Between traffic jams and exorbitant parking, vehicles often hamper Windy City adventures. Luckily, Chicago offers user-friendly public transit spanning iconic L-trains, widespread buses, and Divvy bikeshares. These affordable options whisk sightseers across town to world-famous attractions like Cloud Gate, Wrigley Field, the Magnificent Mile, and more.
This guide unpacks navigating Chicago sans automobile. We’ll outline transit routes and frequency, detail pricing, and provide planning resources. Soon you’ll jet between jazz clubs, museums, and Michelin-starred restaurants like a local.
Overview of Transportation Options
Getting around Chicago without a car is a breeze thanks to the many affordable and convenient public transit options. The “L” train system is the most popular, with its web of color-coded elevated and underground routes connecting to all the top tourist sights. Buses fill in any gaps, dropping visitors right at major destinations like museums or Wrigley Field.
For late nights out or areas trains don’t reach, taxis and Uber/Lyft have got your back. Divvy bikes make cruising the lakefront trails and downtown a joy. Metra commuter rail provides a straight shot to the airports and neighborhoods like Hyde Park.
Between all these choices and vibrant walkable areas in the Loop and River North, car-free itineraries come together perfectly in the Windy City.
The “L” Train System
Chicago’s iconic elevated and underground “L” train system forms the backbone of car-free navigation, with eight color-coded lines crisscrossing over 100 neighborhoods.
- Over a million daily riders zip between Loop stations as frequently as every 4 minutes during rush hours thanks to nearly 2,000 train cars.
- Pay $2.50 per venture with a Ventra fare card, or splurge on a 1-day pass for $10 to freely transfer trains and buses.
- Ventra Cards: These nifty reusable cards can be tapped right on train turnstiles and bus readers. Cards can be purchased and reloaded at any L station or over 1,000 shops across the city.
- Mobile Pay: If you’ve got a smartphone, just tap it on sensors when entering trains to pay your fare. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile wallet services are accepted.
- Scope route maps posted in all stations to plot trips. Check signs noting train directions before boarding.
- Download the Transit Stop app to view real-time train arrivals/departures to avoid long waits on platforms.
- Steer clear of sardine-packed cars during morning and evening commuter rush between 7-9 am and 4-6 pm. Off-peak trains generally offer seats.
With a bit of planning, the “L” provides an inexpensive sightseeing conveyor belt to and from Chicago’s manifold treasures.
Buses
A fleet of over 1,800 CTA buses fills gaps between L Train stations, providing vital transit connections across Chicago’s sprawling cityscape.
- Standard buses like the J14 Jump and 146 Express straight-shot prime sightseeing spots like Museum Campus, Wrigleyville, Goose Island, and more for just $2.25 with a Ventra card.
- Request transfers from drivers to hop between trains and buses on one fare. Make sure to ask upon boarding.
- All buses accommodate wheelchairs and scooters with kneeling features and ramps. Just let the driver know you need the lift.
- Bone up on bus maps and routes beforehand using the CTA website and Transit Tracks app. This way you’ll confidently ride the entire public transit grid like a local.
- Watch for bus stop signs denoting multiple routes before waving one down. Ensure you’re boarding the correct bus heading to your desired destination. If unsure, ask the driver to verify the route through the PA system before the doors shut.
Between far reach and accessibility, CTA buses serve up key sightseeing connections.
Taxis and Rideshares
When trains and buses fail, rely on ubiquitous taxis and rideshare services like Uber/Lyft to whisk you around Chicago.
- With 24/7 availability, these come in handy for airport pickups/drop-offs, late nights out, accessibility needs, or destinations off the transit grid.
- Cab fares start at $3.25 plus $2.60 per mile. Estimate rideshare costs beforehand in apps, then add tips for drivers.
- While pricier than trains and buses, taxis and Ubers offer door-to-door convenience making navigating with luggage easier. No more lugging bags up train station steps.
- For Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs (WAV), you can request a WAV ride by calling 1-888-WAV-CABS (1-888-928-2227) or by downloading the CURB app.
- When possible, book rideshares beforehand to avoid prime-time price surges. And have apps on hand for comparing fares and wait times.
- For safety, ensure licensed medallion cabs or confirmed rideshare plates before entering vehicles. And don’t be afraid to verify driver identities.
- With 24/7 availability, these come in handy for airport picWith the flexibility to go anywhere at any time, taxis and rideshares fill important transit gaps…and prevent sore feet from excessive walking!kups/drop-offs, late nights out, accessibility needs, or destinations off the transit grid.
- Cab fares start at $3.25 plus $2.60 per mile. Estimate rideshare costs beforehand in apps, then add tips for drivers.
