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Travel Plans

We recommend flying into Chicago O鈥橦are International Airport (ORD). EIU will offer free pickups from the Amtrak Station in Mattoon, IL, beginning Monday, January 05. Below are the steps to take to get from the airport to Mattoon.


OPTION #1 - Chicago Transit System-Union Station-Mattoon Amtrak Station (This option is the least expensive but takes the longest time.)

01. Most of you will arrive at Terminal 5. From that terminal, you must ride the Airport Transit System (ATS) to Terminal 3. Once in the terminals, follow 鈥淭rains to City鈥� on overhead signs as you walk through the pedestrian tunnel to reach the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) station. This should take about 15 minutes.

02. Once at the CTA station, purchase a single-ride ticket for $2.50 from the farecard machines using cash, debit, or credit cards. Pay your fare and pass through the turnstiles to the boarding platform. Take any train and travel to the Clinton station on the Blue Line (O鈥橦are-Forest Park). The travel time from O鈥橦are to Clinton is 46 minutes; trains run every 5-10 minutes daily.

03. Next, you need to get from the Clinton station to Union Station. Union Station is located two blocks (300 m) north of the Clinton Station. Take the escalator up and walk north along Clinton (there is a sign pointing in the direction of Union Station at the exit from the Clinton station). You will see an entrance to Union Station near the intersection with Jackson. The entire walk takes about 5 minutes.

04. Once at Union Station, purchase a one-way ticket to Mattoon, Illinois. Ticket prices range from $25 to $120. Trains depart Union Station at 8:15 am, 4:05 pm, and 8:05 pm. The trip takes a little over 3 hours.

05. You鈥檙e almost here! As you leave the Amtrak station and head outside, EIU鈥檚 representatives will be on hand to greet you and help you with your luggage. The drive to campus will take approximately 15 minutes.


OPTION #2 - Uber or Lyft-Union Station-Mattoon Amtrak Station (This option takes less time but is the most expensive)

01. Most of you will arrive at Terminal 5. From that terminal, you must ride the Airport Transit System (ATS) to Terminal 2. The loading zone in Terminal 2 is in the waiting area on the Upper Level between Door 2A and Door 2E.

BLACK Zone A - Outside North of vestibule 2A

BLUE Zone B - Outside vestibule 2A

ORANGE Zone C - Outside vestibule 2B

GREEN Zone D - Outside vestibule 2E

02. Passengers should wait in the specific colored zones until their car arrives in the same colored zone before proceeding to the designated pickup location.

03. Direct your driver to Union Station. Fares between O鈥橦are and Union Station are usually $50-$100, depending on traffic and time of day.

04. Once at Union Station, purchase a one-way ticket to Mattoon, Illinois. Ticket prices range from $25 to $120. Trains depart Union Station at 8:15 am, 4:05 pm, and 8:05 pm. The trip takes a little over 3 hours.

05. You鈥檙e almost here! As you leave the Amtrak station and head outside, EIU鈥檚 representatives will be on hand to greet you and help you with your luggage. The drive to campus will take approximately 15 minutes.

* If you purchase an Amtrak ticket in advance, select a departure time 2-3 hours after your flight arrival time in case of any delays.

CTA Rail Map

Downtown Chicago Map


OPTION #3 - Arrange your own transportation to EIU's campus.

Temporary Accommodations

EIU will provide free temporary accommodations from Monday, January 05 to Friday, January 09.

Proof of Orientation Registration

T-Shirt Size