[zemira]

I'm planning on visiting Chicago in October, but instead of driving, I was planning on taking a train. There's an Amtrak station near my home (in St. Louis, MO). The problem is, I wanted to just spend a day up in Chicago, go to Brookfield Zoo, then head home, and preferably not have to drive anywhere.

But I don't know much about Chicago transportation. What would be the easiest/cheapest way to get from an Amtrak station (there's one in La Grange, IL and it's about 3 miles from the zoo) to Brookfield? Is there a convenient bus route stopping near both places? I'd rather not have to walk, at least 3 miles. I can rent a car, but that's a bit more expensive than I was hoping. And I'd like to avoid taking a taxi at all costs.

Does anyone have any suggestions? If there are no bus stations or trams, are there car rental places near the Amtrak station?

Thanks for any help you can offer!