Getting Around Chicago Without a Car

Chicago's car-free toolkit: the CTA 'L' (8 color-coded rail lines) and 130+ bus routes, Metra commuter rail to the suburbs, Divvy bike/scooter share, and the Chicago Water Taxi. Fares are flat and low, the Ventra card or app works across all three transit agencies, and the Blue Line runs 24/7 to O'Hare.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ventra card and how do I get one?

Ventra is the unified fare payment system for CTA, Metra, and Pace. You can buy a physical card at any 'L' station vending machine for $5 (which converts to transit credit when registered), or use the free Ventra app on your phone with Apple Pay or Google Wallet. Simply tap to board buses or trains.

How does Divvy bike share work and what does it cost?

Divvy, operated by Lyft and owned by the city, offers classic bikes, e-bikes, and scooters at hundreds of docking stations. A new or lapsed annual membership is $99 (current members pay $143); a day pass is $19.90 and includes unlimited 3-hour classic bike rides. Residents in Equity Priority Areas on the South and West sides can join for $5/year.

Can I use transit to get around Chicago's neighborhoods, not just downtown?

Yes — CTA buses cover 130+ routes reaching every corner of the city, filling gaps the 'L' doesn't cover. The flat $2.50 bus fare includes two free transfers within two hours of first tap. Metra's 11 commuter rail lines serve 242 stations across the broader metro region with distance-based zone pricing.

How do I get from O'Hare or Midway airport to downtown without a car?

Take the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare directly to the Loop — it runs 24/7 and takes about 45 minutes; note a $5 surcharge applies when boarding at O'Hare with transit value (not a pass). From Midway, the Orange Line runs to the Loop in about 25–30 minutes for $2.75. The Orange Line now operates 24/7 as of 2026.

How much does it cost to ride the CTA train or bus in 2026?

As of February 2026, a single CTA train ride costs $2.75 and a bus ride costs $2.50 with a Ventra card. A 1-day pass is $6, a 7-day pass is $25, and a 30-day unlimited pass is $85. Fares are frozen through at least mid-2026 under the new state transit funding law.

What is the Regional Day Pass and is it worth it?

The Regional Day Pass (available only in the Ventra app) lets you ride CTA, Metra, and Pace on a single purchase for one 24-hour period, with pricing from $10–$16 depending on Metra zones. It's ideal for visitors making multiple trips across systems in a day. Metra monthly pass holders can also add a $30 Regional Connect Pass for unlimited CTA and Pace rides.

Is there a transit option along the Chicago River?

Yes — the Chicago Water Taxi by Wendella Boats offers commuter and tourist service along the Chicago River. A one-way ticket is $10, or $3/ride on a 10-ride commuter pass; seniors ride at 50% off and children 3 and under ride free. The service is cashless and tickets have no expiration.

Which CTA 'L' lines run 24 hours a day?

The Red and Blue Lines have long offered 24-hour service. The Orange Line — which connects the Loop to Midway Airport — expanded to 24/7 service in 2026, funded by the state's $1.5 billion transit bill. All other lines have reduced overnight schedules.

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