Chicago is a vibrant, bustling metropolis with a wide array of transportation options that make navigating the city without a car not only possible but convenient. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or someone exploring the city for the first time, getting around Chicago can be both easy and efficient with its extensive public transit network, biking infrastructure, and other alternative transport services. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to travel without a car in the Windy City.
Public Transportation
CTA Trains (L) and Buses
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates an extensive network of trains (known as the “L”) and buses that serve nearly every neighborhood in the city, making public transportation a popular and practical option.
CTA Trains (L)
Chicago’s “L” trains are iconic and essential for commuting across the city. The system consists of eight lines, including key routes such as:
Red Line: Connects neighborhoods from the North Side to the South Side, passing through popular areas like Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, and the South Loop.
Blue Line: Runs from O’Hare International Airport through the Loop and out to the western suburbs.
Brown Line: Offers access to neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview, as well as downtown Chicago.
Green Line: Connects the West Side with the South Side, passing through the historic neighborhoods of Bronzeville and Garfield Park.
CTA Buses
With over 130 bus routes, CTA buses provide a comprehensive network for areas not served by the L trains, making them an important complement to the train system. Popular bus routes cover destinations like the Museum Campus, the North Side, and the far-reaching South Side.
Fare Information
The CTA offers several fare options, allowing travelers flexibility in how they pay for their rides.
Ventra Card: A reloadable smart card that can be used for both bus and train rides. You can load money onto your Ventra card at stations or online, or buy passes for unlimited rides.
Mobile Apps: You can also pay using the Ventra mobile app, which allows for easy payments and balance tracking.
Fare Options
Single Ride: A one-way fare on trains and buses is $2.50.
Day Pass: Unlimited rides for 24 hours, priced at $10.
7-Day Pass: Unlimited rides for a week, priced at $28.
Route maps and schedules for both buses and trains can be found on the CTA website or through apps like Transit App or Citymapper, which offer real-time updates and route planning assistance.
Biking
Divvy Bike Share
Chicago offers an excellent bike-sharing program called Divvy, which allows both residents and visitors to rent bikes from conveniently located stations across the city.
How to Rent
Bikes can be rented via the Divvy mobile app or at any Divvy kiosk. The app provides station locations and bike availability, making it easy to find a bike near you.
Pricing
Single Ride: $3.50 for a 30-minute ride.
Day Pass: $15 for 24 hours of unlimited 30-minute rides.
Annual Membership: $99 for unlimited 30-minute rides per day throughout the year.
Bike Lanes and Trails
Chicago is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., with a growing network of bike lanes and trails. Some of the best-known options include:
Lakefront Trail: A scenic 18-mile path along Lake Michigan, ideal for leisurely rides and offering stunning views of the city skyline.
The 606: An elevated park and trail system on the city’s West Side that provides a safe and scenic route through neighborhoods like Logan Square and Humboldt Park.
When biking in Chicago, always be mindful of bike lane rules, use helmets, and signal your turns to ensure safety.
Walking
Pedestrian-Friendly Areas
Chicago is a highly walkable city, with many neighborhoods designed for pedestrians. Some of the best areas for walking include:
The Loop: Chicago’s downtown district, home to iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.
River North: Known for its art galleries, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
The Magnificent Mile: A stretch of Michigan Avenue famous for its shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Safety Tips
Nighttime Safety: While Chicago is generally safe for pedestrians, it’s always best to stay in well-lit areas after dark and be aware of your surroundings.
Crosswalks: Always use crosswalks and follow traffic signals to ensure safe crossings at intersections.
Ridesharing and Taxis
Rideshare Services
For those times when public transit or biking isn’t practical, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Chicago. Simply download the app, input your destination, and a driver will be on their way to pick you up. Fares vary depending on time of day, distance, and demand, but both services offer estimated fare prices before you confirm your ride.
Traditional Taxis
You can hail a cab directly from the street or call one of the major taxi services. Common fares start around $3.25, with additional charges for each mile traveled.
Alternative Transportation Options
Scooter Rentals
Electric scooters are another convenient transportation option in Chicago. Companies like Lime and Spin offer scooter rentals through their apps. Prices typically start around $1 to unlock the scooter, plus 30 cents per minute of riding. Scooters can be found in various parts of the city and are a great option for short-distance travel.
Car Rentals and Car-Sharing
For those rare occasions when you need a car, consider services like Zipcar, which offers hourly and daily rentals of vehicles. This can be an ideal option for running errands or taking a short road trip.
Accessibility
Accessible Transit
Chicago’s public transit is designed to be accessible to everyone. Most CTA buses are equipped with ramps for wheelchairs and strollers, and many CTA train stations have elevators and other accessibility features. The CTA Paratransit service is available for passengers with disabilities who are unable to use regular bus or train services.
There are also numerous accessible attractions and accommodations in the city, with resources and guides available through local tourism websites.
Tourist Tips
Popular Destinations and How to Reach Them
Millennium Park: Accessible via the Red, Blue, and Brown Lines, as well as several bus routes.
Navy Pier: Reachable via the #29 and #65 bus routes, or take a Divvy bike for a scenic ride along the lakefront.
Museum Campus: Home to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, all accessible via the #146 and #130 buses.
Local Apps
For easy navigation around the city, download apps such as Transit App and Citymapper, which provide real-time updates on public transportation routes, bike availability, and scooter locations. These apps help you plan your journey and avoid delays, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Conclusion
Chicago offers a wealth of transportation options for those who prefer to get around without a car. From the extensive CTA train and bus network to the convenience of bike-sharing and ridesharing services, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the city. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or just getting from point A to point B, Chicago’s transportation system is designed to meet your needs.
