City in Illinois, United States
Getting around Chicago
How to get around Chicago
The L trains and buses reach most of the city; the downtown core is very walkable. Divvy bikes and the lakefront path are great in summer.
Ways to get around Chicago
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| CTA 'L' trains | $2.50 per ride; $5 from O'Hare | Eight color-coded lines; tap a Ventra card or contactless |
| CTA buses | $2.25 per ride | Dense network; 2-hour transfers with Ventra |
| Divvy bikes | About $1 unlock plus per minute | Docked bikes and e-bikes across the city |
| Uber / Lyft | About $12–22 for short trips | Reliable; prices spike at events |
Ride-hailing apps in Chicago
A 5 km ride costs about $12–22 ($12–22).
- Yellow cabs exist and use meters; rideshare is generally cheaper. Waymo is not yet available in Chicago.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International (ORD)
CTA Blue Line to the Loop $5, 40–50 min, 24 hours; Uber/Lyft $35–60, 30–60 min.
Midway International (MDW)
CTA Orange Line to the Loop $2.50, 25–30 min; Uber/Lyft $25–40.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences work for visitors in most states; carry an IDP if yours isn't in English. Under-25s pay rental surcharges.
- Onward travel in United States: Distances are long, so domestic flights are usually fastest. Amtrak works well in the Northeast Corridor; buses are cheapest. Outside big cities you often need a car.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Chicago?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Lyft.
What's the best way to get around Chicago?
The L trains and buses reach most of the city; the downtown core is very walkable. Divvy bikes and the lakefront path are great in summer.
How do I get from the airport to Chicago?
CTA Blue Line to the Loop $5, 40–50 min, 24 hours; Uber/Lyft $35–60, 30–60 min.
Is Chicago walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Chicago
Going to Chicago solo?
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Sources
- Amtrak
- Greyhound
- FlixBus
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
- Chicago Department of Aviation (O'Hare and Midway)
- Choose Chicago (tourism)
- Chicago Department of Water Management
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.