Getting Around Chicago 2026: A Guide to Public Transit
Get Around Chicago with Ease!
Table of Content
- 6 Ways to Get Around in Chicago
- 1. Getting Around Chicago with the CTA
- a. CTA Train & Bus Lines
- b. Cost-Effective Passes for Students
- 2. Getting Around Chicago with Metra Rail
- a. Metra Lines
- b. Student Discounts & Weekend Passes
- 3. Getting Around Chicago with Pace Bus
- a. Pace Bus Routes
- b. Pace Bus Fares
- 4. Getting Around Chicago by Bike
- a. Bike Share Programs
- b. Best Areas to Bike Safely
- 5. Rideshare & Car Rentals
- a. Why Use Rideshare or Car Rentals?
- 6. Walking Around Chicago
- a. Most Walkable Neighborhoods
- b. Safety Tips for Walking at Night
- Rely on amber!
Chicago is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., making it easy for students to commute without a car. With over 1.6 million daily riders using the CTA and Metra trains covering 241 stations, getting around Chicago City is both affordable and convenient. Whether you're traveling between campuses, heading to internships, or exploring new neighborhoods, you have plenty of transit options to fit your schedule and budget. From unlimited ride passes on public transport to bike-friendly streets and student discounts on suburban trains, this guide covers everything you need to move around the city with ease.
6 Ways to Get Around in Chicago
Chicago offers multiple transportation options, making getting around Chicago convenient and budget-friendly for students. Whether you prefer public transit, biking, or walking, there are plenty of ways to navigate the city efficiently.
1. CTA Train and Buses
2. Metra Lines
3. Pace Bus Routes
4. Bike Share Programs
5. Car Rentals
6. Walking
1. Getting Around Chicago with the CTA
If you're a student in Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the most convenient and affordable way to navigate the city. Whether you're heading to class, your student apartment, or exploring downtown Chicago, the CTA’s buses and trains make it easy to get around Chicago without a car. The CTA operates both L trains and buses, covering the entire city, including key student areas like Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, and the Loop. The L system has eight color-coded train lines, with major stops near the best universities of Chicago.
a. CTA Train & Bus Lines
For students getting around Chicago, knowing which CTA trains & Bus lines serve your university can make commuting easier and more efficient.
| University | CTA Train Line(s) | Nearest Station(s) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | Green Line, Red Line + Bus Connection | Garfield (Green), 55th-Red Line + #55 Bus |
| DePaul University (Lincoln Park Campus) | Red Line, Brown Line | Fullerton |
| DePaul University (Loop Campus) | Brown Line, Purple Line, Pink Line | Adams/Wabash |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) | Blue Line | UIC-Halsted |
| Loyola University Chicago | Red Line | Loyola |
| Northwestern University (Evanston Campus) | Purple Line | Foster, Davis, Noyes |
| Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) | Green Line, Red Line | 35th-Bronzeville-IIT, Sox-35th (Red) |
| Columbia College Chicago | Red Line, Blue Line, Green Line | Harrison (Red), LaSalle (Blue), Adams/Wabash (Green) |
| Roosevelt University | Red Line, Blue Line, Green Line | Harrison (Red), LaSalle (Blue), Adams/Wabash (Green) |
| Chicago State University | Red Line | 95th/Dan Ryan |
| Northeastern Illinois University | No Train - Bus Access Only | #82 Kimball-Homan Bus |
| Saint Xavier University | No Train - Bus Access Only | #103 West 95th Bus |
| Rush University | Blue Line | Illinois Medical District |
| National Louis University | Brown Line, Red Line, Blue Line | Clark/Lake |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) | Red Line, Blue Line, Green Line | Adams/Wabash, Washington/Wells |
CTA buses serve areas not directly connected by trains, with routes passing through student neighborhoods, university campuses, and popular hangout spots.
