David & Erin
David & Erin
Getting Around Chicago
Chicago is a wonderful city, but getting around the downtown area can be stressful. Luckily, there are a lot of different transportation options to get you where you want to go.
BY TRAIN
The best way to get around Chicago is via public transportation – specifically the L train. Operated by the Chicago Transit Authority, the L (short for "elevated train") is cheap and easy to use. The CTA also operates an extensive bus system with routes servicing nearly every attraction, but the bus may be difficult for newcomers to navigate. There's also the Metra Rail regional train system that makes stops throughout downtown Chicago and in neighboring cities and suburbs. You can use public transit to reach the city from both nearby airports. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) sits 18 miles northwest of downtown and can be accessed via the L's Blue Line, and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is located about 11 miles southwest of downtown and can be reached using the L's Orange Line.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
BY TAXI AND RIDESHARE
Taxis are a convenient way to get around the Loop and to areas beyond downtown. Within the Loop and the Near North Side, you should have no trouble hailing a cab from the street. A cheaper alternative is to use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft.
A fun way to get around central Chicago is by water taxi. Two companies – Shoreline Sightseeing and Chicago Water Taxi – transport visitors along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan past popular tourist areas like Chinatown, the Museum Campus and the Loop.
BY CAR
If you do decide to use a car, you'll be helped by the city's grid layout. But you should be prepared for extremely limited (and often pricey) parking and heavy traffic during rush hour. Several apps and websites, including ParkChicago, SpotHero and ParkWhiz, can help mitigate some of that frustration, as they allow you to reserve spots and pay in advance.