Chicago Union Station luggage storage

About Union Station

Located west of the Chicago River, Chicago Union Station is at the intersection of West Adams Street and West Jackson Boulevard. Situated just outside of the Chicago Loop, it’s in close proximity to the city’s main business and commercial centers. 

With tens of millions of visitors per year, Union Station is the third-busiest train terminal in the United States and is home to several major transportation methods, such as Amtrak and the Metra commuter rail. Guided by the vision of famed architect Daniel Burnham, Union Station is now one of Chicago's greatest landmarks and is getting ready to celebrate its centennial in 2025.

Fun fact: Though the skylight in the Great Hall was covered during World War II to protect Union Station from enemy fire, it was restored and unveiled to the public in November 2018.

If you’re spending some time in Chicago, chances are you’ll be passing through Chicago Union Station. Even if you aren’t traveling through this transit hub, a visit to the station is always worth it to admire its architecture and history. Plus, with its central location it makes for a great starting point for exploring the city. Wherever you decide to go from Chicago Union Station, make your trip easier and store luggage with Bounce.

Does Chicago have luggage lockers?

Yes, there are luggage storage services offered in Chicago Greyhound Bus Terminal as well as other transit stations. At Bounce, we work differently than storage lockers; instead of waiting in lines to drop off your things, you can book online in advance using our luggage storage app. 

Once you’ve chosen one of our convenient locations and a time that works for you, you can drop off your things in minutes. Unlike traditional luggage lockers, we can accommodate bags and other items of any size, and we don’t charge more based on the measurements or weight of your bags.

Does Union Station have luggage lockers?

Chicago Union Station no longer has storage lockers but offers baggage storage, located at the Amtrak parcel check area. They charge $10.00 per bag for passengers with Amtrak tickets. If you don’t have a ticket, you'll have to pay $20.00 for 24 hours of bag storage. 

Alternatively, store your belongings with us for only $5.90 per bag for the entire day. We have a fixed price and plenty of storage spots in local businesses all over the city.

Can I leave bags at Union Station?

Yes, you can leave your bags at the parcel check desk inside Union Station. If you’re going to be out exploring Chicago, check our app to see if any of our other locations are more conveniently located. We have a baggage storage spot just 11 minutes away from the station by foot and more partner facilities close to other transit stations and tourist attractions.

Are there lockers in any Chicago train stations?

No, for safety and security reasons, most train stations have removed their storage lockers. If you need somewhere to keep your things for a few hours, choose one of the highly-rated store locations offered by our luggage storage service. We’ll gladly watch over your personal belongings to give you the freedom to explore Chicago to the fullest.

Things to do near Union Station

Chicago Union Station isn’t only a gateway into the city but also a local landmark. From here, it’s easy to orient yourself and navigate the city, especially with all of the awesome attractions found nearby. If you have a few hours to spare and want to see what’s around the area, be sure to check out these spots.

Willis Tower Skydeck

The Willis Tower, which used to be known as the Sears Tower, is a very impressive building and the tallest skyscraper in all of Chicago at 440 meters high. It was the tallest building in the world when it was built in 1973 until it was surpassed close to 25 years later. Today it still boasts the best view of Chicago from its observation deck on the 103rd floor. 

It’ll take a whole minute in an elevator to reach the Skydeck, and once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding city. If you’re really brave, you can step out onto the glass balconies to see Chicago below your feet. The Willis Tower is easy to reach from Union Station and is just a 5 minute walk away.

Art Institute of Chicago

Those with a passion for art will love the Art Institute of Chicago, although anyone can appreciate the beautiful works in its collection. The gallery houses close to 300,000 works, many of which are impressionist and post-impressionist pieces originating from around the globe. 

Aside from artwork, the gallery exhibits artifacts of different sorts and regularly invites temporary exhibitions into the space. It’ll take 20 minutes to reach the Art Institute of Chicago from Union Station by foot, but the walk is straightforward and easy.

Art Institute of Chicago bag policy

The Art Institute of Chicago has a cloakroom for coats and bags and doesn’t allow backpacks or baggage measuring more than 13” x 17” x 4” to be brought into the gallery. If you have balloons, flowers, or food and drink on you, you won’t be able to bring them into the museum or store them there. Book online at one of our baggage storage spots if you need somewhere to keep your things while touring this magnificent museum.

