Chicago, United States

Getting around Chicago

How to travel around Chicago — 5 options, what they cost, and which booking apps fix the fare before you go.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. 'L' train

The elevated rapid transit, running 24 hours on two lines, with a loop around downtown.

Cost: USD 2.50

2. Blue Line from O'Hare

Direct to downtown for a fraction of a taxi, in about 45 minutes.

Cost: USD 5

3. Divvy bike share

Docked bikes with the lakefront trail as the main draw.

4. Buses

A dense grid network, useful where the L does not go.

5. Walking the Loop

Compact, gridded and architecturally the point of the city.

Booking apps in United States

Agreeing the fare in an app before you travel removes the argument at the end of the journey, which is where most transport scams happen. Links go to each app's official page — lookalike apps are themselves a scam.

Uber

Nationwide ride-hailing with the fare shown before booking.

Coverage: Nationwide, including airport pickup zones.
Why it helps: Avoids the unofficial drivers who tout inside airport terminals at several times the licensed rate.

Lyft

The main US alternative to Uber, often cheaper on the same route.

Coverage: Nationwide.
Why it helps: Fare is agreed in the app before the trip, and the route is recorded — which removes the refused meter, the tampered meter and the fixed 'foreigner price' in one move.

Transit

Real-time transit planning across most US city networks.

Coverage: Most metropolitan areas.

Amtrak

Official booking for the national intercity rail network.

Coverage: Nationwide corridors.