Your Own 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles'

Image: PHOTO: The LaSalle/Van Buren train station in Chicago was a filming location for 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles.' (photo via Flickr/David Wilson)
Image: PHOTO: The LaSalle/Van Buren train station in Chicago was a filming location for 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles.' (photo via Flickr/David Wilson)
Scott Hartbeck
by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Wed November 22, 2017

While Planes, Trains and Automobiles will never be remembered as John Hughes' most acclaimed 1980s comedy, this 1987 film starring John Candy and Steve Martin has still managed to pick up a loyal following over the years.

For the uninitiated: Planes, Trains and Automobiles follows the misadventures of Del Griffith (John Candy)-an uncouth shower curtain ring salesman-and straight-laced advertising executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) as they attempt to make it from New York to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving.

Complete strangers one day, unlikely traveling partners the next, you could definitely argue that Del Griffith and Neal Page's haphazard journey home for Turkey Day is the best "Thanksgiving" movie out there.

Want to re-create their hapless journey for yourself? Of course you don't, but if you happen to be passing by a few of the following filming locations, you can re-trace Del & Neal's disastrous footsteps.

Just remember: Those aren't pillows!

54th Street and Park Avenue: New York, New York

This is the approximate spot in New York City where Del and Neal meet for the very first time. After Neal pays a stranger a king's ransom to use his cab, Del "steals" it and the film is off and running.

St. Louis Lambert International Airport: St. Louis, Missouri

After they are subsequently reunited, Del and Neal take a bus into St. Louis, where they go their separate ways (again). After Neal is stranded in a rental car parking lot with keys to a car that doesn't exist, he ends up having a bit of a breakdown inside this gorgeous airport.

Neal belittles a counter worker before walking out of the airport and getting mouthy with a man who mocked his desire to hail a cab from St. Louis to Chicago. The ruffian ends up knocking Neal out with one punch in the shadow of the sloping vintage architecture of Terminal One.

LaSalle/Van Buren CTA Station: Chicago, Illinois

After they share-and subsequently set fire to-a rental car somewhere between St. Louis and Chicago, Del and Neal finally arrive in the Windy City via the back of a refrigerated truck (hey, they got there).

The duo says goodbye to each other once-and-for-all (spoiler alert: it's not) at this elevated train station.

230 Oxford Road: Kenilworth, Illinois

This colonial-style brick house in suburban Chicago was cast as Neal Page's family residence, and the closing scene of the film was shot here.

As long as you don't bother the residents you should be able to snap a photo from a safe distance.


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Scott Hartbeck

Scott Hartbeck

Editor true scotthartbeck 9309 14744 Born and raised in the USA but now based in the UK, Scott is a Europe travel expert who has been exploring the continent for over 20 years. He specializes in European rail and discovering underrated destinations & experiences

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