Getting Around Chicago: Transport Tips and Advice
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Chicago is, in many ways, a good city for pedestrians. But it‘s also quite large and travelers generally find themselves taking advantage of the public transport system at some stage. Visitors can use the elevated train – nicknamed the ‘El’ – or the excellent bus network, which provides access to all parts of Chicago.
The El, which runs 24 hours, is the quickest way to get from O’Hare and Midway airports to Downtown, from where you can access the Loop. Alternatively, shuttle buses run from both airports to major downtown hotels. Taxis are also available but they run on meters and tend to be too pricey for the budget traveler. They are, however, quite reasonable for a quick central journey.
Aside from the El, Chicago has an extensive web of buses and commuter trains that serve the areas outside the immediate city center. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers a variety of cheap consecutive-day passes for tourists that are available from airports and Amtrak stations.