The Chicago area has several different public transportation providers, all of which connect conveniently with CTA services. 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 and dozens of nearby suburbs. Most routes run daily through late evening, every 10 to 20 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 on CTA 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 more at 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 your Ventra Card to ride.
Pace connects with CTA and Metra in dozens of locations.
Learn more about Pace at pacebus.com.
Regional Trip Planning
You can plan your trip on all three of CTA, Metra and Pace using the RTA Trip Planner on the Web or by calling (312) 836-7000.
For full details, including TTY information and info about using Google Maps with transit, see our guide to Finding your way.
Regional maps
The Regional Transportation Authority publishes maps of city and suburban transit provided by CTA, Metra and Pace. Their offerings include:
- a regional map available in English and Spanish
- a map of all CTA and Metra rail lines and connections between them
- maps of downtown and specific suburban areas
RTA maps
See also: Maps
Other transportation provider links:
Other public transportation providers that provide service to Chicago include Amtrak and the South Shore Line.
- NICTD/South Shore Line (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District)
Operates service from downtown Chicago to South Bend, IN.
- Amtrak
Operates cross-country service to/from Chicago-Union Station.