves a lasting impression."
📸 Photographers' Paradise
The Great Hall's natural light and grand architecture make it ideal for photos. Consider a permit for professional shoots.
🍕 Food Court Convenience
Grab a bite at the top-floor food court with options like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Sbarro.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Soaring Great Hall
Main concourse
Experience the awe-inspiring Beaux-Arts architecture, towering marble columns, and a grand staircase that feels like a movie set.
Architectural Details
Throughout the Great Hall
Admire the classic curved wooden benches, arched windows inspired by Roman baths, and intricate dome designs.
Movie Magic Location
Great Hall
This iconic space has been a backdrop for films like 'The Untouchables' and 'Superman.'
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for the Grandeur
Photography Permits & Best Light
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photographers' Paradise
The Great Hall's natural light and grand architecture make it ideal for photos. Consider a permit for professional shoots.
🍕 Food Court Convenience
Grab a bite at the top-floor food court with options like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Sbarro.
🚶♂️ Explore the Riverwalk
If you have a layover, take a walk along the nearby Chicago Riverwalk for scenic views.
🏛️ Architectural Inspiration
Even if you're not traveling, the station's Beaux-Arts design is worth seeing.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photographers' Paradise
The Great Hall's natural light and grand architecture make it ideal for photos. Consider a permit for professional shoots.
🍕 Food Court Convenience
Grab a bite at the top-floor food court with options like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Sbarro.
🚶♂️ Explore the Riverwalk
If you have a layover, take a walk along the nearby Chicago Riverwalk for scenic views.
🏛️ Architectural Inspiration
Even if you're not traveling, the station's Beaux-Arts design is worth seeing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Union Station Great Hall for its breathtaking Beaux-Arts architecture, describing it as a monumental and cinematic space. Many highlight its beauty as a destination in itself, even for those not traveling. While the food court offers convenience, some find the overall dining options could be more diverse.
"We were eager to see this railway station which is a landmark of Chicago. Featured in many Hollywood movies its very beautiful inside and huge too. Lots of dome & arch like architectural designs. Beautifully illuminated. Very well maintained. Loved to see it in real...👍🏻😍"
Sagar Gosavi
"First time traveling by train and we traveled from Milwaukee to Chicago, with our 3 kids. It was crazy but we had so much fun. I thought it was easier traveling this way than by air. I will for sure use the railway more than air travel. Way easier, already planning our next trip."
Cory Peters
"As a local photographer, I absolutely love working at Chicago Union Station. It’s one of the city’s most iconic architectural gems and offers a truly timeless backdrop for wedding, engagement, and portrait photography.
The Great Hall, with its soaring 110-foot-high atrium, dramatic columns, and grand staircase, provides an unmatched elegance that feels both classic and cinematic. The natural light that streams in through the massive windows makes for perfect photo conditions throughout the day.
The station itself is also a living piece of Chicago history, dating back to 1925, and serves as a major transportation hub for Amtrak and Metra trains. Even with all the activity, there’s a certain calmness and grandeur that makes it ideal for photo sessions.
I always recommend it to clients who want that grand, old-world Chicago aesthetic. Just be aware that for formal or commercial photography, you may need to arrange for a permit.
Highly recommend Union Station for anyone wanting an unforgettable Chicago backdrop!"
Albany Capture
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Union Station is a major hub for Amtrak and Metra trains, making it easily accessible. Many city buses also stop outside. For those arriving via Toronto's PATH system, it's a central connection point.
Yes, Union Station is a primary hub for Amtrak and Metra rail services in Chicago. Numerous city buses also serve the station, making it very accessible via public transit.
Absolutely! Amtrak operates services from Union Station in DC and Chicago to Penn Station in New York City. It's a popular and scenic travel option.
You can use the underground PATH system. Head towards the Arabica coffee shop in Union Station, and follow the signs. It's a great way to stay dry and get your steps in! +1
Yes, a lot of city buses stop right outside Union Station, making it a convenient transit point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a ticket to enter and admire the Great Hall. It's a public space, and many people visit just to appreciate its architecture.
Union Station generally operates 24/7 as a transportation hub. However, specific shop and restaurant hours may vary. The Great Hall itself is accessible during station operating hours.
There is no admission fee to enter and experience the grandeur of the Great Hall. It's a public space designed for travelers and visitors alike.
Yes, casual photography is generally allowed. However, for professional or commercial photography, a permit might be required.
While the Great Hall is open to the public, be mindful of travelers and train schedules. Large events or disturbances can sometimes lead to temporary access restrictions, as seen in one TikTok.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best natural light streaming through the massive windows, creating a beautiful ambiance. Late evenings can offer a quieter, more atmospheric experience.
For casual personal photos, no permit is typically needed. However, if you're planning a professional photoshoot (e.g., engagement, wedding, commercial), you will likely need to arrange for a permit.
The grand staircase, the soaring atrium, the towering marble columns, and the classic curved wooden benches are all incredibly photogenic. The scale of the space itself is a major draw.
Look for the arched windows inspired by Roman baths, the intricate dome designs, and the sheer scale of the Beaux-Arts architecture. The natural light plays a huge role.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to check with station management regarding tripod usage, especially during peak hours, to avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Great Hall itself is primarily for admiring architecture, the upper floor of Union Station houses a food court with various options like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin', Auntie Anne's, and Sbarro.
Union Station offers a range of dining choices, from quick-service fast food to more casual eateries. The Union Market is a culinary hotspot with diverse offerings.
Yes, you can find popular coffee chains like Starbucks within Union Station, perfect for grabbing a drink before your journey or while exploring.
Yes, Toronto Union Station features a Union Market which is a culinary hotspot, and you can find various food vendors there.
Popular vendors include Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin', Auntie Anne's pretzels, and Sbarro Pizza, offering a variety of quick meal options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
✈️ Day-Trippers & Layover Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of the Great Hall
This architectural grandeur has not gone unnoticed by Hollywood. The Great Hall has served as a dramatic backdrop for numerous films, including 'The Untouchables,' 'Superman,' and 'My Best Friend's Wedding.'
+1 This cinematic connection adds another layer of allure for visitors, allowing them to step into scenes from their favorite movies. For photographers, the station is a dream location, offering a timeless and elegant setting with excellent natural light, though professional shoots may require permits. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Great Hall is a functional transportation hub, serving millions of passengers annually via Amtrak and Metra (in Chicago) or GO Transit (in Toronto).
Despite the constant flow of travelers, the space retains a sense of calm and grandeur, a testament to its enduring design. It's more than just a place to catch a train; it's a monumental space that leaves a lasting impression on all who pass through it. Navigating Union Station: Tips for Travelers
For travelers with layovers, Union Station offers more than just waiting areas. In Chicago, a 5-hour layover could include a walk along the Riverwalk or enjoying a classic deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's.
When planning your visit, consider the time of day for the best experience. Daytime offers optimal natural light for photography, while late evenings provide a quieter, more atmospheric visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit