chicago trip planner cta

• Maps & Schedules
• Skip to main content

Plan a Trip

The RTA Trip Planner allows travelers to plan trips in the Chicago region using public transit (CTA, Metra and Pace) that include driving, biking and walking directions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of Chicago for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Chicago without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Chicago transit guide

Before you hop on that bus or train, plan your trip on Chicago transit with information about El stations, Ventra and more

If you're looking for a way to get around the city, you can always take a cab or drive, but the cheapest way to and from the Loop and everywhere it leads is to hop on a bus or a train. Plan your trip in by keeping up to date with CTA projects, Ventra hiccups and everything else you need to know about Chicago transit.

The latest Chicago transit news

High-speed rail project from O'Hare to Chicago in the works

A high-speed rail project would connect O'Hare to downtown Chicago, Rockford, Champaign and beyond.

Say goodbye to the Madison/Wabash El station

One of the city's most depressing El stations closed for good on Monday. 

CTA to host concert series outside of El stops in June

Your evening commute during the second and third weeks of June is going to be way more interesting.

Red light cameras are a pain, but speed cameras are much worse

On Sunday, Mayor Rahm Emananuel announced that the city will remove 50 red light cameras at 25 intersections and that those cameras would no longer be issuing...

Chicago transit features

The 5 worst intersections in Chicago

There are loads of terrible intersections throughout the city. Here are some of the worst that we're aware of.  

A complete guide to the 606

For years, the Bloomingdale Trail was an unused elevated train line, riddled with weeds and broken bottles. After some extensive rennovations, it's now...

Quiz: Which CTA El station is this?

Whether you love or loathe the CTA, as a Chicagoan you probably spend plenty of time riding the El. But have you ever stopped to really notice the art on...

You can rent out a private CTA train for $1,800

We’ve all been there. You’re waiting for a train with your friends in the wee hours of the morning and a completely empty train car rolls up. It’s every...

Historic photos of Chicago trains and buses

Take a ride back in time on the green and cream CTA buses, trains, trolleys (and horses!) from Chicago's public transportation past

2014's best People of the CTA photos

One of the best (and worst) things about Chicago transit is that all kinds of people from different walks of life—sometimes different planets—are huddled...

The 19 people you'll see on the CTA

All kinds of bizarre people ride our buses and trains, but these are the most common characters you'll see—and attempt to avoid

The 6 best and 6 worst El stations

Some CTA stops make us happy to ride the train, other make us angrier than a tourist trying to reload a Ventra card

Everything you need to know about Ventra

Ventra FAQs

Cutting through the information fog on the CTA’s fare system

The best #AskVentra questions on Twitter

Chicago's most (un)reliable PR fiasco suffers yet another public embarrassment

The best reactions to the CTA's fare system

After the morning commute, the "new way to pay on the CTA" has garnered mixed reactions

We answer your Chicago transit questions

What does it take to get a seat on the train?

Pregnant, gimpy, overburdened or all three: What's a girl gotta do to earn a seat on the jam-packed El?

Can CTA employees use signs and vests to park in tow zones?

The transit agency says it’s looking into the use of emergency signs and CTA vests to dodge fines

Are there public bathrooms at the Chicago Blue Line station?

In the mezzanine level of the Chicago Blue Line stop, there are two bathroom doors. Are these open to the public?

What's up with the See Something, Say Something poster campaign?

Does the CTA’s poster campaign do nothing?

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Time Out magazine

One-Day Itinerary

Day Trips From Chicago

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Chicago's Best Beaches

Hikes Near Chicago

Skiing Near Chicago

Top Museums

Theater in Chicago

Live Music Venues

Shopping Guide

Annual Festivals

Top Restaurants

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Craft Beer in Chicago

Nightlife Guide

The Best Time to Visit Chicago

Weather & Climate

O'Hare International Airport

Midway Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Know

Driving in Chicago

Public Transportation in Chicago

Getting Around Chicago: Guide to Public Transportation

TripSavvy / Ellen Lindner

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the second largest public transportation system in the U.S., after New York City. Widely used by locals and visitors, the CTA serves the City of Chicago and its 35 surrounding suburbs, seeing 1.6 million people on an average weekday. With 129 bus routes and a rapid transit system (also called the "L" as a nod to the elevated tracks) consisting of eight train lines, the CTA offers many options for getting from point A to point B. They also connect to the Metra train, and bring passengers to both of Chicago's major international airports. Since parking and driving in the city of Chicago can be a challenge, taking the CTA is an optimal way to travel. Keep reading to learn more.

How to Ride Chicago Transit Authority's "L" Train and Bus Lines

Many travelers use the "L" and buses in tandem to get exactly where they want to go; here's how to navigate both.

• Fares: The regular fare for the "L" train is $2.50, and for the bus lines it’s $2.25 (you may purchase your ticket directly onboard). Customers can also buy a one-day CTA pass for $10, a three-day pass for $20 or a seven-day pass for $28. The "L" train fare from O’Hare International Airport is $5. Reduced or free fares are available for children, students, seniors, people with disabilities, and active military.
• How to Pay: You can buy disposable single-ride, one-day passes, and three-day passes at vending machines at any "L" station with either cash or a credit card (if you choose the former, you may transfer up to two rides within two hours at no extra cost to you). Alternatively, you can purchase a Ventra Card and load it with value or one of the day passes, or add the Ventra Card to your smartphone or smart watch via the Ventra app . Note that with Ventra, it's an additional $0.25 for up to two transfers within two hours. Finally, you can use Apple Pay, Android Pay, or Samsung Pay for contactless entry; transfers won’t be included.
• Routes and Hours: Trains and buses run every day of the week. To find out which train, bus, or combination of the two you’ll need to get to where you’re going, use the CTA trip planner . Type in your starting point, your destination, and when you’d like to leave, and the planner will let you know the exact route and timing to help you on your way. You can also get direct assistance by calling 1-312-836-7000.
• CTA Trackers: Great resources for travel on the CTA are the system trackers. The CTA Train Tracker and the CTA Bus Tracker allow you to get arrival times, find stops near you, or see trains and buses on a map.
• Service Alerts: You can view service changes and alerts for each of the train routes and bus lines, or find out about the elevator usage alerts, on the CTA’s System Status and Alerts website . You can also subscribe to CTA updates to learn about planned service changes or events that might affect service.
• CTA System Map: Take a look at the CTA’s system map , which shows both the train routes and bus lines as well as all of the connecting services you might need in the city, its suburbs, or international airports. You can also see a map of downtown's popular attractions and learn how to get to them, or see the routes that operate at later hours or overnight.
• Accessibility: All buses and railcars are outfitted with accessible seating and services. It’s important to note, however, that of the 145 train stations, 22 are currently not accessible. To see which stations are accessible—as well as which ones will be in the future—read the CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program .

How to Get to Chicago’s Major Airports

If you would like to avoid paying a higher rate for a rideshare, taxi, or rental car, you can travel to and from both of Chicago’s airports— Chicago O’Hare International and Midway —via the CTA’s trains and buses.

• Fares: You can get to downtown Chicago from O'Hare for $5 or less, and from Midway for $2.50 or less. Purchasing an Unlimited Ride Pass will give you the best rate, though you can also purchase a single-ride Ventra ticket at O'Hare.
• Service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport: The CTA Blue Line will take you directly to the airport from downtown—24 hours a day and seven days per week—which will take about 45 minutes. View the routes, timetables, and customer alerts prior to travel. The O’Hare train station is located on the lower level concourse, connecting to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. From Terminal 5, take the complimentary airport shuttle train.
• Service to Midway Airport: The CTA Orange Line will take you directly to the Midway Airport. The Midway train station is just east of the terminal building. In 25 minutes, you’ll arrive in the downtown Loop. Be sure to check the schedule and service information prior to travel as overnight trains are not available.

Other Transit Options

While the CTA is the most popular form of transportation in and around the city, you could also opt for renting a vehicle or using a rideshare. The Windy City’s streets are designed on a grid system, which makes navigating around the city on foot an option as well. For a fun way to travel up and down the Chicago River, take the Chicago Water Taxi. Or, you can rent a Divvy bike and explore the city on two wheels.

Riding the Metra

The fast-traveling Metra is a commuter train that connects passengers to the surrounding suburbs from downtown Chicago. Downtown stations include Ogilvie Transportation Center, LaSalle Street Station, Millennium Station, Van Buren Street, and Union Station. View the system map to plan out your desired route.

Tips for Getting Around Chicago

Chicago is home to 2.7 million people so getting around can be tricky. Have the best success by following these steps.

• Public transportation is your friend. Rush hour can be difficult if you’re traveling in a vehicle. Expect a lot of traffic on the roads between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., and again between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Check event and game times. One of the best things about the city are all of the festivals, events, and sporting activities. Be aware that during these special events, public transportation will be packed and roadways busy.
• Know where to park. If driving, you’ll want to know where you can park. Take a look at this map , which highlights all of the city's garages and lots. SpotHero and ParkWhiz are great apps for purchasing less expensive parking spots.
• Be prepared for the weather. Getting around the city easily is often dependent on the weather. Rain can slow things down or limit the availability of taxis, snow can cause delays, and high heat can make commuting uncomfortable. Be prepared and know before you go.
• Walk a mile. Keep in mind that eight city blocks equal one mile.

Trips to Chicago: A Complete Guide

Getting Around Madrid: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel from Boston to Chicago by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Getting Around New Orleans: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Salt Lake City: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel From Chicago to Las Vegas by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Chicago Midway International Airport Guide

Getting Around Pittsburgh: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Beijing: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel from New York to Chicago by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel From BWI Airport to Baltimore by Rail, Bus, and Taxi

Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

Getting Around Mexico City: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel From Chicago to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

DriveChic-Clean

Blog about public transportation

Optimizing Your Journey with the CTA Trip Planner

The user’s journey on transit is simplified and rendered more efficient through various accessible tools and resources. With numerous strategies in place, individuals can navigate transit networks with confidence and ease, thereby contributing to a smooth and timely transit experience.

Table of Contents

Utilizing Trip-Planning Tools for Efficient Journeys

Effective trip planning is facilitated by various platforms, among which Google Maps and the RTA (Regional Transit Authority) Travel Information Center stand out for their reliability and user-friendly interfaces. Both entities provide comprehensive tools and resources, optimizing transit routes and ensuring passengers find the most straightforward path to their destinations.

Leveraging Google Maps for Transit and Pedestrian Directions

When exploring through Google Transit, an integrated feature within Google Maps, users can retrieve both transit and walking directions, providing a multi-modal navigation solution. This functionality, accessible through a new browsing window, simplifies trip planning by consolidating different modes of transportation into one coherent route.

Accessing RTA Travel Information Center Services

The RTA Travel Information Center, accessible at +1 (312) 836-7000, avails travel information to passengers, ensuring they navigate through transit networks with ease. It is essential to note that the center operates from 6am to 7pm, from Monday to Saturday, and is equipped to provide information via TTY at (312) 836-4949. Passengers seeking optimized services should be prepared to provide details about their starting points, destinations, and intended travel times.

Making Use of Third-Party Transit Applications

Various third-party applications, which leverage data from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), offer step-by-step trip planners to aid users in seamlessly navigating through cities using transit. While checking your device’s app store for these applications, it’s prudent to select apps that have been recognized and trusted by a broad user base, bearing in mind that downloading and using third-party applications should be performed with due diligence and caution, as the veracity and safety of these apps cannot be assured.

Self-Guided Trip Planning with Available Maps

Published maps, both online and within physical transit locations, serve as invaluable resources for those planning their trips autonomously. In addition, within each railcar and station, maps are conspicuously displayed to assist passengers in crafting their routes while utilizing the ‘L’ transit options, ensuring that even without digital access, passengers can navigate the transit system effectively.

June 14, 2024

Station Alerts

(link opens in a new window)

• Search Search
• Metrarail.com
• Metra Commuter Rail
• Transfer Options
• Chicago Transit Authority (‘L’ Trains & Buses)

Other Transportation

Premier Lounge

• Metropolitan Lounge

Station Map

• Accessibility
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Dining, Retail & Amenities

Event Spaces

• Burlington Room
• Founders Room
• Barber Shop
• Adams Street Balcony

Other Bookings

• Photography & Filming
• Rental Information
• Preferred Vendors

Getting Here

Chicago transit authority.

The Chicago Transit Authority, or CTA, provides train and bus service throughout Chicago and dozens of neighboring communities.

Eight 'L' train lines cross the city providing rapid transit services (known as a "subway" or "metro" system in many cities). 140 local and express bus routes complement this system. Many routes run from early morning through late evening, year-round, and a number run 24/7. Many of CTA's services connect with or compliment other regional travel services, including Metra commuter rail and Pace suburban bus services.

Nearest CTA TRAINS & BUSES to Union Station

CTA Trains Blue Line (O'Hare-Forest Park via downtown): Walk two blocks south along Clinton St. (on the west side of Great Hall) and enter subway station under the viaduct just south of Van Buren St.

