A day trip from Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown: Indiana Dunes (no car option)
Yes — you can do a car-free day trip from Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown to Indiana Dunes. Take Metra/South Shore Line trains (departing near Millennium Station) to Dune Park or Beverly Shores for beaches and trails; plan for about an hour each way and pack sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes.
In this guide
Getting from Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown to the train
Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown sits at 71 E Wacker Drive, a short walk from Millennium Station (a Metra commuter rail hub). The hotel concierge can confirm exact walking directions from the hotel lobby or front desk.
Millennium Station provides the easiest rail connection for a car-free trip to Indiana Dunes via the South Shore Line. Allow a few extra minutes to buy tickets or to find the correct platform at Millennium Station. Photo: 0
- Ask the 24-hour front desk or concierge for the fastest walking route to Millennium Station.
- Bring a printed or mobile ticket and check schedules before you leave — weekend and weekday train times can differ.
- Carry a small daypack with water, sunscreen and a lightweight layer for changing lakefront winds.
| From hotel | To train hub |
|---|---|
| Front desk / concierge | Millennium Station (Metra) — about 800 ft from the hotel |
Train options to Indiana Dunes (Dune Park or Beverly Shores)
The South Shore Line commuter rail runs from Chicago to stops at Dune Park and Beverly Shores on the Indiana Dunes shoreline, making a car-free beach day possible. Trains depart from Millennium Station; travel time from downtown Chicago is commonly described as about an hour.
Schedules, frequency and weekend service vary, so check the South Shore Line timetable for exact departure and return times. Buy tickets at the station or via the carrier app before boarding.
- South Shore Line terminus stops useful for beach access: Dune Park and Beverly Shores.
- Plan for roughly an hour each way, but check the current timetable for exact trip times.
- Bring cashless payment or app-based ticketing if available to save time at the station.
| Station | Why get off here |
|---|---|
| Dune Park | Closest stop for several main beach access points and trailheads |
| Beverly Shores | Good for quieter beach stretches and nearby trails |
What to pack and how to prepare for a beach-and-trail day
Indiana Dunes offers miles of shoreline and many trails across dunes and woodlands; conditions change with wind, sun and recent rain. Pack for a mix of beach time and light hiking.
Wear comfortable shoes for dunes and trails, bring a hat and sunscreen, and pack drinking water. There are limited station services at some stops, so plan snacks or know where you’ll eat once you arrive.
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Water and snacks (station amenities are limited)
- Light walking shoes or sandals suitable for sand and trails
- Light jacket for lake breezes and changing weather
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen | Open shoreline has strong sun reflection from the lake |
| Walking shoes | Dune trails can be sandy and uneven |
| Water and snacks | Station facilities and beach vendors may be limited |
Suggested day itinerary (car-free)
Start early from Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, walk to Millennium Station, and take the South Shore Line to Dune Park or Beverly Shores. Spend the morning on the main beach or a lakeshore trail, break for lunch, then explore inland trails or dunes in the afternoon.
Return trains run through the day but can be less frequent in evenings; check return times when you arrive so you don’t miss the last convenient train back to Millennium Station.
- Morning: train from Millennium Station to Dune Park/Beverly Shores
- Late morning–early afternoon: beach time or short shoreline hike
- Afternoon: inland trail walk or another beach stretch; return train to Chicago
| Part of day | Example activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Train to Indiana Dunes + beach walk |
| Midday | Picnic or lunch at a nearby park area |
| Afternoon | Short trail hike, then return train to Chicago |
On-site help from Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
The hotel's 24-hour front desk and concierge can confirm train schedules, walking directions to Millennium Station, and local weather that might affect lake plans. Ask the concierge about current South Shore Line schedules and ticket-buying tips.
If you want to eat before you head out or when you return, Hoyt's Chicago serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with river views and accepts reservations. Hoyt’s also offers in-room dining for earlier departures or late returns. Photo: 10
- Ask concierge for the fastest route to Millennium Station and current South Shore Line departures.
- Consider breakfast at Hoyt's Chicago (serves from 6:30–11:00 AM) before a morning train.
- If you need to store luggage or change, inquire at the 24-hour front desk about luggage storage.
| Hotel service | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Concierge / front desk | Directions to Millennium Station, train info, luggage storage |
| Hoyt's Chicago | Breakfast, lunch or in-room dining before/after your trip |
Accessibility, costs and timing notes
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown notes accessible features and has a front desk open 24 hours; Millennium Station is a major commuter hub with platforms that serve the South Shore Line. If accessibility needs apply, check with the train operator and the hotel concierge ahead of travel for platform and boarding assistance.
A mandatory daily Destination Fee applies to your hotel stay and includes fitness center access, basic Wi‑Fi and a $10 Hoyt's credit; it does not cover rail tickets. Train fares and hotel fees are set by their operators — check current prices before you travel.
- Confirm platform access and boarding assistance with South Shore Line if you require wheelchair support.
- Destination Fee covers certain hotel amenities but not transportation costs.
- Check South Shore Line schedules and fares in advance; return frequency varies by day.
| What it covers | Notes |
|---|---|
| Destination Fee | Includes fitness center access and basic Wi‑Fi; does not include rail tickets |
| Train fare | Not included — see carrier for current prices |
| Accessibility | Ask hotel concierge and train operator about assistance |
