Taking Chicago public transportation is a great way to get around town on a budget. Chicago has a huge public transit system, so be sure to take advantage of it! After you read this guide you’ll be able to use Chicago’s public transportation to arrive at the meeting points of our Free Chicago Walking Tours.
‘L’ train (as in elevated)
The ‘L’ or ‘el’ train is one of the most popular methods of Chicago public transportation. The Chicago elevated railway operates 24 hours a day and can pretty much get you anywhere you need to go. You can download the CTA app (CTA = Chicago Transit Authority – the organization that runs Chicago public transportation) to get routes and live schedules! A fare is roughly $2.50 and you have several options to pay. You can also get a Ventra card which allows you to load 30 days of unlimited travel for $100. There are also 3 and 7 day passes available for those who may be visiting Chicago for a little while.
The ‘L’ will be jam-packed during the business rush hour which is weekday mornings until 9am and then again from 4-6pm.
Buses
So maybe you’re not near an L station, that’s OK. The buses are literally everywhere which means there is a good chance you can catch one nearby. They run 24 hours a day, have a fleet of 1,800 buses and run more than 2,400 routes covering over 2,200 miles. Fares are affordable and you can also use your Ventra card or pay as you go.
We recommend an app to help you plan. The Transit App will use your location to show you the nearest buses, where they’re heading and when they’re arriving. This app is a game changer!
MetrA Trains
The Metra is another train system in the Chicago area that unlike the L, the Metra extends all the way to Wisconsin (Illinois’ neighbor state to the north) Aurora and Joliet. (both suburbs of Chicago) This option is great for those who have to take a trip outside of Chicago to one of the major suburbs or for those who commute into the city. Unlike the L, it won’t get you everywhere, but if you have a route near you it is a great option. Fares vary from $4-$12 per single rides, and monthly passes cost anywhere from $120-$260 depending on the route you need.
Other methods of transportation
For those looking for another way to get around the city, Divvy bikes are a great alternative option. Although not entirely considered public transportation, there are hundreds of Divvy stands all over the Chicago area. This system is very cool! Basically, you sign up for Divvy with an app, and you pay a small fee to borrow a bike. You can rent by the hour, day, or even get an unlimited pass. You can pick up the bike at any stand, and return it to any other stand that is near your destination. With hundreds of stands and more being added every month, you will not have trouble locating one!
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the only free zoos in the country. The Lincoln Park Zoo is also one of the oldest zoos in the country! It may not be as large as other zoos, but it has over 230 different species of animals on a 35 acre lot. A great place to spend an hour with your family, or take a walk on your lunch break. This zoo has monkeys, reptiles, polar bears, and even tigers!
Millennium is one of the largest public parks in Chicago. Its original intention was to celebrate the entrance into the third millennium. You can view exhibits, architecture, a beautiful garden, and even go ice skating! This park even offers concession stands. This is among one of the best places to go in Chicago, and admission is always free. Get an unclose and personal experience on our 
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For those who love art, the National Museum of Mexican Art is a completely free attraction open to the public. The museum is divided into separate sections for each era of latin american art and culture! This approach also makes this museum appeal to lovers of history. Exhibits change frequently, so check out what they have before you make an appointment. If you have been before, chances are that you can go again and see some entirely new works of art!
Located on Columbus Drive, Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world! For those who want a fun experience in Chicago should come on by and check this fountain out. This is also a great place to spend your lunch break, or take your family to see the fountain go off! This is one of our favorite places to get a group picture after the 
If you are looking for a good laugh, look no further than the legendary Second City in Chicago. Stars like Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell. Alan Alda, Bill Murray, and John Candy got their starts right here. It’s not an ordinary comedy club. This is where some of the funniest and brightest comedians perform. There is a reason this is one of the most notorious comedy theaters in the United States!
The Cadillac Palace Theatre, part of the Theatre District in Chicago’s Loop, has roughly 2300 seats, the perfect size for Broadway shows! The performances are always changing, and there is always something you must see here. Parking is limited in this part of town, we recommend taking an 
The Broadway Playhouse is also part of Broadway in Chicago. New York is not the only place you can see Broadway shows! Chicago has some of the best shows available right here in the Windy City. This theater was originally closed and converted into a movie theater, but in 2004 it was restored to its original glory as a place to see some amazing live shows in Chicago. Events change frequently, so be sure to look at their calendar to find a show you might want to attend!
This legendary theater has everything from music to dance. You may come for the performance, but the architecture is like a show itself! This theater values culture and frequently runs donations to help folks who might not be able to afford to come and experience live shows in Chicago. How cool is that!? If you want to see a wonderful performance in Chicago, check the 
What makes this place so special is how 100% authentic and unique their productions are. There is a beauty of an intimate theatre that doesn’t have the production budget of the shows you will see in Chicago’s Theatre District. The performers have so much passion, the stories are fascinating to follow, the prices are reasonable and the variety can’t be matched anywhere. Tucked right inside the beautiful Lincoln Park neighborhood, this is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in getting a feel for what “real” Chicago theatre looks like.
The Chicago Symphony Center has some of the most beautiful musical performances in the world. All lovers of classical music must attend a show here if they get the chance, as it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their in house orchestra is world class, and they also bring in other guest performers and some of the most talented conductors in the world. The building is also known for its great acoustics, making it an even more memorable experience.
Quite possibly our favorite tour to take in Chicago when we aren’t taking one of our tours. How can you possibly beat being on a boat, in the sun, downtown Chicago, looking at all these beautiful buildings while drinking an ice-cold beer? The guides do an absolutely incredible job. The material comes at you really fast, so listen carefully. And if you like what you saw and what a slightly more intimate experience take a 
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The Shedd Aquarium is an indoor aquarium located on Lake Shore Drive. To date, it contains over 30,000 different animals! There is a reason that this aquarium was the most visited aquarium in the United States for several years. There will not be many chances to see wildlife from all over the world, so take advantage of this while you are here. The Shedd Aquarium is also involved in conservation and the fair treatment of animals!
The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) is one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago due to its spectacular views of the city. There is no better way to see the city than from the Willis Tower Skydeck! It’s also a great spot to get some pictures of the Chicago skyline. If you have your family with you, there are discounts available, as well as cheap or free admission for children.
