LSM National Gathering
"Transformed to Reach Out!" - Romans 12:2

Getting to the LSM National Gathering

Although LSM National Gathering attendees are responsible for their own travel, we're offering a few hints and suggestions to help make it easier to get yourself to Downtown Chicago! Included are ways to get to the Westin from your dropoff points.

Airports

Chicago has two international airports: Midway International Airport and O'Hare International Airport. Although O'Hare is larger and more well-known, be sure to check flights to Midway as well. Depending on where you're flying from and what airline you typically use, Midway might have cheaper fares.

Remember! Many airlines now charge a fee for the first checked bag. Do your research and pack light!

From Midway to the Westin by Train:
One-way cost: $2
Time: About an hour

  • Take the Orange Line CTA Train toward the Loop
  • Arrive at Roosevelt Station
  • Transfer to Red Line CTA Subway toward Howard
  • Arrive at Chicago Station
  • Walk east toward Michigan Ave
  • Take a left on Michigan Ave and go down about 3 blocks, the Westin will be on your right.

From O'Hare to the Westin:
One-way cost: $2
Time: About an hour and a half

  • Take the Blue Line CTA Train toward Forest Park
  • Arrive at Jackson Station
  • Transfer to Red Line CTA Subway toward Howard
  • Arrive at Chicago Station
  • Walk east toward Michigan Ave
  • Take a left on Michigan Ave and go down about 3 blocks, the Westin will be on your right.

Or take a cab, but that will cost you $35 or more.

Buses

Numerous buses travel in and out of Chicago everyday, and depending on where you live, a bus ride might be a cheap way to get to the gathering! Here are a few:

Megabus
The earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket! You could get a roundtrip from Minneapolis to Chicago for as low as $3! The bus drops you off at downtown's Union Station. Express routes to Chicago from:

  • Ann Arbor, MI
  • Champaign, IL
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Colombia, MO
  • Columbus, OH
  • Detroit, MI
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Kansas City, KS
  • Madison, WI
  • Memphis, TN
  • Milwaukee, WI
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Normal, OK
  • St. Louis, MO
  • Toledo, OH

Coach USA
Numerous low-cost roundtrip tickets throughout the Midwest . Drops you off at downtown's Union Station.

From Union Station to the Westin by Bus:
One-way cost: $2
Approximate time: 30 minutes

  • Walk to Jackson and Chicago River Bus Stop
  • Take the 151: Sheridan Bus Toward Clark/Devon
  • Arrive at Michigan and Delaware-Walton

Or take a cab for about $10.

Greyhound Lines
The most famous cross-country bus line. Drops you off at their downtown bus depot.

From Greyhound Station to the Westin by Bus:
One-way cost: $2
Approximate time: 30 minutes

  • Take the 125: Water Tower Express toward Mies Van der Rohe/Chestnut
  • Depart Harrison and Jefferson
  • Arrive Michigan and Chicago

Or take a cab for around $10.

Train

Amtrak
Take the train! Amtrak has routes all across the country. Find your way on their easy-to-use website.

From Union Station to the Westin by Bus:
One-way cost: $2
Approximate time: 30 minutes

  • Walk to Jackson and Chicago River Bus Stop
  • Take the 151: Sheridan Bus Toward Clark/Devon
  • Arrive at Michigan and Delaware-Walton

Carpool

Consider a roadtrip! It could be a bonding experience for your campus ministry/ELCA college or university, or make it a regional trip! The good times can start before you ever step foot in Chicago . and they don't have to end when you drive away from the Windy City.

Free parking is available at the Lutheran Center. The Lutheran Center is not located in downtown but is about 100 yards from the Cumberland 'L' station where you can catch a train to the hotel. If your carpool would like to park at the Lutheran Center you will need to provide your name, address, cell phone #, work phone #, license plate # and state, and the make, model, year and color of vehicle to file with the security desk. For more information please contact Katy at (773) 380-2852.