Chicago is the third largest city in the US, but its efficient public transportation makes it easy to get around, a huge boon for travelers. That means Chicago’s greatest sights and experiences are within your reach — you can relax by the metal “Ben” in Millennium Park, go to a baseball game at Wrigley Field, or catch a musical floor. On-site performances such as Buddy Guy’s Legends can be enjoyed when using Ventra’s convenient city travel pass.
The L — a system of elevated rail and subway trains — is the main way to get around the Windy City, but buses are also useful for navigating the city and suburbs. Here are the best ways to get around Chicago.
Take the L train for easy transfers around the city.
The El – short for “elevated” – is fast, frequent and will get you to most Chicago locations and neighborhoods. Trains run to most parts of the city, and two of the eight color-coded lines – Blue Line Two O’Hare Airport And the Red Line – operates 24 hours a day. Other lines run daily from around 4am to 1am, with trains departing every 10 minutes or so.
Trains run mostly on elevated tracks in the suburbs, which drop underground into the city center known as the Loop. The standard fare is $2.50 (except for O’Hare airport services, where you’ll pay about $5). Transfers within 2 hours are free (two additional rides are allowed). Pay for rides using a Ventra card, which can be purchased at train stations and drug stores.
Metra trains provide good connectivity to the suburbs.
Completion of L, Metra passenger trains 12 routes serving the Chicago suburbs operate from four terminals around the loop – LaSalle Street Station, Millennium Station, Union Station and the Richard B. Ogilvy Transportation Center. Some Metra train lines run daily, while others only run during weekday rush hours. Buy tickets from agents or machines at major stations.
Buses bridge the gap in Chicago.
Chicago’s city buses cover areas that the L trains miss, and many routes run in straight lines along major streets, making it easy to navigate. Most of the buses run from morning to 10 pm. Some run later, and some don’t run on weekends. Standard fare is $2.25, and transfers within 2 hours are free (up to two additional rides). You can use a Ventra card or pay the driver with exact change. Buses are particularly useful for reaching cultural institutions such as Hyde Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the museum campus (including the Art Institute of Chicago).
Get a Ventra for savings for a full day trip.
gave Ventra Card Chicago has a rechargeable public transportation pass. There is a one-time $5 fee for the card, but it is refunded once the card is registered. Using a Ventra card saves about $0.75 off the price of each bus and train ride. Ventra cards can be purchased at train stations and drug stores. Unlimited ride passes are a convenient option and cost $5 for one day, $15 for three days, or $20 for seven days.
Plan your routes with Chicago trackers and apps.
For maps and route planning, check Chicago Transit Authority website. gave CTA Train Tracker And CTA Bus Tracker Provide up-to-the-minute arrival information. Navigation apps such as Google Maps and City Mapper are also helpful. you too Download the Ventra app. Including a trip planning tool.
Rent a motorcycle to explore Chicago on two wheels.
With more than 300 miles of bikeways, Chicago is on track to become one of the best big cities in the United States for cycling. Two hundred miles of on-street protected, buffered and shared bike lanes have been installed in recent years, with more in the works. A favorite bikeway in Chicago is the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail, which runs along Lake Michigan along the city’s picture-perfect beaches and harbors. Riders can take bikes on L trains for free, except during rush hours (7am to 9pm, and 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday). Most buses are equipped with bike racks at the front that can accommodate two bikes at a time.
You don’t have to worry about taking your bike on the L or the bus with the popular bike share service Divvy – There are about 600 stations around Chicago and neighboring suburbs. A $16.50 day pass allows for unlimited rides of up to three hours per 24-hour period, or select rides. Single ride pass. Buy a pass at a station kiosk or through the Divvy app. Note that if you don’t dock your bike within the stipulated time, the rates go up quickly. gave The Divvy app Docs makes life so much easier to search, check availability and pay.
Bike rentals for longer rides start at about $8 an hour (with accessories like helmets and locks). Try it. Bike and Roll With locations near Millennium Park and Navy Pier, OR Bobby’s Bike HikeWith discounts on offer if you book online.
Boats offer easy transfer along the lake shore.
Water taxis are a fun alternative to walking or taking the bus. Boats travel along the Chicago River and lakefront and offer a different route to the museum campus.
Coastal water taxi Several different lines run from April to October connecting some of the main tourist destinations. The Lake Trail takes you from Navy Pier to the Shade Aquarium in the South Loop. A river taxi connects Polk Bros. Park (just west of Navy Pier) to Willis Tower (on the southeast side of the Adams Street Bridge).
Prices depend on the day of travel, but a one-way adult ticket will cost $10-21 (children pay half price). Weekends are the best times to travel. There is also a commuter taxi that runs from the Michigan Avenue Bridge (on the northeast side, near the Tribune Tower) to Willis Tower/Union Station.
Chicago is not great for car users.
Driving in Chicago is no fun. Traffic grinds to a halt not only during the morning and afternoon rush hours, but almost every hour in between. Especially for short trips in town, use public transport instead of your own car to avoid headaches.
If you decide to rent a car for day trips or visiting the suburbs, you can find all the common car rental agencies in Chicago. Rates fluctuate wildly. In general, renting at the airport is more expensive than downtown. In general you must be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver’s license and a major credit card to rent a car.
Car share service Zip car is popular in Chicago. Hourly rates for using a vehicle start at $11, or $83 per day, which includes gas, insurance and car parking spaces around town. You need to become a member first, with monthly/annual fees plus an application fee.
Taxis are easy to find, but ride-hailing services offer savings.
Licensed taxis are abundant in the Loop, and in areas running north to Andersonville and northwest to Wicker Park and Bucktown. Greet them in the street by waving your hand. Fares are measured by the meter and start at $3.25 when you ride in a cab, then it’s $2.25 per mile.
First additional passenger costs $1; Additional passengers after that are $0.50 per piece. And you should add 10% to 15% for tip. All major Chicago taxi companies accept credit cards. Trusted operators included. Checker Taxi And Flash cab.
Ride-hailing companies Uber, LieutAnd through Also popular in Chicago, they can be a little cheaper than taxis.
Accessible Transportation in Chicago
Most museums and major attractions in Chicago are wheelchair accessible, as are most major hotels and restaurants. All city buses are wheelchair accessible, but about a third of L stations are not accessible. Easy access to Chicago is a free resource that lists museums, tours, restaurants, and accommodations and provides mobility, sight, and hearing information for each location.
gave Mayor’s Office for Persons with Disabilities Can answer questions about availability of services in the city. For more information, download Lonely Planet’s free Accessible travel resources.
This article was first published on June 17, 2021 and was updated on July 27, 2023.