CTA Buses Bus routes 7, 60, 124, 125, 126, 151, 156 and 157 (plus routes 1, 28, 121 and 125 during weekday rush and route 130 mid-May through Labor Day) directly serve Union Station and can be taken from the following locations:

• Union Station Transit Center: 1, 28, 121, 124, 128, 151, 156
• West side of Clinton, north side of block: 125, 130, 192
• West side of Clinton, south side of block: 7, 60, 157.
• Southwest corner of Clinton/Jackson: 126, 754, 755
• Other Stations
• Additional Info

Other CTA Stations

• Red Line (Howard-Dan Ryan): take the 1, 7, 28, 126 or 151 buses east to Dearborn for access to the Blue Lines (and Red Line via pedway).
• Orange, Pink, Brown and Purple Line Express Lines: walk three blocks east on either Jackson or Adams to Wells for Quincy station.
• For accessible entry to the Blue Line: take a 1, 7, 28, 126 or 151 bus east to Dearborn for access to the Blue Lines (and Red Line via pedway).
• For accessible entry to other 'L' lines serving downtown, take bus routes 1, 7, 28 or 126 east to State Street to reach the accessible Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren station to reach the Orange, Pink, Brown or Purple Line Express lines, or a 151 bus to Washington/Wabash for these lines and also the Green Line.

Plan Your Trip

You can use trip planners on CTA's website to get step-by-step directions on CTA, as well as from many popular mapping/travel apps.

You can buy new fare cards and tickets from the Ventra Vending Machine in Union Station (in the Metra ticketing area) or pay a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) fare directly at bus fare readers and 'L' station entry gates using contact-less bankcards or mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Paying with Cash

Cash is also accepted on buses, though exact change is required and transfers are not available when paying cash directly on a bus.

Additional Information & Resources

• Plan a trip
• Fares/tickets (including how to pay)
• Route info & schedules

Still Have Questions?

For additional information on the CTA, or to view the CTA's trip planning tools and information, visit their website at transitchicago.com .

• MetraRail.com
• GreatAmericanStations.com
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

@2024 Chicago Union Station. All rights reserved.

Live Well • Work Well Promoting a healthier lifestyle through total wellness.

The following navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move through main tier links and expand / close menus in sub tiers. Up and Down arrows will open main tier menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

Blue Line ‘L’

The CTA Blue Line provides 24-hour rapid transit train service between Chicago-O'Hare International Airport and the Forest Park terminal, via downtown Chicago.

On this page:

Live video feed.

• Customer alerts for this route
• Route diagram and guide

View the platforms at Logan Square, California, Western, Damen, Division and Chicago each weekday morning to help plan your commute.

View the video

Hours of operation

Service alerts

The west entrance to the Harlem (O’Hare branch) Blue Line station on Higgins Avenue and the adjacent Park and Ride lot will temporarily close.

The upper-level pedestrian transfer tunnel between the Adams-Jackson mezzanines of the Jackson Red and Blue line stations will be temporarily closed.

  RSS Feed: Blue Line Alerts

Route diagram

With stations & connection information.

This diagram represents the order of stops along this route (not the route's natural geography).

Click a station name for more information,  including detailed transfer information, a map, alerts for that station and detailed station timetables.

Timetable update

We routinely adjust schedules to help make service operate more efficiently and to account for seasonal ridership patterns.

Several bus routes will have their schedules updated effective June 9.

View the updated route timetables

Taking the CTA In Chicago

By: Author Kenny

Posted on Last updated: September 18, 2023

If you need to get anywhere in Chicago, there’s one way you can pretty much almost always count on–the CTA. In particular, the CTA bus system will get you most anywhere you need to go.

In this post, we provide a guide to riding the CTA, from available routes, to fares, to riding etiquette and safety. Read on to learn everything you need to know about riding the CTA!

The Chicago Transit Authority (“CTA”) operates buses and trains in Chicago. This post is a companion post to our Guide to Riding the L Train System in Chicago . That post focuses mostly on riding L trains—the train component of the CTA system. This post focuses primarily on buses.

CTA Bus Hours and Coverage

Buses have a wide range of operating hours, from routes that run 24 hours to routes that run only for a few hours during rush periods. For this reason, it’s important to always check route hours if you’re using something like Google Maps to plan your trip , as Google Maps will always provide you options based on a set departure time (which is by default set to the current time).