b. Cost-Effective Passes for Students
Getting around Chicago is easier with the Ventra Card, a reloadable transit card for both trains and buses. Many universities offer the CTA U-Pass, which provides unlimited rides for students throughout the semester. If you're paying per ride, here are the standard fares:
| CTA Passes & Fares | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single Train Ride | $2.50 | Occasional commuters |
| Single Bus Ride | $2.25 | Short trips to nearby areas |
| 24-Hour Unlimited Pass | $5 | Exploring the city in a day |
| Ventra Card | Variable (Pay-as-you-go) | Regular but infrequent travelers |
| CTA U-Pass (University Pass) | Semester-Based Pricing | Unlimited rides for university students |
Most L train lines run 24/7, making getting around Chicago convenient for students with varying schedules. Trains arrive every 5–15 minutes during peak hours. Buses generally operate from early morning to late night, with Night Owl buses covering essential routes overnight.
2. Getting Around Chicago with Metra Rail
If you need to travel beyond city limits, Metra Rail is the easiest way to get around Chicago's suburbs. While the CTA covers the city, Metra is ideal for students commuting from the suburbs or taking day trips from Chicago. With student discounts and affordable passes, it's a reliable and cost-effective option.
a. Metra Lines
Metra is best for long-distance travel, connecting downtown Chicago with surrounding suburbs. It operates 11 train lines that run from Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, and Millennium Station, making it a convenient option for students traveling to and from suburban universities, internships, or home visits.
| Metra Line | Destinations Covered | Major Chicago Stations |
|---|---|---|
| BNSF Railway Line | Aurora, Naperville, Downers Grove | Union Station |
| Metra Electric Line | University Park, Hyde Park, South Chicago | Millennium Station, Van Buren |
| Union Pacific North Line | Evanston, Waukegan, Kenosha | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Union Pacific West Line | Elburn, Geneva, Wheaton | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Union Pacific Northwest Line | Harvard, Crystal Lake, Arlington Heights | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Rock Island Line | Joliet, Blue Island, Tinley Park | LaSalle Street Station |
| Milwaukee District North Line | Fox Lake, Libertyville, Glenview | Union Station |
| Milwaukee District West Line | Elgin, Itasca, Franklin Park | Union Station |
| Southwest Service Line | Manhattan, Orland Park, Chicago Ridge | Union Station |
| North Central Service Line | Antioch, Lake Villa, Buffalo Grove | Union Station |
| Heritage Corridor Line | Joliet, Lockport, Summit | Union Station |
b. Student Discounts & Weekend Passes
Metra offers several budget-friendly options for students.
| Metra Passes & Discounts | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket | Varies by distance ($3–$10) | Occasional travel to the suburbs |
| 10-Ride Ticket | 10% discount on regular fare | Regular but infrequent commuters |
| Monthly Pass | $100–$200 (varies by zone) | Daily commuters from the suburbs |
| Weekend Pass (Unlimited Rides) | $8 (Saturday–Sunday) | Exploring the suburbs affordably |
| Student Discount (One-Way Ride) | 50% off weekday tickets | College and high school students with ID |
Metra is the easiest way to get around Chicago if you're traveling long distances or heading home for the weekend. With frequent trains, comfortable seating, and affordable passes, it's a great alternative for students who live outside the city.
3. Getting Around Chicago with Pace Bus
If you're commuting from the safe areas to live in Chicago or need an affordable way to travel beyond city limits, Pace Bus is a great option. It connects students to CTA and Metra stations, making getting around Chicago easier without a car possible. For those living outside the city, Pace is often the best way to get around Chicago while keeping transportation costs low. Pace operates in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, serving students commuting to universities, shopping areas, and Metra stations. Many routes connect directly to CTA trains and Metra lines, allowing seamless travel to and from downtown Chicago.
a. Pace Bus Routes
Pace Bus extends public transit beyond city limits, making getting around Chicago easier for students commuting from the suburbs. It provides a seamless way to travel affordably.
