| CTA (city trains & buses, the EL) tips and advice posted by real travelers and Chicago locals. • 102 Photos
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Getting around the city of Chicago is easy, especially when accompanied by locals who actually know where they are going - thanks David and Kristi.
Almost every bus or EL train will take you downtown for $2.00.
P.S.Be prepared to get off quick as the train doesn't stop long. (I almost got stuck on the train as I was too busy yakking with Martin) Leave a Comment
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 My CTA Card by CoAir13
1 day - $5
2 day- $9
3 day - $12
Check the website for more options.
It is well worth it if you plan on using public transport. Regular subway fare is $1.75!!!
Not valid on Metra or certain Pace routes!! Leave a Comment Theme: Subway/Metro
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 CTA Seven Day Pass by shellybelly567
To buy CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) Passes that will get you on CTA buses and the L, you can go to a Currency Exchange, or buy them at the machines at some of the larger stations. Just don't believe the stupid lady at the Montrose Currency Exchange that tells you you can't use your debit card, because you can.
Warning: If you have an early flight on Sunday and you're taking the L to the airport, make sure to check the schedule, since routes are pretty limited on Sunday mornings.
The picture is of a house with the L tracks running through the yard. I like it because having train tracks going through your yard could really bring you down, but these people made lemonade out of lemons and hung tire swings, windchimes and plants from the tracks, integrating the cold metal into their yard. Leave a Comment
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 The el by Dabs
The CTA station is located at the lowest level of the Main Parking Garage next to elevator center 4. You should be able to follow the signs that look like a subway car. But don't get on the remote parking train by mistake.
Clark/Lake is the most central stop, you can walk to some loop hotels or take a cab from there to the Mag Mile or River North, the cab fare should be less than $5 to most hotels. Or you can transfer to the red line at Washington and take it to Grand or Chicago which will get you closer to the Mag Mile hotels. If you are staying in the south loop you can get off at Washington or Monroe on the blue line without transferring.
The blue line el is a regular commuter train, like the tube in London, so there isn't extra room for luggage like on some airport trains. But O'Hare is the first stop on the line and patrons are used to seeing folks with luggage so as long as you can manage your luggage on and off the train, you should be fine. Leave a Comment
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The Good
One of the best things is their trip planner function which I found very easy to use & comparable to Les Pages Jaunes Itinéraire function. However, I'd recommend adding at least 15 minutes to any estimates. Of course, I did visit Chicago during the weekend they were having a rate hike changeover (Sunday) and they were making changes to their schedules (I understand they may be dropping some El lines or stops) so that may have had something to do with it. Using the system for 3 days, though, didn't really give me a chance to get used to the system. And of course, if I'd been closer to downtown any glitches would've been lessened.
The Bad
It would've been okay if I could've depended on the Chicago Transit System but I couldn't. I found it to be grossly unreliable & I was late for all 3 dinners/brunches with my friends.
Saturday on my way to meet shrimp56, the red line was held up in transit (we sat for 20 minutes), an announcement came over the intercom that the train would be made an express line through the next 6 stops stopping just past where I wanted to go. I opted to stay, got off at the next stop, got lost, figured out my way, & backtracked to the Art Institute stop making me 30 mins late meeting shrimpie. She was gracious stating that'd given her a bit o' time to shop (she's a sweetie).
Sunday on my way to meet Callavetta & Dabs, thought THIS time I'd given myself plenty of extra time but still managed to be 10-15 minutes late. The line had been shut down somewhere north of us. We waited in frustration as we saw the Red Line going north 3 times before we finally got ours. Of course it was full. Thank God for cell phones so you can call your friends.
The Ugly
I have to say I'm pretty spoiled as far as subways go. My only previous experience is with London's Tube & Paris' Métro which are both relatively clean compared to Chicago's El system.
Photos: June 2009, September 2007 Leave a Comment
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 A station entrance by bigbiggary
1 Day Unlimited Pass: $5.00
2 Day Unlimited Pass: $9.00
3 Day Unlimited Pass: $12.00
5 Day Unlimited Pass: $18.00
7 Day Unlimited Pass: $20.00
30 Day Unlimited Pass: $75.00
These are the prices as of 2004. Some passes are offered at a reduced fare to seniors, students, and people with disabilities.
Chicago has seven lines, represented by color. The train from O'hare Airport to Downtown, can be caught by following the signs which say "trains to city." The station can be found by going to baggage claim and following the signs. Midway also has the same signs. Crime is not much of a threat, if you are careful were you stand and stay away from the down and out, also don't offend anyone, that is the cause of most crimes. Leave a Comment
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 The El by Gina54
They also have a tourist card:
Visitor Passes (1-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day and 5-Day): Purchase passes by calling 1-888-YOUR-CTA (weekdays only). Visitor Passes are also available at Visitor Information Centers, Hot Tix, and Sears Tower. Leave a Comment
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 Sample CTA ticket by meteorologist1
The subways can become somewhat dangerous for tourists at night, especially on the Green Line on the Southside. Just be extra careful. The fares for both bus and subway cost $1.75 and costs another $0.25 for a transfer. (As of 2006, the fare is now $2.00; check their web site for the latest info.) You can get a card as shown in the picture on which you can add money and just swipe every time. Please refer to the homepage below for schedules and maps. Leave a Comment
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 Chicago Transit Authority
- Transit Card by rmdw
To/from the El Train one can use a bus to get around.
If you fly into O'Hare International it is a very convenient $1.50 fare to travel to anywhere in Chicago. As I usually head to a friend's home far on the south side of the city, it is indeed quite the deal! Leave a Comment
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Most attractions in Chicago are located within very easy walking distance, so during the week I spent in the city, I didn't even have to use public transportation. However, when it came time to return to the airport to catch my flight back home, hopping on the "L" seemed like the best option to avoid all the traffic. The blue line takes you straight to the aiport (O'Hare is the last station on the line) and tickets only cost $1.75. The trains are relatively clean and seemed pretty safe, at least on the section I was on. To get downtown from the airport is also very easy: from the baggage claim area, just follow the little train symbols to the O'Hare station. Once you're on the train, your best option probably is to get off at the Clark/Lake station and from there walk or take a cab to your hotel. Leave a Comment
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