CTA buses reach pretty much the entire city. You can view the entire system map here and see that every commercial or residential spot in the city is within a mile of a bus route.

Because of its grid system, you can often get anywhere you need to go in the city by taking one bus east/west and one bus north/south. For longer distances, it will usually be more convenient to use the L train system for some segment of your journey.

Basics of CTA Bus Route Numbering and Naming

Every CTA bus route has a number and name. In many cases, the name refers to the street the route spends most (or all) of its time one. For example, the 152 Addison spends almost the entire route going back and forth on Addison.

Other routes, like the 10 Museum of Science and Industry , use an endpoint landmark for their name. Still others, like the 2 Hyde Park Express us the name of the neighborhood they primarily service.

CTA Bus Directions

When taking the bus, you also need to be concerned about a bus’s specific direction along a route. Due to Chicago’s grid system , most routes are point to point (not circuitous).

The buses run two directions between the points, and you need to go the proper direction. For example, the 65 Grand runs between Nordica and Navy Pier. To go west, you’ll take the 65 Grand to Nordica.

To go east, you’ll take the 65 Grand to Navy Pier.

Typically, as long as you’re on the proper side of the street, you can be sure you’re getting on the right bus. But you might not always know what side that is, so here are the three ways to tell.

First, a bus stop sign will indicate the buses and directions that stop at the stop. The below picture, taken downtown, shows, for example, that you’re waiting on the 2 Hyde Park Express North to Navy Pier. Even though the bus is called “2 Hyde Park Express,” you’re at a stop for buses coming from Hyde Park and going to Navy Pier. That bus will not get you to Hyde Park.

Second, Google Maps places bus stops on specific sides of the street. So if you’re using that service, you can zoom in on the map to identify exactly where your bus stop is.

Finally, the buses themselves indicate direction on their front and side marquees. This is a last resort, as you don’t want to find out at the last second that you’re on the wrong side of the street.

As with trains, the endpoints in a given direction sometimes vary. If a bus pulls up with an unexpected endpoint, ask whether the endpoint is before or after your intended stop, or if you’re on the wrong side of the street.

Many buses terminate at or pass through large terminals. For example, the Jefferson Park Transit Station in Jefferson Park is a stop for several buses, the Blue Line, and the Metra. The Navy Pier Terminal in Streeterville is a popular bus terminus downtown.

CTA Bus Numbering

As far as I can tell, there’s no way to make sense of how Chicago’s buses are numbered. The routes are numbered from 1 to 206. Not all numbers are used, and some numbers have multiple variations, like 49, 49B, and X49 (though these variations are easily explained). Some of the routes on the South Side are numbered according to their streets (e.g. the 47th Street bus is numbered 47), but these are exceptions.

For the most part, you don’t need to worry too much about the naming/numbering. You’re usually going to need an outside source (like Google Maps, or a CTA route map) to tell you what route to take regardless. For real transit geeks, we cover more about route numbering and naming below in a section called “Details of CTA Route Numbering and Naming.”

Fares and Payment for CTA Buses

Now we’ll discuss fares (how much the bus costs) and payment when riding the bus.

How much do CTA buses cost to ride?

The fare to ride the CTA bus is $2.25. When paying with cash, the fare is $2.50. Reduced fares are available for certain groups. The 128 Soldier Field Express uses a special $5 roundtrip fare, but I’m not familiar with how this is put into practice.

How can you pay for a CTA bus?

There are three ways to pay for a CTA bus—cash, Ventra (card or disposable ticket), or with a contactless payment method (e.g. contactless bank card, Apple Pay, Android pay).

If paying with cash, no change is given. You can pay with cash easily by depositing your coins and bills into the machine at the front of the bus.

If you’re not paying with cash, you have two options. First, you can use a Ventra Card or disposable Ventra ticket.

We cover these in detail, including how to acquire them and options for single- or multi-day passes, in our Guide to Riding the Chicago L Train System .

Or you can use your own contactless payment method, like a “tap to pay” bankcard, Apple Pay, or Android Pay.

Simply tap your payment method on the Ventra touchpoint on the bus. It will say “Go,” and you can board the bus.

Because Ventra is such a finicky system, we always recommend being prepared with cash as a backup when riding the bus.

Transfers to or from other CTA buses, CTA trains (L trains), and Pace Buses (which serve suburbs ) are available. A transfer allows you up to two additional rides within two hours of your first ride for 25 cents total. That is, the first transfer costs 25 cents, and the second is free. You cannot get a transfer when paying with cash.

