(888) 968-7282

www.transitchicago.com

An extensive system of trains and buses operates in the city. Walking is a great way to explore neighborhoods, but public transportation is the best way to get around the city of Chicago. Subways and elevated (EL) trains are safe options; however, be cautious of the areas you enter late at night. Most of the trains run 24 hours a day, but some do have limited hours, so check the website or call if you are unsure. 

If you want to ride the buses, just look for the blue-and-white bus-stop signs, located approximately every two blocks.

Below are a list of buses that are great for visitors:

No. 146–Marine/Michigan—Runs from Belmont Avenue on the North Side to North Michigan Avenue (the Magnificent Mile).

No. 156–LaSalle—Runs through Lincoln Park to the Loop’s financial district.

No. 151–Sheridan—Runs through Lincoln Park to inner Lake Shore Drive. Goes as far south as Adams Street and eventually ends at Union Station Loop.

If you plan to take a trip to Evanston, you will need to ride the Metra Railroad’s Union Pacific/North Line. For more information regarding this train, phone (312) 322-6777.

If you plan to take public transportation, we recommend obtaining either a Chicago Card or a Visitor Pass. The Chicago Card can be purchased online, over the phone, or by vending machines located throughout the CTA terminals. With the Chicago Card, you pay $2 per ride, with a 25-cent bus transfer fee. Children ages 7 to 11 pay $1 per ride, with a 15-cent bus transfer fee. Children under age 7 ride for free.

The Visitor Pass works like a fare card and is good for unlimited rides. The pass is programmed per 24-hour period. You can purchase one-, two-, three- and five-day cards that range from $5 to $18. These cards can be purchased at airports, museums, hotels, Hot Tix outlets, transportation terminals, Chicago Office of Tourism centers, online at www.transitchicago.com or by calling (888)

YOUR-CTA (968-7282).

Cash fares for subways, buses and the EL are $2.25 for adults, $1.25 for children ages 7 to 11, and free for children younger than age 7. Exact fare is required; bills and coins are accepted.

Taxis are the most effective way to get around the Loop and other downtown areas. It is quite easy to hail a cab in the Loop, Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park and River North areas. Beyond these areas, you might need to call for a taxi. The most popular cab companies in Chicago are:

Flash Cab: (773) 561-1444

Yellow Cab: (312) TAXI-CAB (829-4222)

Checker Cab: (312) CHECKER (243-2537)

At the time of publication, cab fare in Chicago starts at $3.25 for the first mile and costs 20 cents for each additional ninth of a mile. There is a $1 surcharge for the first passenger, and a charge of 50 cents for each subsequent passenger. A one-way cab ride from Rosemont to downtown Chicago costs approximately $40.

Given the accessibility and affordability of public transportation, we do not advise driving in the city. Yet, if you wish to drive, Chicago is laid out on a grid system, so it is relatively easy to navigate the city using maps. ANA members interested in renting a car can receive a discount from Hertz Car Rental:

Hertz O’Hare

2170 South Mannheim Rd.

Des Plaines, IL 60018

(847) 297-7147