Chicago has an efficient public transport system. This is the second largest public transport system in the United States. The organization of the public transport is engaged in several companies. Good conditions for the movement of pedestrians are also created in the city (at least in the central part of the city).
Bus and train
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has both trains and buses in and around Chicago.
The system of high-speed urban rail transport in Chicago is known as the "L". The company has eight routes with a total length of 220 miles (360 km) and 144 stations in Chicago and other cities.
CTA also manages the Chicago bus network. Information about the company: about 2000 buses, more than 152 routes with a total length of about 2,270 miles (3,660 km).
CTA provides transit services to both major Chicago airports. The Blue Line, L, connects the city center with O'Hare International Airport (journey time approximately 40 minutes). Midway Airport can be reached via the “L” “Orange Line” (approximately 25 minutes).
“Pace” operates suburban buses and also has several routes to Chicago. Pace buses usually have longer routes than CTA buses.
Metra is a Chicago suburban railway. The meter network has eleven lines and over 200 stations in Cook County. Unlike L-line trains, the fare is based on zones, not on a fixed landing fee.
Metra trains leave from four stations in downtown Chicago: Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, LaSalle Street Station and Millennium Station. These stations are located within walking distance of downtown (Chicago Loop).
The Chicago Union Station serves Amtrak long-distance trains, as well as some Metra suburban trains. The station is located near the city center (Chicago Loop), about 2 kilometers from the lake shore, on the west bank of the Chicago River, between West Adams Street and West Jackson Boulevard. Near the station there are bus stops.
There are also other railway stations in Chicago. Specify the departure station when buying a ticket and drawing up a route.
Airports
Two major airports are located near Chicago.
O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD) is located approximately 27 kilometers (14 miles) from the city center. It is the sixth busiest airport in the world. 79.8 million passengers were served at the airport in 2017.
The airport has 4 terminals. The Airport Transit System (ATS) transport system carries passengers between terminals.
Blue Line "L" trains are the most convenient and cheapest way to get to O'Hare Airport by public transport. The station is located on the lower parking level and can be reached directly from terminals 1-3 through a tunnel and from terminal 5 via ATS. Follow the signs for "Trains to City".
The Metra rail network also has an O'Hare Transfer Station near the airport.
Taxis are a convenient form of transport, especially if you travel with children or have a lot of luggage. Taxi stands are located at the exit of each terminal (outside the baggage claim area). You can also book a taxi in advance via the Internet.
A multimodal transport center is available at the airport (Multi-Modal Facility, MMF). In the multi-modal center there are car rental companies. You can choose and book a car in advance, online. There is also a car parking. Regional buses will depart from MMF (in 2019).
In the northeast part of the MMF is the O'Hare Transfer Station of the Metra rail network.
Midway Airport
Midway International Airport is located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) southwest of the city center. The airport handled over 22 million passengers in 2017.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides the Midway Airport bus and train service.
The CTA Orange "L" train is the most convenient and cheapest way to get from the airport to the city center. The railway station is located east of the airport terminal building at the Midway Transportation Center. You can go to the station via a covered walkway. Follow the signs with the words “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City”.
There are also car rental and taxi services at the airport.
You can prepare for a trip to Chicago in advance: book a taxi
to the hotel, book a car at the rental office, book a hotel in Chicago.
You can see the lowest prices for flights to Chicago here.
Water transport
Chicago is located on the shores of a large lake. The Chicago River also flows through the city. Waterways are widely used for commercial traffic, and for the transport of tourists.
Tourists may be interested in cruises on the lake and the river. Chicago water taxis also have interesting tourist routes along the Chicago River, with stops in several places. Berths are available at the Navy Pier and in several places on the river.
Navy Pier is one of the most visited places in Chicago. It has been used by the fleet before. Now it is a popular place with tourists and locals. The pier is located in the city center, next to the Polk Bros Park, just north of Millennium Park (approximately 1 kilometer). Several CTA bus routes have stops at the Navy Pier (# 29 State, # 65 Grand, # 66 Chicago, # 124 Navy Pier) buses.