Most of Chicago is reachable without a car. Three public systems and one bike share cover the city and suburbs.
CTA trains and buses
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs the 'L' trains and city buses. You can pay with:
- a Ventra card, loaded with money or a pass (a new card has a fee, which comes back as ride value if you register the card within 90 days);
- the Ventra app, to check your balance and buy value or passes;
- a contactless bank card or phone wallet, tapped at the reader, for full and reduced fares.
CTA passes also work on Pace buses. Fares and pass prices change; see the CTA's fares page for today's prices before you buy.
Metra commuter trains
Metra runs commuter trains between downtown Chicago and the suburbs. Fares depend on how many fare zones you travel through, with downtown Chicago in Zone 1. Metra sells one-way tickets, day passes and monthly passes. Monthly pass holders can add a Regional Connect Pass for unlimited CTA and Pace rides; it is sold only in the Ventra app.
Pace buses
Pace runs bus service in the suburbs. Check the Regional Transportation Authority's fare page for how Pace, CTA and Metra passes combine.
Divvy bikes and scooters
Divvy is Chicago's bike share, with classic bikes, e-bikes and scooters across Chicago and Evanston. Unlock one by scanning its QR code in the Divvy or Lyft app, and return it to an open dock at any station (e-bikes and scooters can also be locked at public racks). Divvy sells single rides, day passes and memberships, and its site links to a program called Divvy for Everyone.
Questions about a route or a problem on the street?
For city problems like a broken street light or a missing bus shelter sign, see our guide to Chicago 311.