Temp/ConcertTrain

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Recommended routes

See also: a map that shows how the different rail systems connect


Grandma S.:


Aunt K:


Step-sister B:


General schedule information

  • There is a route planner available online, and Google Maps also shows train/bus schedules when in the 'transit' mode. (remember to change the date/time when planning future trips to see accurate schedules.)



  • The RTA publishes a poster-size map showing how everything fits together, from Joliet all the way to Wisconsin: October 22 version


  • In addition to long-distance service, Amtrak offers regional service (2–8 trips / day) to the neighboring cities such as Milwaukee, Champaign, Bloomington/Normal, and Springfield.


  • Selected CTA schedules / timetables:

Trains: | Blue | Red | Brown | Orange Buses: | N5

  • Selected Metra schedules / timetables:

Pandemic recovery 'alternate schedules' (more details | Ridership dashboard) | MD-N | NCS | UP-NW | UP-N

| HC | ME | RI | SWS

| BNSF | MD-W | UP-W

Regular pre-pandemic schedules: | MD-N | NCS | UP-NW | UP-N

| HC | ME | RI | SWS

| BNSF | MD-W | UP-W

Metra passes

  • $6 day pass for up to 3 fare zones
  • $10 day pass for unlimited-length trips ($7 on Saturdays or Sundays)
  • $10 weekend pass in Ventra app
  • $100 'Super Saver' monthly pass
  • Kids 11 and under ride free on weekends '(up to 3 per fare-paying adult)'

CTA fares

  • $0 for active-duty military and disabled veterans (10%+ rating) with a 'Military Service Pass' (application)
  • $2.25 single-ride (bus; pre-paid or app)
  • $2.50 single-ride (train and cash bus)
  • $3 single-ride (disposable ticket)
  • $5 single-ride (train, when leaving from ORD)

CTA passes

  • $2.xx for a single ride
  • $5 for 1 day ($5/day)
  • $15 for 3 days ($5/day)
  • $20 for 7 days ($2.86 / day)

CTA/Pass passes


Late-night considerations


Metra commuter trains
The last Metra trains tend to leave Chicago between 9pm and 1am, depending on the route and day.


CTA trains
All of the CTA trains in Chicago run from about 5 AM (or earlier) to at least 1 AM.
The Blue and Red lines run 24/7. Free and secure underground transfers between them late at night are at Lake / Washington (8 'Owl' routes leave from here at :10 and :40 after each hour), and at Jackson.
CTA buses
Most CTA bus routes have limited overnight hours, but about 17 specially-marked 'Owl' routes run 24/7. Additional 'N' routes run only at night.


Notes (CTA-related)

Note 1: The closest CTA train stops to Union Station (downtown map) are:

  • Clinton (Blue line) - two blocks south
  • Quincy (left side of the 'Loop', via the Brown, Purple, Pink, or Orange lines) - three blocks east, across the river


Note 2: The best place to transfer between CTA lines near the loop, in my general order of preference:

  1. Clark/Lake (Blue / Orange / Pink / Green / Purple / Brown)
    • no long walk - elevator or escalators between Blue (subway) and the other lines (elevated)
  2. State/Lake (Blue* / Red** / Orange / Pink / Green / Purple / Brown)
  • * 2 blocks underground walk via 'Washington' station; farecard or app required for free transfer
  • ** 1 block underground walk; farecard or app required for free transfer
  1. Jackson (Blue*** / Red*** / Orange / Pink / Green / Purple / Brown)
    • *** Transferring from Blue <-> Red is underground, but getting to/from the elevated lines here requires a short walk outside, near the main Library; a consideration in poor weather
  2. Roosevelt (Red / Orange / Green)
    • just south of the loop, but less walking needed; (especially useful if you are coming from or going to points south of the Loop and don't want to go all the way to State/Lake)
  3. Belmont or Fullerton (Red / Purple / Brown)
    • Several stops north of the loop, but minimal walking; (especially useful if you are coming from or going to points south of the Loop and don't want to go all the way to State/Lake)




Note 3: All elevated trains run clockwise around the 'Loop', except the Brown Line, which runs counter-clockwise.


Glossary

RTA
Regional Transportation Authority
Coordinates and provides public transit across six counties counties between the CTA, Metra, and PACE.
CTA
Chicago Transit Authority
Rail and buses within Chicago itself (and limited service in adjacent suburbs within Cook County, such as Evanston)
Metra
Commuter rail, across 6+ counties, plus service along the south side of Lake Michigan almost to the state of Michigan (Metra Electric - South Side Line)
PACE
Suburban bus service covering over 270 towns across six counties (Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry)
Includes both scheduled (i.e. 'traditional') and on-demand service (e.g. Round Lake - route 590)

References

Maps (PDF unless otherwise noted)

(Note: free printed copies of most/all of these are available from the agent booths in subway and train stations)

See also

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