The Chicagoarea has several different publictransportation providers, all of which connect conveniently with CTAservices. The primary local and regional transit providers are CTA, Metra, and Pace.
CTA
CTA (that's us)runs buses (routes 1-206), and elevated and subway trains, serving the city anddozens ofnearby suburbs. Most routes run daily through late evening, every10 to20 minutes. Sunday schedules apply on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Learn more about our services at our Service Overview or Route Guides/Schedules.
Metra
Metra (Metropolitan Rail)runs 12 commuter/suburban train lines from several downtown Chicago terminals. Rush hour service is frequent; otherwise trains generally operate every 1 to 2 hours and most routes run daily. Fares are separate, but a Link-Up Pass is available to Metra monthly ticket holders for use onCTA and you can buy Metra tickets (via credit, debit or transit value in your registered Ventra transit account)in the Ventra app.
Downtown Metra terminals include Chicago-Union Station (near Jackson/Canal), Chicago-Ogilvie Transportation Center (near Madison/Canal), Chicago-LaSalle Street Station (near LaSalle/Van Buren), and Chicago-Millennium Station (near Randolph/Michigan).
Learn more about Metra and get Metra schedules,maps, and moreat metrarail.com.
Pace
Pace (suburban bus)runs buses throughout the suburbs (routes 208 and above) and many routes connect with CTA. Major routes run daily through mid-evening, every 30 to 60 minutes. You can use yourVentra Card to ride.
Pace connects with CTAand Metra in dozens of locations.
Learn more about Pace at pacebus.com.
Regional Trip Planning
You can plan your trip onall three of CTA, Metra and Pace using theRTATrip Planneron the Web or by calling (312)836-7000.
For full details, including TTYinformation and info about using Google Maps with transit, seeour guide to Finding your way.
Regional System Map
The Regional Transportation Authority map shows city and suburban transit provided by CTA, Metra, and Pace.
RTA System Map Brochure (PDF)
See also:Maps
RTATrain Connections Map
This Regional Transportation Authority map shows a diagram (not to geographical scale)map of all CTAand Metra rail lines and indicates opportunities for connections between them.
Othertransportation providerlinks:
Other public transportation providers that provide service to Chicago include Amtrak and the South Shore Line.
- NICTD/South ShoreLine (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District)
Operates service from downtown Chicago to South Bend, IN. - Amtrak
Operates cross-country service to/from Chicago-Union Station.