How-To Guide: 
Making regional transit connections

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 trains and subway trains, serving the city and 40 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 System Guides.

Metra

Metra (Metropolitan Rail) runs 12 suburban commuter train lines from several downtown Chicago terminals. Rush hour service is frequent; otherwise every 1 to 2 hours. Most routes run daily. Fares are separate, but a Link-Up Pass is available to Metra monthly ticket holders for use on CTA (weekdays 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.), or on Pace (anytime).

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 http://www.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 CTA Transit Card, Chicago Card, Chicago Card Plus, or many CTA Passes to ride.

Pace connects with CTA and Metra in dozens of locations.

Learn more about Pace at http://www.pacebus.com.

Regional Trip Planning

You can plan your trip on all three of CTA, Metra and Pace using Goroo (powered by RTA) 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 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: CTA 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.