- While pricier than trains and buses, taxis and Ubers offer door-to-door convenience making navigating with luggage easier. No more lugging bags up train station steps.
- For Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs (WAV), you can request a WAV ride by calling 1-888-WAV-CABS (1-888-928-2227) or by downloading the CURB app.
- When possible, book rideshares beforehand to avoid prime-time price surges. And have apps on hand for comparing fares and wait times.
- For safety, ensure licensed medallion cabs or confirmed rideshare plates before entering vehicles. And don’t be afraid to verify driver identities.
Divvy Bikes
Chicago’s bright blue shared Divvy bikes inject fun into car-free navigation. With over 800 convenient docking stations, these sturdy cruisers connect visitors to sights across town.
- Single rides cost a mere $3.50 for 30 minutes of unlimited cycling. Daily passes giving 24 hours of access go for $16.50.
- Stations dot key tourist zones like Grant Park, Millennium Park, Museum Campus, and the lakefront trail, so parks and attractions remain just a short ride away.
- Maps in apps detail each dock location citywide, allowing riders to plan bike trips accordingly.
- For safety, be sure to wear a helmet when riding. We also must follow all traffic laws, stopping at signals and yielding to pedestrians.
Pedal power proves a handy addition to Chicago’s transit portfolio. Divvies grant flexibility trains and buses can’t always match.
Metra Trains
Metra commuter rail services zip from downtown to Chicagoland neighborhoods and suburbs. Several lines even directly serve O’Hare and Midway.
- These train lines utilize existing metro tracks also shared by Amtrak and freight carriers. So sightseers can experience Chicago’s extensive rail infrastructure firsthand.
- Venture just outside the city center to lively spheres like Hyde Park, Oak Park, Evanston, and more. Or ride out to quaint suburban towns.
- When riding Metra they’ve got flexible ticket choices to fit every travel style:
- One-Way Tickets: Grab single-ride tickets to cover simple roundtrips from $5-10 based on distance. These let us hop on and off trains for two weeks after purchase.
- Day Passes: For just $6-10, day passes unlock unlimited Metra rides for 24 glorious hours. Maximize value by cramming in as many trips as possible til 3 am.
- Weekend Passes: $ 10-weekend warrior passes via Ventra supply unlimited train escapes Friday through Sunday. They expire at 3 am Monday so wring all the value out by riding all weekend long.
- 10-Ride Ticket Booklets: Commuters love these 10-pack ride tickets lasting 90 days. Per ride rates discount single fares up to 20% for savings. Share with friends too!
- Make sure to load up the Ventra app with e-tickets before boarding during conductor checks. Don’t get stuck ticketless.
- While most lines run smoothly, occasional freight traffic causes delays. So build in schedule cushions when relying on Metra trains.
With commuter rail expanding the public transit repertoire, ignite your car-free Chicago adventure.
Key Destinations Accessible Without a Car
- The Loop’s storied skyscrapers, museums, and landmarks connect via a web of convenient “L” stations. Simply exit onto pedestrian walkways and sidewalks to access Millennium Park, Willis Tower, the Art Institute, and more.
- For Magnificent Mile runs, grab the eastbound 157 bus right on Adams and Canal. Just a few blocks and we’re cruising up North Michigan Avenue past the glitzy shop displays. Anywhere between Wacker Drive up to Oak Street makes the perfect spot to jump off. Then the rest is just window shopping bliss.
- For Museum Campus stamps like Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium, ride the #146 double-decker bus down Lake Shore Drive. It’s a scenic trip with skyline views to boot.
- West Loop allures with indie galleries, forward-thinking eateries from celeb chefs, and chic hotel digs. Hit hotspots via the Morgan “L” stop, neighborhood buses like the #26 and #36 will help you get around, taking you right to the West Loop’s most popular hotspots.
Between walkability downtown and bus routes running direct routes, accessing attractions without a car is simple. And not fighting traffic or hunting parking means more time enjoying everything delightful Chicago has to offer.
Wrap Up Your Car-Free Chicago Getaway
Getting around Chicago without a car proves simple with this public transit survival guide in hand. Mapping routes across town unlocks flexibility to fully immerse in Chicago’s top offerings, from acclaimed museums to critically adored eateries.
When the day is done, we recommend settling into Hotel Chicago West Loop located in the heart of the West Loop. Our refreshingly artsy hotel is within walking distance of all of the neighborhood’s hottest restaurants, bars, and shops.
Visit Hotel Chicago West Loop’s website to book your West Loop home base before jet-setting away powered by a car-free Windy City adventure.