| Pace Bus Route | Major Destinations | Connections to CTA & Metra |
|---|---|---|
| Route 208 | Oakton College, Skokie, Schaumburg | Yellow Line (Skokie Swift), Metra UP-NW |
| Route 215 | Evanston, Niles, Glenview | Purple Line (Evanston), Metra MD-N |
| Route 301 | Oak Brook, Lombard, Yorktown Center | Metra BNSF Line, CTA Blue Line (Forest Park) |
| Route 330 | Midway Airport, Archer Heights, Bridgeview | Orange Line (Midway) |
| Route 600 | Rosemont, Arlington Heights, Palatine | Metra UP-NW Line, CTA Blue Line (Rosemont) |
| Route 626 | Waukegan, North Chicago, Great Lakes Naval Base | Metra UP-N Line |
| Route 757 | Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Chicago (Downtown) | Metra BNSF Line |
Pace works in Chicago getting around by connecting suburban riders with CTA and Metra.
- CTA Transfers: Many Pace routes stop at CTA train stations, making it easy for students to continue their commute.
- Metra Transfers: With bus stops at Metra stations, Pace ensures a smooth transition to long-distance rail travel.
- Pace Park-n-Ride: For students with cars, Park-n-Ride locations let you leave your vehicle and take a bus to CTA or Metra, avoiding city traffic.
b. Pace Bus Fares
For students getting around Chicago, Pace Bus offers budget-friendly fares and passes that make commuting more affordable. Whether you need a one-time ride or unlimited monthly access, there's a pass to fit your travel needs.
| Pace Bus Passes & Fares | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| One-way fare (Ventra Card) | $2.00 | Occasional travel |
| One-Way Fare (Cash) | $2.25 | Short-distance commuters |
| 30-Day Pace Pass | $60 | Daily travel outside Chicago |
| Pace Plus CTA Pass (30-Day) | $75 | Unlimited Pace & CTA rides |
| Pace-Metra Monthly Pass | Varies by Metra Zone | Suburban students using both systems |
For students commuting from the suburbs, Pace offers an affordable, well-connected way to travel. Whether you're heading to class, work, or downtown, it's one of the cheapest ways to get around Chicago.
4. Getting Around Chicago by Bike
Biking is one of the best ways to get around Chicago, offering an affordable and eco-friendly option for students. With student-friendly bike lanes, a bike-share program, and safe cycling routes, it's a great way to navigate the city. Chicago has 300+ miles of bike lanes, making cycling a safe and convenient option. Key routes include:
| Bike Path/Lane | Best For | Nearby Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Lakefront Trail | Scenic commutes | Northwestern, DePaul, Columbia |
| The 606 Trail | Safe, elevated bike path | UIC, SAIC, National Louis |
| Milwaukee Ave. Lane | Major cycling corridor | UIC, DePaul, Loyola |
| Wells Street Lane | Downtown commuting | Roosevelt, Columbia College |
a. Bike Share Programs
If you don't own a bike, bike share programs are a convenient and affordable way to explore the city. Chicago offers several bike rental options that make getting around Chicago easy, whether you're commuting to class, running errands, or enjoying a ride along the lakefront.
| Bike Share Program | Best For | Pricing & Memberships |
|---|---|---|
| Divvy | City-wide access, student discounts | $3.30 per ride, $10+ for day passes, student memberships available |
| Lyft Bikes | Short-distance trips, electric options | Integrated with Lyft app, pricing varies |
| Spin Bike Rentals | Flexible pay-as-you-go option | Per-minute pricing, no docking required |
| Bike and Roll Chicago | Tourist-friendly, group rides | Hourly and full-day rentals available |
b. Best Areas to Bike Safely
Certain neighborhoods are better suited for cycling, with dedicated lanes and less traffic.
| Neighborhood | Why It's Great | Nearby Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Park access, bike lanes | DePaul, Loyola |
| Hyde Park | University-friendly roads | University of Chicago |
| Wicker Park | The 606 Trail, bike lanes | UIC, Columbia College |
| The Loop | Protected bike lanes, transit | Roosevelt, SAIC |
Biking is a safe and affordable way to get around Chicago, especially for students commuting to class or exploring the city.
