The Chicago Transit System is the second largest public transportation system in the United States, only second to the MTA in New York City. Chicago is known for its transit, which has been part of the City's history dating back to 1859. With a population of nearly three million people, Chicago's diverse neighborhoods and 35 nearby suburbs is well serviced by rail and bus transit.
The Chicago Transit System is elevated for the most part.
Chicago Area Transit - Below is a list of options available to you while you are in Chicago
Chicago's train system is known as the 'L'. The eight ‘L’ train lines serve 145 rail stations each day. This rapid transit train service is a fast and cost-effective way to get around the city.
The CTA operates the 129 bus routes that covers the City of Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs. CTA buses travel throughout the city, with stops every few blocks. There are also routes that offer Night Owl service, and run until 2 a.m. or later
Chicago has the second-largest taxi fleet in the country. Many taxicab companies provide service throughout the city and to and from Chicago International Airport.
Metra is Chicago's commuter train system that runs from downtown Chicago through a six-county area of northeast Illinois, with stops at 241 stations. The METRA train runs north and south from two downtown Chicago stations - Randolph Street and Van Buren Street to the McCormick Place Station. A 7-minute commute.
Pace serves tens of thousands of riders daily in the surrounding suburbs of Chicago with routes that serve either O'Hare Intl. or Midway airports.
With about eight blocks to every mile, Chicago is a walking city. Madison Street divides the city north and south, while State Street divides it east and west. The State/Madison intersection marks the origin of Chicago's address grid system. Addresses are relative to the distance from that mark. So an address of 3600 North Addison means that it is 36 blocks north of Madison.
Public transit options to/from O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Public transit options to/from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Ventra is your ticket to ride CTA buses, trains, Pace buses and Metra trains. Allowing you to add passes and transit value to your Ventra Card at a variety of places
McCormick Place
