How to Get Around Chicago: A Visitor’s Guide to Transportation
Chicago has been voted “The Best Big City in the U.S.” eight years in a row—and it’s packed with exciting family activities in Chicago that are easy to reach using the city’s many transportation options. Not only is its food, architecture, and diverse culture a big draw, but Chicago is also incredibly easy to get around. The city’s walkability, convenient public transport, and scenic bike paths make Chicago a top destination to visit. With 77 neighborhoods to explore and dozens of transportation options, navigating the city can be overwhelming. This guide will help you learn everything you need to know about what options are available, how to use them, and what benefits each has. From buses to bikes to boats, the transport options in Chicago can get you anywhere you need to go by land or water.
1. CTA/Public transit
Chicago’s public transit system, the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), is an inexpensive and convenient option to get around the city. The network consists of over 100 bus routes and 8 train lines, making it easy to get almost anywhere you need to go. Public transit can be intimidating to navigate at first, but it’s simple to use once you get the hang of it. Here are some things to know:
Ventra
All train and bus fares are purchased through a system called Ventra. You can find a Ventra kiosk at all train stations to purchase a physical card, or you can download the Ventra App to purchase digital passes.
You can either load money onto your Ventra card or digital account, or you can buy day passes. The fare for buses is $2.25, and trains are $2.50. You will not be charged for any two consecutive rides within two hours of your first scan. Though, a cheaper option might be to get an unlimited day pass. Pass prices are as follows:
- 1-Day: $5
- 3-Day: $15
- 7-Day: $20
- 30-Day: $75
Once your card or digital pass is set up, simply scan at the bus entrance or at the train station barrier to enter. Alternatively, you can use any tap-to-pay credit card, but you will be charged more.
A couple things to note: day passes cannot be used for more than one person, and kids 6 and under ride free.
How to Navigate the CTA
Chicago’s layout is set up like a grid, which makes it easy to navigate the city. To figure out which bus or train to take to get to your destination, use Google Maps and go to the “Public Transport” option. A list of transportation options will appear. When you click on the one you would like to take, it will show you what stops to get on and off at, as well as which direction you need to go. Be sure to note the difference between the north and southbound busses, as well as the east and westbound ones.
Google Maps doesn’t always have the most up-to-date timings for the transit schedules, so you can use the Ventra app to find more accurate arrival times.
Airport Trains
To avoid paying a large expense for taxis or rideshares to and from the airport, the metro system is a very affordable option.
The elevated train, or the “L”, consists of 8 different-colored lines: Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Pink, Orange, Yellow, and Purple. To get downtown from O’Hare Airport, hop on the Blue Line train headed south towards Forest Park from the lower level of Terminal 2 and get off at Lake. To access downtown from Midway International Airport, get on the Orange Line headed north toward the Loop. Expect a 50-minute ride from O’Hare on the Blue Line, and 20 minutes from Midway on the Orange Line.
2. Rent a Bike
Bobby’s Bike Hike Rentals
If you’re looking for a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the city—and check off some of the best family activities in Chicago—rent a bike! Biking allows you to venture through Chicago at your own pace, and you get to take in the scenery along the way.
There are numerous bike lanes throughout the city, but the Lakefront Trail is one of the best ways to travel north and south. The entire trail spans about 18.5 miles along Lake Michigan’s waterfront, connecting you from Bobby’s Bike Hike’s headquarters downtown to areas like Museum Campus, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and more,
Bobby’s offers 2-hour, 4-hour, full-day, and multiple-day rentals, giving you flexibility and cost-efficient options depending on how long you need a bike for. We also provide a helmet, a flat tire changing kit, and a lock so you can park your bike to explore.
Note: In most places in the city, it is illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk! Stick to the bike lanes, the Lakefront Trail, or the road.
Divvy
Divvy bikes and scooters are another convenient transportation option, however they are more suitable for short-distance trips to quickly get from one place to another. There are Divvy stations throughout the city, though you might have to walk a bit to find them. To find Divvy stations and unlock a bike or scooter, download the Divvy app. The app will prompt you to scan the QR code on the vehicle, and once the app confirms, it will unlock. Divvy products are rented by the minute, and prices vary depending on the ride you choose.
4. Ridesharing and Taxis
For the quickest but typically most expensive option, you can book a taxi or rideshare like Uber and Lyft. This can be the best choice when it’s late, cold, or rainy so you don’t have to wait outside.
Taxis can be hailed from the street, however they are more sparse in the neighborhoods outside of downtown, so Uber or Lyft might be your best option. Simply download either app, type in your destination, and choose your preferred ride. Prices will be more expensive during weekday rush hours (6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm) and weekend nights.
5. Driving
Of course, if you live nearby or choose to rent a car, you can always drive in the city. As noted above, you might want to avoid driving during peak traffic hours, but otherwise driving is a quick way to get around Chicago, especially if you plan to explore attractions in the suburbs like the Chicago Botanic Garden or the Brookfield Zoo.
The downside to driving is paying for parking. Additionally, it can be difficult to find parking in certain areas like around Wrigley Field. If you want to park in a garage, utilize SpotHero to find discounted rates and reserve a parking spot. Otherwise, street parking ranges from $2.50 to $7 per hour.
If you choose to drive into the city, the best option might be to reserve a multi-day spot in a parking garage and use public transport to get around.
6. Chicago Water Taxi
For a scenic way to get around the city, take a ride on the Chicago Water Taxi!
The water taxi is a seasonal option, perfect for sightseeing or reaching some of the most scenic family activities in Chicago along the riverfront and beyond. The boat stops at three docks:
- Michigan Avenue – Located by the Wrigley Building right off of the Magnificent Mile
- West Loop – Located at the northwest corner of the Madison Street Bridge. Provides easy access to the Ogilvie Transportation Center, Union Station, the Financial District, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Willis Tower Skydeck
- Chinatown – Located in Ping Tom Park. The main part of Chinatown is about a 5-minute walk away. Try some amazing food or hop on a tour while you’re there!
You can purchase tickets directly on the Chicago Water Taxi website. Prices are as follows:
- One-way ticket: $10
- All day pass: $20
- 10-ride pass: $25
Each boat has restrooms and refreshments, and you can bring food, bikes, and luggage on board. While it’s not the fastest option, taking the Water Taxi allows you to see the city from a unique perspective and enjoy the river breeze.
Note: The Water Taxi is different from the architecture boat tours and does not provide narration about the buildings.
Conclusion
When it comes to getting around Chicago, you have an abundance of transportation options. Of course, you don’t have to stick to one option for the entirety of your trip—try taking the water taxi one day, then renting a bike the next!
Now you have everything you need to know about getting around the city. Venture out and explore Chicago to its full extent—and if you want a fun, guided way to experience the city’s best neighborhoods, food, and landmarks, check out Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago. From scenic bike rides to walking food tours, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Book your tour and see the Windy City from a new perspective!
