Getting Around Chicago
Even if you are an avid walker, Chicago is a sprawling city and you sometimes may need a little help. Fortunately, it has a huge mass transit system with buses, elevated trains (the “L”) and subways, along with abundant cabs/taxis and limousine services. Use these links and resources to help guide you in getting around Chicago.
Trains to Chicago
Trains to Chicago come from all parts of the country -- Amtrak considers Chicago a main hub, and if you look at a national Amtrak map you'll see the lines all feeding into a central spot, Chicago.
Trains to Chicago come from all parts of the country -- Amtrak considers Chicago a main hub, and if you look at a national Amtrak map you'll see the lines all feeding into a central spot, Chicago.
Driving to Chicago
Driving to Chicago from north, south, east, or west is very easy given that Chicago is a Midwestern hub and several major interstates connect right in Chicago's downtown. Here's how to get to Chicago by car depending on which direction you're coming from.
Driving to Chicago from north, south, east, or west is very easy given that Chicago is a Midwestern hub and several major interstates connect right in Chicago's downtown. Here's how to get to Chicago by car depending on which direction you're coming from.
Chicago Parking Meter Holidays
There are a handful of days that the City of Chicago Department of Revenue "graciously" has put in place called "Chicago Parking Meter Holidays" -- on these days motorists do not have to pay the parking meters throughout the Windy City.
There are a handful of days that the City of Chicago Department of Revenue "graciously" has put in place called "Chicago Parking Meter Holidays" -- on these days motorists do not have to pay the parking meters throughout the Windy City.
Chicago Train, Subway, and Bus Public Transportation Overview
Most of the time traffic in Chicago and trying to find parking can be maddening, especially for the uninitiated visitor. But there is a solution, Chicago's extensive public transportation system.
Most of the time traffic in Chicago and trying to find parking can be maddening, especially for the uninitiated visitor. But there is a solution, Chicago's extensive public transportation system.
Public Transit Trip Planner
This handy trip planner provided by the Chicago Transit Authority allows you to put in addresses for point A and point B, and it will show you the best transit route including transfers and alternative options.
This handy trip planner provided by the Chicago Transit Authority allows you to put in addresses for point A and point B, and it will show you the best transit route including transfers and alternative options.
Chicago Parking Map
Just enter a street address or city site, and up pops a close up map with parking icons showing you various Chicago parking garage/lot locations.
Just enter a street address or city site, and up pops a close up map with parking icons showing you various Chicago parking garage/lot locations.
Chicago Pedway Map (PDF)
When the Chicago weather gets brutally cold (and it does), head down to Chicago's underground pedway system -- it's a neat way to get around to a number of different places downtown.
When the Chicago weather gets brutally cold (and it does), head down to Chicago's underground pedway system -- it's a neat way to get around to a number of different places downtown.
North Side Transit Map
A detailed map of Chicago's North Side transit system, including major train lines Red (Howard/95th), Brown (Ravenswood), and Blue (O'Hare/Douglas).
A detailed map of Chicago's North Side transit system, including major train lines Red (Howard/95th), Brown (Ravenswood), and Blue (O'Hare/Douglas).
Downtown Transit Map
A detailed map of the downtown transit system serving the "Loop", including major train lines Red, Blue, Brown, Green (Lake), Purple (Evanston), and Orange (Midway).
A detailed map of the downtown transit system serving the "Loop", including major train lines Red, Blue, Brown, Green (Lake), Purple (Evanston), and Orange (Midway).