Amtrak (tel: 1 800 872 7245/USA RAIL; www.amtrak.com) operates from Union Station, 225 South Canal Street), which is also the hub of its whole national network. The beautiful station is a Chicago landmark, reminiscent of the time when railroads were the country's main transportation artery. Facilities include bars and food outlets, ATMs, baggage porters, an enclosed waiting area, payphones, as well as short- and long-term paid parking. The commuter service, Metra Rail (tel: (312) 322 6777; www.metrarail.com), also operates from here. Car hire is available from Budget, Enterprise and Hertz. Travellers with enquiries should either contact Amtrak (see above) or the stations on the intended route.

Rail services: Trains are available from Union Station to destinations across the USA including Milwaukee (journey time - 1hour 30 minutes), Detroit (journey time - 6 hours 30 minutes), New York (journey time - 19 hours) and San Francisco (journey time - 51 hours).