5. Rideshare & Car Rentals
For students who need a quick and convenient way to travel without relying on public transit, ridesharing and car rentals are great options. Whether you're heading to the airport, moving to a new apartment, or planning a weekend getaway, these services make getting around Chicago simple and hassle-free.
| Service | Best For | Pricing & Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Uber & Lyft | Quick, on-demand rides | Prices vary based on distance & demand, available 24/7 |
| Zipcar | Hourly car rentals, no long-term commitment | Membership required, rates start at $10/hr |
| Turo | Renting a car from locals | Daily rates vary based on vehicle type and availability |
| Enterprise & Hertz | Traditional car rentals for longer trips | Requires a valid driver's license, daily/weekly rates apply |
a. Why Use Rideshare or Car Rentals?
While public transit is cost-effective for daily commutes, rideshare and rentals offer more flexibility for specific situations, especially when traveling around Chicago outside of CTA and Metra routes.
- Convenient & Time-Saving: Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are great for late-night commutes, quick trips, or getting home safely when public transport isn't available.
- Budget-Friendly Alternatives: Zipcar and Turo allow you to rent a car only when needed, avoiding ownership costs like insurance and maintenance.
- Great for Weekend Trips: If you're planning a road trip outside the city, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore nearby destinations like Starved Rock State Park, Milwaukee, or Indiana Dunes.
- Easy Airport Transfers: Rideshare services are a hassle-free way to get to O'Hare or Midway Airport, especially if you have luggage.
6. Walking Around Chicago
Walking is one of the best ways to get around Chicago, especially for students who live near campus or in well-connected areas. With its walkable neighborhoods, pedestrian-friendly streets, and beautiful routes, walking is an affordable and convenient way to commute, run errands, or explore local attractions.
a. Most Walkable Neighborhoods
Chicago has a high walkability score, and several neighborhoods are perfect for students who prefer walking over public transport.
| Neighborhood | Why It's Walkable | Nearby Universities |
|---|---|---|
| The Loop | Central location, CTA access, shops & cafes | Roosevelt, SAIC, Columbia College |
| Lincoln Park | Parks | DePaul, Loyola |
| Hyde Park | Campus-focused, close to amenities | University of Chicago |
| Wicker Park | Trendy area with cafes & nightlife | UIC, Columbia College |
b. Safety Tips for Walking at Night
While traveling around Chicago on foot is generally safe, students should take extra precautions at night to avoid potential risks.
- Stick to Well-Lit & Busy Areas: Walk along main streets like Michigan Avenue, State Street, or Halsted Street. Avoid dimly lit alleys and side streets.
- Use Campus Security Services: Universities like UIC, DePaul University, and the University of Chicago offer free late-night shuttles or campus escorts for students. Check your school's safety resources.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep your phone in your pocket and avoid using both earbuds. Stay alert to traffic and people around you.
- Walk in Groups When Possible: If you're heading home late, try to walk with friends or classmates, especially in quieter areas.
- Know Emergency Contacts: Save the Chicago Police Department's non-emergency number (311) and your university's security hotline in your phone.
Walking is one of the simplest ways to get around Chicago, and with these precautions, students can enjoy the city safely, both day and night.
Chicago offers students a well-connected and budget-friendly transit system, making daily commutes and city exploration hassle-free. With multiple transport options and student discounts available, navigating the city is both convenient and cost-effective. No matter your destination, getting around Chicago is designed to fit your student lifestyle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a subway train in Chicago?
Yes, the CTA “L” trains serve downtown Chicago and beyond, making it the best public transportation in Chicago for students.
What is the best way to get around in Chicago?
The CTA’s trains and buses are the best way to get around Chicago, offering affordable and efficient transportation around Chicago with student discounts.
Is it possible to get around Chicago without a car?
Yes, with CTA, Metra, Pace Bus, biking, and walking, getting around Chicago is easy without a car.
Can you walk everywhere in Chicago?
Chicago is walkable, especially downtown, but the CTA is the best public transportation in Chicago for longer trips.
Is there a free trolley in Chicago?
No, but the CTA provides affordable options for getting around downtown Chicago and beyond.