CTA Bus Tracking

There are a few different ways to track CTA buses. Personally, I prefer Google Maps. Just click the bus stop, click “Buses” and see the times.

An alternative app is “Transit Stop.” I used to use this one, but I’ve never found it intuitive. You can also visit the CTA’s own bus tracker website.

For a more old school method, you can get text alerts. I use this more for bus stops, but you can text “CTABUS [code]” to 41411 to get arrival times by text. The codes are available online and on the bus stop sign (pic below).

How To Ride The CTA Bus

The first step in riding the CTA Bus is to identify your route options. We recommend using Google Maps , which is also the first suggestion of the CTA themselves if you use their online trip planner. They offer the RTA Trip Planner as an alternative .

Enter your origin and destination into Google Maps. If you’re not traveling now, set your departure time. Review the options. Google Maps use GPS bus tracking to suggest the quickest routes starting from your departure time.

If multiple buses connect the same stops (particularly common downtown, along the Magnificent Mile , for example), Google lists them side by side:

Because GPS isn’t perfect and you might not depart right this second, it is helpful to review all the suggested routes from Google Maps. Using another nearby stop might be better. The below picture shows four options starting at different nearby stops for one trip.

If you’re confused, ask someone else at the bus stop for help. Most Chicagoans are more than willing to assist you. CTA bus signs are also very informative.

Finally, when in a pinch, you can ask a driver for help. If you’re waiting at a stop and asking a driver for directions, wait for everyone to exit and board the bus before you ask for assistance. Especially in the winter, no one wants to stand outside waiting for you to get directions.

Second, you’ll need to know how you’re going to pay. We covered this in the above section on fares and payment.

Next, you’ll board the bus. Bus drivers check every bus stop for passengers as they pass them. Simply wait by the sign, and when an oncoming bus sees you, it will stop. Passengers should exit through the rear, but some will exit from the front. Board, pay, and find a seat.

Certain seats are labeled as reserved for the disabled/elderly. You can sit in them if no one needs them, but be prepared to vacate without thinking twice.

While on the bus, the bus should name the stops one by one. The system isn’t perfect, though, so be sure to check your route on your phone and/or by checking street names out the window.

When your stop is the next stop, pull the cord on either side above the windows, or push the red “STOP” button on some handrails. Once a stop is requested, it is not necessary or possible to request it a second time.

Telling a bus driver your stop when you get on is not expected or even necessarily heeded. It’s up to you to signal the driver when to stop.

If your stop is passed, just yell “STOP, PLEASE!” You’re supposed exit through the back, and there’s no way to request the bus to stop again, so you’re left with only this mildly impolite option.

Basic CTA Bus Etiquette

There’s a lot that could be written about transit etiquette, but we’re going to keep it simple with four points which we’ve sort of already covered.

First, move to the back of the bus. This is essential and something few people seem to understand. Unless you’re an expert on a route and know no one will be getting on, you need to move as far back as possible to allow the bus maximum capacity.

Second, enter through the front and exit through the rear. Not all bus systems in the world operate this way, but most do. You enter at the front, pay, move to the rear, and exit out of the rear at your stop.

Third, make room for others to sit down. Your bag usually doesn’t need its own seat.

Four, occupy all seats . Offer them to whomever you please, but if a seat is empty it should be filled to ensure the bus can be filled to maximum capacity.

Safety on the CTA Buses

Unlike trains, where multiple trains cars carrying hundreds of people are monitored by a single conductor, a bus is relatively small, which keeps them relatively safe.

You should always be alert to pickpocketing, and you should not stand or sit near a door with any valuables out. If you’re made uncomfortable, move to a different seat and/or alert the driver.

Most of the safety concern for riding the bus comes from waiting at the stops themselves, where you’re something of a “sitting duck.” We don’t want this to be a lecture on safety in the city in general, so we’re going to just give bus-stop specific tips.

First of all, use bus tracking to minimize your time physically at a stop . If you don’t want to wait right at a stop for too long, use bus tracking and either show up just a minute early or wait inside a nearby business until your bus is near.

Second, be very careful at shelters. In particular, do not wait next to a shelter wall that isn’t transparent (like the above Chanel advertisement). This mistake is literally how I got robbed (not in a heavily trafficked part of the city, if you’re worried).

