W Ida B. Wells to Riverwalk

Question

We’re staying at the corner of W Ida B. Wells Dr. & S Dearborn St. over the St. Patrick’s weekend (Sat-Tue). Which line is best for getting to and from the Riverwalk and River North area? Would the bus be better? I figure if we’re out late, we’ll Uber back.

Answer

Your stay at the corner of W Ida B. Wells Dr. & S Dearborn St. puts you in a great location to access both the Riverwalk and River North areas. Here’s an overview of the best options for getting to and from these areas, including public transit and alternative options like the bus and Uber.

1. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) - "L" Trains:

The CTA "L" (train) system is a fast and reliable way to get around the city. Since you're staying near the corner of W Ida B. Wells Dr. & S Dearborn St., you're very close to the Clark/Lake station, which is a major hub for several "L" lines. The most convenient lines to the Riverwalk and River North areas would be:

Green Line: Head west from Clark/Lake and transfer to the Riverwalk via the State/Lake station or walk a few blocks. The Green Line also stops at the River North area with quick access to many restaurants and shops.
Blue Line: You can also catch the Blue Line from the nearby Washington station to head to the River North area or other parts of the city.

2. CTA Bus:

If you prefer taking the bus, there are several routes that could work well for you. Buses typically provide more flexibility in terms of stops. A few options:

Bus #6 (Jackson): This route travels from the south side and stops near your location, providing a direct link to the Riverwalk and River North areas. This is a good option if you want a more scenic ride, and it’s not too far from your Airbnb location.
Bus #29 (State): Another good option that travels north along State Street, making it easy to access River North. The State Street route will give you quick access to the Magnificent Mile and all of the surrounding attractions.

3. Walking:

If you're feeling up for a walk, the Riverwalk and River North are within walking distance from your location. It’s about a 15-minute walk (just under a mile) to the Riverwalk, and a little longer to reach the heart of the River North area. The walk is enjoyable, especially if the weather is nice, as you’ll pass landmarks like Millennium Park and the nearby theaters.

4. Uber/Lyft:

If you’re out late or prefer a more direct route, Uber or Lyft are great options. These services are widely available in the area, and there are plenty of pick-up spots nearby. Since you’re staying close to major attractions, it should be fairly easy to catch a ride at any time, and the cost for a short trip to the Riverwalk or River North shouldn’t be too high. If you're traveling late at night, rideshare is a safe and reliable option.

Conclusion:

If you're looking for the quickest and most direct option, the "L" train is a great choice. If you prefer the convenience of taking a bus or walking, both are easy alternatives. For late-night travel, Uber or Lyft will provide a reliable and safe ride back to your accommodation. All of these options will get you to the Riverwalk and River North area with minimal hassle, so it really comes down to your personal preference for convenience, time, and comfort.