National Hellenic Museum

The National Hellenic Museum aims to share and appreciate the story of Greek Americans and their connection to Hellenism. As you make your way through the exhibits, you’ll understand the ancient values of Hellenism, as well as more modern innovations. 

Using replicas, artifacts, and historical facts, you’ll be taught about the Hellenic ways of thinking critically and researching and will gain a whole new understanding and appreciation for the arts, humanities, and science. Located just a short 10-minute walk from Union Station, this museum is easy to reach.

National Hellenic Museum bag policy

There’s no clear bag policy for this museum, and we’re unsure of what kinds of bags are allowed inside. To be safe, store your oversized bags with us before beginning your visit. Check our app to find storage locations in the area.

Airport travel from Union Station

O’Hare International Airport to Union Station

You’ll find O’Hare International Airport on Chicago’s northwest side. It’s a very busy airport and serves both international and domestic flights. The easiest way to get from O’Hare International Airport to Union Station is to take the blue line, which will bring you directly between the two destinations. Overall, it takes about an hour, and the cost of your ticket will be around $2.50.

Chicago Midway International Airport to Union Station

The Chicago Midway International Airport is situated on the south side of the city and mainly accommodates domestic flights. Getting to Union Station from here is easy and will only take about 40 minutes. Head to the Midway stop and get on the orange line until Quincy. From there, it’s just a short 8-minute walk to Union Station. Your ticket should cost $2.50.

Getting around Chicago from Union Station

If you’ve enjoyed exploring the area around Union Station, then you’re in for a real treat because there’s so much more to discover further out into Chicago. Many of the city’s most iconic landmarks can be reached easily from here via public transit, so you can go anywhere you want. Below is a list of some of our favorite spots in Chicago.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is on the shores of Lake Michigan and is full of fun activities and attractions for people of all ages. When looking for things to do with the kids, check out the botanical garden, musical carousel, sensory maze, or the Chicago Children’s Museum. Of course, you can’t miss the massive 60-meter-high Chicago Ferris Wheel, either. 

To get here, head from Chicago Union Station to the bus stop at Clinton & Quincy. Buy a ticket for the 124 bus and ride to the Navy Pier Terminal. Once you get off, start exploring all the fun things to do at Navy Pier. Your CTA bus ticket will cost about $2.25.

Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park was added to Chicago in 2014 and is situated just east of Millennium Park. It’s a beautiful spot for a walk or leisurely stroll, with 20 acres of lush greenspace to explore. On site, there’s a playground, a rock climbing wall, a mini golf course, a garden, and ice skating in the wintertime. 

To get here, walk from Union Station to the Jackson & Canal St bus stop and get on the 1 bus. Hop off at Jackson & Wabash; the park is a 10-minute walk from there. Your bus ticket will cost $2.25.

The Chicago Theatre

Everyone loves live entertainment, and The Chicago Theatre is much more than just an events venue. Having been built in 1921, the movie theatre and performance venue has played an important role in the history of Chicago and the careers of now world-renowned names like Prince, Duke Ellington, and Diana Ross. 

The theatre's ambiance and iconic red and yellow marquee have been there from the start and are still used to host shows today. Starting off at Union Station, walk to the Clinton metro station and take the blue line to Washington, which is run by the Chicago Transit Authority. The theatre is a short walk away. Your ticket should cost about $2.50.

Luggage storage near Union Station

Chicago is a big and busy city that can be hard to navigate, especially if you don’t know your way around. The city center can get hectic during the weekday rush so don’t carry luggage when you don’t need to.

There’s so much to see near Union Station Chicago and even more to do elsewhere throughout the city. Before you venture out into Chicago, make sure to store your luggage at our Union Station luggage storage spot so you can sightsee hands-free.

With so many things to do in Chicago, it’s hard to choose where to begin. Discover the food court at the Canal Street Eatery and Market, and snap a pic at the famous Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. Shopping lovers also can’t miss browsing the local stores on the magnificent mile.

Is Chicago just a stop on your journey through the United States? You should know that we offer luggage storage in other cities around the country, from New Orleans to San Francisco. Whichever city you decide to visit next, keep your bags safe and out of the way using Bounce.