If you’re inside a shelter next to a covered wall, you (1) cannot see the other side of the wall and (2) have absolutely no way to flee once someone comes around that wall and accosts you.

Details of CTA Bus Route Naming and Numbering

This is a bonus section for people who want to learn a little bit more about how CTA routes are named and numbered. It won’t be much use to tourists, but locals should find some valuable information here. We’re going to go through different types of routes with special numbering.

CTA Owl Service

An Owl route is a route that runs late at night. There are two types of Owl routes.

A 24-hour route is a bus route that operates for 24 hours. During late night hours, it may operate a slightly modified route.

The night buses are designated with an N before the route number on the bus. So during the day, there is a route 4 Cottage Grove. Overnight, the N4 Cottage Grove serves a smaller portion of this route.

The second type of Owl route is a night-only route. The only example we know of this is the N5 South Short Night Bus , which services a unique route during late night hours only. There is no corresponding 5 route. A route with Owl service should also have an Owl icon on the bus stop sign.

CTA Loop Link

Loop Link is not a special type of route, but a special system for getting buses through the Loop more efficiently . Basically, along downtown segments Madison, Washington, Clinton, and Canal, buses use special lanes and stations to expedite transit.

CTA Express and Jump Routes

An Express route is a route that makes fewer than expected stops along its route. An Express route is identified by the use of the word “Express” at the end of the route name, e.g. 125 Water Tower Express.

If the route also has a non-express counterpart that makes more stops, the express version will have an “X” added before the route number. For example, there is an express version of the 9 Ashland that is designated the X9 Ashland Express . (Exceptions exist–the X98 Avon does not have a corresponding 98 Avon route.)

A “Jump” service is a special type of Express route. Currently only one exists, the J14 Jeffrey Jump. Besides having typical Express characteristics, the “Jump” feature uses special traffic lights to allow the bus to jump ahead of other traffic at intersections.

CTA Extension Routes

There are a variety of routes that use “A / B” numbering to indicate routes that extend another route. For example, there are three Cicero buses: 54 Cicero, 54A North Cicero, and 54B South Cicero. The 54A and 54B routes overlap with the 54 Cicero route a bit at its ends, but essentially these routes extend the main route a bit via a transfer.

Other extension letters are sometimes used to designate routes that take special paths along different streets, like the 55A and 55N which use portions of Austin and alternatively Narragansett.

Welcome to CTA Bus Tracker

Or choose your route:.

Use transit to celebrate Pride Month

This June, use the CTA, Metra, and Pace to get to Pride events and Queer neighborhoods and businesses all throughout the region.

Transportation Tuesday recap and recording available now

This year’s first webinar of the RTA's four-part Transportation Tuesday series explored how the region’s transit system is being improved and expanded to advance equity, sustainability, and accessibility.

Safety Summit Priority Recommendations

Read a report from the 2024 Public Transit Safety and Security Summit hosted by the RTA.

Eight station activation projects selected for pilot program

The RTA is announcing more than $120,000 in funding for Transit Station Activations, a pilot program to fund events that can help improve public safety and a sense of community near transit stations and stops.

The RTA is...

A government agency created by the State of Illinois to coordinate the Chicago region’s transit system, oversee its financing with transparency and accountability, and plan for a future with adequate, accessible, and equitable public transportation for the six counties of Northeastern Illinois. Learn more about the work we do...

Learn about regional planning and collaboration, innovative mobility pilots, and how the transit system is performing.

Find out how your community can apply for funding to plan and implement transit-friendly policies.

Plan your trip and learn how we are making the system more affordable and accessible for all.

The RTA in action

Through the Section 5310 program, the RTA will award nearly $14M in federal funding for projects that enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The services funded through this program provided more than 600,000 trips in 2022.

Section 5310

In September, the RTA Board of Directors approved a program of projects that will make it easier for older adults and people with disabilities to get to jobs, medical appointments, the grocery store, social activities, and more. The Section 5310 Program is a federal formula grant program that provides assistance to public transportation projects that focus on enhancing mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

View ridership statistics, maps, and find out where we are investing in transit infrastructure near you on RTAMS, the Regional Transportation Authority Mapping and Statistics website.

cta trip planner chicago

วันศุกร์ที่ 6 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552.

Live Well • Work Well Promoting a healthier lifestyle through total wellness.

The following navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move through main tier links and expand / close menus in sub tiers. Up and Down arrows will open main tier menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

• Travel info

Travel Information