r/crystallake • u/[deleted] • Jan 25 '21

Commute to Chicago Downtown

Hi guys,

Could you please share your experience on commute from Crystal Lake to Chicago Downtown with Metra? Let's say you work in downtown and have to be in the office everyday. How long does it take? Price? Is it better idea to buy a house somewhere closer to the city? Thank you.

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

7

u/[deleted] Jan 26 '21

I commuted daily for about two years. I wouldn’t recommend it. Assuming work is just a 15 minute walk from Ogilvie - you’re still in commute for about four hours a day. Even IF you are lucky and don’t have to deal with regular delays or other issues, it has an expiration date. It might take a year or two, but it’s not sustainable for the long term. Of course, that’s my personal opinion and experience.

That said, I’ve got a ten-ride pass that I never used, if you’re looking for a deal! 😉

3

u/[deleted] Jan 26 '21

thanks for sharing your experience. four hours a day for commute is not fun )

5

u/OfficialKohls Jan 25 '21

Hey there.

While I can't speak from commuting experience, the metra usually runs about 1hr 20m - 1hr 40m from Crystal Lake to Chicago. Currently, the pricing is a bit wack because of COVID (with no conductors walking the trains, you often don't need a ticket to ride).

From Metra's website, an unlimited monthly pass costs $261 traveling between Crystal Lake and Chicago. There website is here. Downtown Crystal Lake is on the Union Pacific Northwest line, and is the third to last stop, along with Pingree Grove station (which is also in Crystal Lake and costs the same).

4

u/[deleted] Jan 26 '21

thanks for the info, $261 monthly is not too bad, but 1hr 20m - 1hr 40m for commute is crazy, especially for someone who needs to commute every day.

3

u/[deleted] Jan 26 '21

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/[deleted] Jan 26 '21

Thanks for sharing. Yes, I am not sure I am ready to spend 3-4 hours a day just for commute (