Getting Around Chicago
Chicago offers visitors multiple ways to navigate the city, from the rapid transit system and buses to taxis, ride-hailing services, and exploring on foot. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) manages mass transit across the metropolitan area through three agencies: the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), which runs city transit; Metra, the commuter railroad; and Pace, which serves suburban areas.
The CTA Rapid Transit System
The CTA operates the second-largest public transportation system in the United States. The rapid transit network, known locally as the "Chicago 'L'" or "El," is the fastest way to move around the city. Trains run 24 hours a day, and service is frequent throughout the day.
The system consists of eight routes serving the city and surrounding suburbs. CTA trains provide direct service to both of Chicago's major airports, making this an excellent option for arriving visitors. The Blue Line connects downtown Chicago to O'Hare International Airport, while the Orange Line serves Midway International Airport. Both routes operate all day and night, making them reliable for any arrival time.
Buses
The CTA operates an extensive bus network with routes throughout Chicago and surrounding areas. Buses complement the rapid transit system and provide service to many neighborhoods and destinations not directly served by the 'L'. Like the trains, CTA buses operate 24 hours a day.
Pace operates bus service primarily in suburban areas around Chicago, with some routes extending into the city. This network helps connect you to destinations beyond the core urban area.
Tickets and Passes
The CTA uses a simple fare system. A single trip on the 'L' costs a flat rate, while bus service also uses a flat fare. When arriving at O'Hare on the Blue Line, the fare from the airport is slightly higher than a standard CTA trip. You can purchase tickets at stations or use contactless payment methods at most stations and on buses.
Metra, the commuter railroad serving outlying areas, uses a different fare structure based on distance zones rather than a flat fee. Metra service is generally focused on rush-hour commuting, though some service operates throughout the day.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout Chicago but can be expensive, particularly during rush hours and when traveling from the airports. Expect to pay upwards of $40 from O'Hare and around $30 from Midway to downtown areas.
Ride-hailing services offer an alternative to traditional taxis. Many visitors find these services competitive with taxi fares and more convenient for booking.
Hotel Shuttles
Many large hotels in Chicago offer complimentary shuttle vans to one or both airports, or can arrange paid shuttle service (typically $15–25) with advance notice. This is worth asking about when booking your accommodation.
Getting from the Airports to Downtown
O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare is located northwest of downtown Chicago. The CTA Blue Line provides the most practical connection, running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trains depart at least every 15 minutes. The journey from O'Hare to the Loop takes approximately one hour. The O'Hare station is located in the basement of the airport, and you'll walk 5–10 minutes to reach the ticket counters from Terminals 2 and 3, longer from Terminal 1, and substantially longer from the International Terminal 5 (which requires a free people mover connection).
CTA fares from O'Hare are modestly higher than a standard in-city trip. The Blue Line is faster than a taxi during rush hours and considerably less expensive.
Midway International Airport
Midway is located southwest of downtown and is more compact than O'Hare. The CTA Orange Line connects Midway to the Loop in approximately 25 minutes. The Midway station is at the end of the Orange Line, and an enclosed tunnel links the station to the airport, though it takes 10–15 minutes to walk between them.
Midway generally has fewer delays and crowds than O'Hare. If your airline or route makes Midway an option, it offers a more streamlined travel experience and a significantly shorter journey into the city.
Alternative Airports
Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport is connected to Chicago Union Station by Amtrak train service, with multiple departures daily. The journey takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes. This option may be worth considering if you're flying into Milwaukee.
Walking
Chicago's downtown core and many neighborhoods are walkable, with good pedestrian infrastructure. Many visitors find they can reach attractions, restaurants, and shops on foot, particularly in the Loop, along the lakefront, and in neighborhoods like the Near North Side and West Loop.
Bicycling
Chicago maintains an extensive network of bikeways, including shared-use paths, cycle tracks, and bike lanes. Bicycles are allowed on all Chicago roadways except limited-access highways. A bike-sharing system called Divvy provides convenient access to bicycles at numerous stations throughout the city and nearby areas.
You can bring bicycles on CTA trains on weekdays outside rush hours (7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.), and all day on weekends and holidays, except during special events. Bicycles are also permitted on CTA buses via front-mounted racks. Metra commuter trains allow bicycles during off-peak times and in reverse-peak directions during rush hours.
Choosing Your Transportation Method
For most visitors, the CTA 'L' offers the best combination of affordability, speed, and reliability. The system is straightforward to navigate, and a single fare gets you anywhere on the network. If you're traveling during off-peak hours or have flexibility in your schedule, the CTA will be your most economical choice.
For trips to distant suburban areas, Metra commuter rail offers fast, reliable service, though you'll need to plan around schedule availability and pay a distance-based fare. Pace buses fill gaps where rail service doesn't exist.
Walking is ideal for exploring individual neighborhoods and downtown areas. Bicycling is increasingly practical with Chicago's growing bikeway network and bike-sharing system, though it's best suited to fair-weather months and experienced cyclists.