As the US's third-largest city, Chicago needs a good public transit network.
Luckily, it boasts the second-largest public transportation system in the nation after New York City, which is a huge boon for travelers. This means that Chicago's top sights and experiences are all within reach – you could be relaxing by the metallic "Bean" in Millennium Park, going to a baseball game at Wrigley Field, or enjoying a performance at a storied music venue such as Buddy Guy's Legends, all while using the Ventra, the city's convenient 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 downtown and the suburbs. Here are the best ways to travel around Chicago.
The L – short for "elevated" – is fast, frequent and will get you to most sights and neighborhoods in Chicago. Trains run to most parts of town, and two of the eight color-coded lines – the Blue Line to O'Hare airport and the Red Line – operate 24 hours a day. Other lines run from roughly 4am to 1am daily, with trains departing every 10 minutes or so.
Trains mostly run on elevated tracks in the suburbs, dropping underground in the downtown area known as the Loop. The standard fare is $2.50 (except for services from O'Hare airport, where you'll pay about $5). Transfers within 2 hours are free (up to two additional rides are permitted). Pay for rides using a Ventra card, which can be purchased at train stations and drugstores.
Supplementing the L, Metra commuter trains operate 12 routes serving the Chicago suburbs from four terminals around the Loop – at LaSalle Street Station, Millennium Station, Union Station and Richard B Ogilvie Transportation Center. Some Metra train lines run daily, while others operate only during weekday rush hours. Buy tickets from agents or machines at major stations.
Chicago's city buses cover areas that the L trains miss, and many routes follow straight lines along major roads, making it easy to navigate. Most buses run from early morning until 10pm; some continue later, and some don't run on weekends. The standard fare is $2.25, and transfers within 2 hours are free (for up to two additional rides). You can use a Ventra card or pay the driver with exact change. Buses are particularly useful for reaching Hyde Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the cultural institutions of the Museum Campus (including the Art Institute of Chicago).
The Ventra card is Chicago's rechargeable public transportation pass. There's a one-time $5 fee for the card, but this gets refunded once the card is registered. Using a Ventra card knocks around $0.75 off the cost of each bus and train ride. Ventra cards can be purchased at train stations and drugstores. Unlimited
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