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Getting Around Chicago 2025: A Guide to Public Transit

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5 min read
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Uploaded on
Mar 6, 2025
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Last updated on
Mar 6, 2025
Uploaded on
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Last updated on
Mar 6, 2025

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getting around chicago
Get Around Chicago with Ease!

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 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.

CTA Train & Bus Lines

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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:

Cost-Effective Passes for Students

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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 Lines

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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.

Student Discounts & Weekend Passes

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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 Routes

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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 Fare

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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.

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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:

Student-Friendly Bike Lanes & Paths

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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.

Popular Bike Share Programs in Chicago

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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.

Best Areas to Bike Safely

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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 for getting 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.

Popular Rideshare & Car Rental Options

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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.
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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.

Most Walkable Neighborhoods

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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.

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.

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