Getting Around Chicago 2025: A Guide to Public Transit

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.