Getting to United Center
Chicago Blackhawks · Chicago, IL
The United Center is within a few blocks of three CTA rail stops on four different lines, and the arena counts the blocks for you from each. The detail worth planning around is the way home: the CTA runs a post-event express bus, the #19 United Center Express, straight to Union Station, downtown and Michigan Avenue.
Tips & Fan Reports
Three rail stops on four lines are in range: Damen on the Green, Ashland/Lake on the Green and Pink, Illinois Medical District on the Blue.
From the Damen stop it is two blocks south and one block east — the shortest rail walk.
Tap-to-pay works on every CTA train and bus; no ticket needed.
The #19 United Center Express runs after events straight to Union Station, downtown and Michigan Avenue.
Lots open two and a half hours before the event and there is no in-and-out.
Ways In
- Driving
- The arena is at 1901 W. Madison Street. From the north, take I-90 east to the Madison Street exit and turn right onto Madison — the building is on your left. From the south, I-55 north to the Damen exit, then left and north for about seven minutes, with the building on your right. From the east, take Madison Street west from the Loop. From the west, I-290 east to exit 28A for Damen Avenue, north on Damen to Madison Street, then right — the building is on your right. Lots open two and a half hours before the event, with no in-and-out privileges.
- Public Transit
- Three CTA rail stops serve the arena on four lines. The Damen stop on the Green Line is two blocks north and one block west of it; the Ashland/Lake stop on the Green and Pink Lines is two blocks north and three blocks east; and the Illinois Medical District stop on the Blue Line is a few blocks south. Bus routes #9 Ashland, #20 Madison, #50 Damen and #126 Jackson stop in front of or within a few blocks of the arena. After events the CTA runs the #19 United Center Express to Union Station, downtown and Michigan Avenue. Tap-to-pay with a credit card, Google Wallet or Apple Pay works on all CTA trains and buses.
- Rideshare
- Uber/Lyft drop-off is on the east side of the arena near the main entrance. Post-game pickup zones are marked on Madison and Warren streets. Expect 10-20 minute waits and surge pricing after games.
- Walking
- From the Damen Green Line stop it is two blocks south and one block east; from Ashland/Lake it is two blocks south and three blocks west.
Chicago Blackhawks Travel Gear
Clear bags, ponchos, and packable layers for getting to the gate.
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How We Checked This Page
Every section below names the source it was read from and the day it was read. Where we could not reach a published figure, the page says so rather than presenting an estimate as a checked fact.
- Getting there
United Center directions and parking page on unitedcenter.com, Directions and Public Transportation panels
- Transit
CTA Fare Information table: regular 'L' train fare $2.50, bus fare $2.25 (Ventra/contactless; $2.50 cash on bus), transfers free for up to 2 additional rides within 2 hours
- Lodging
Google Places API (New) Nearby Search