Getting Around

Public Transit

Chicago has an extensive public transportation system called the RTA. You can download a comprehensive map that shows the complete multi-county system. The RTA web site includes a trip finder that provides time and cost estimates.

Because the several transportation companies operate independently, transfers between systems are not automatic. If you go from one system to another, you might have to pay each separately. Each organization within the RTA has more detailed information on its own web site.

CTA

The Chicago Transit Authority will take you around the city by bus and train (light rail above, below, and at street grade).

Fares are best paid with transit cards, which come in various plans, from all-you-can-use, multi-day cards to cards where you may add money as needed.

Cards may be purchased in advance. In the city, cards can be purchased from machines located at all train stops. Note that you can use cash at train stops when buying tickets from agents, but on buses you must have the exact fare. The base CTA bus fare is $2.25.

Metra

This light rail system will take you from downtown Chicago to suburbs south, west, and north of the City. The trains leave from multiple downtown stations.

• Millennium Station at Randolph and Michigan is accessible from the hotel pedway.
• Ogilvie Transportation Center at Madison and Canal is about 2 miles from the hotel.
• Chicago Union Station on Canal between Adams and Jackson is about 2 miles from the hotel.
• LaSalle Street Station, 414 S. LaSalle is about 1½ mile away.

Tickets are sold in a variety of forms and prices, depending on distance traveled.

Pace

These buses travel primarily through the suburbs, but also take people between various suburbs and the city. Fare information is available online. Transit cards are also available and may be purchased in advance.

Taxi cabs

Cabs are widely available downtown, and you can also call for one. This taxi fare finder will give you routes, estimated fares, and telephone numbers of the taxi companies.

Bike rental is another option.

Bike Chicago has several rental spots close to the hotel.