• CTA Bus Tracker
• CTA Train Tracker
• Customer Alerts
• Fares
  • Complete Fare Chart
  • Reduced Fare & Free Ride Programs
  • Passes (Unlimited Ride Cards)
  • Where to Buy Fares
  • Map of Where to Buy Fares
  • Vending Machine Locations
  • Chicago Cards & Transit Cards
  • U-Pass
  • Transit Benefit Fare Program (Pre-Tax Fares)
  • Student Riding Permit
  • Military Service Pass
  • Seniors Ride Free (RTA)
• Maps
• Schedules
• Subscribe to CTA Updates
• Trip Planners
• Transit Apps

Information about Chicago Card and Transit Card

This page provides information about explains the various fare payment options with Chicago Cards and Transit Cards.

On this page:

• Chicago Card/Chicago Card Plus
  • Chicago Card
  • Chicago Card Plus
  • Chicago Card Plus / I-Go
• Transit Cards

See also: 

• Passes (unlimited ride cards)
• Reduced Fares
• How to: Buy a Farecard
• How to: Pay a Fare

Chicago Card / Chicago Card Plus

Chicago Card® and Chicago Card Plus® are the fastest way to board and pay on CTA buses and trains. They're accepted for full-fare payment on all CTA rail and bus routes and Pace buses. (Valid only on Pace routes with automated fare collection equipment.) Rather than having to insert the card, you simply touch it to the reader on the front of fare collection equipment.

• Chicago Card uses a stored-value system that allows fare value to be added to the card by inserting cash into any Transit Card Vending Machine, at Touch-n-Go locations, or using an ATM or major credit card at Express Vending Machines at selected locations. 
• Chicago Card Plus uses an account-based system for paying fares, and reloads itself automatically, and offers more fare options.
• Chicago Card Plus/I-GO works both as a Chicago Card Plus and as an I-GO card for access to I-GO vehicles.

Chicago Card gives you the following benefits:

• Quicker Boarding - To board a bus or enter through a rail station turnstile, simply touch your Chicago Card to the touchpad on the front of rail station turnstiles and bus fareboxes on all CTA routes and Pace buses. The appropriate fare (full fare or transfer) is deducted from your card each time it is used.
• Protected Fares - By registering your Chicago Card you can protect its value against theft, loss or damage. Simply go online or call the CTA to report the problem. A replacement card will be issued and the balance on the card at the time the CTA was notified of the theft or loss will be available to the cardholder. Replacement cards cost $5. Registration is free, easy and well worth the few seconds it takes.
   

Get Chicago Card

Chicago Card Plus gives you the following benefits:

• Multiple Fare Choices - Choose between Pay-Per-Use fare payment, where full fares and transfers are deducted from your online account each time you ride, or 30-Day Passes, which provide unlimited rides for 30 consecutive days beginning with the first ride taken using your Chicago Card Plus.
• Online Reloading - Your credit or debit card will be charged each time your account balance reaches its reloading threshold: Pay-Per-Use customers will have their accounts automatically reloaded with their pre-selected reload amount; 30-Day Pass customers will have their accounts reloaded with a new 30-Day Pass on the 27th day of each 30-day cycle (a new pass cycle will not begin until the first ride is taken following completion of a current 30-day cycle).
• Quicker Boarding - To board a bus or enter through a rail station turnstile, simply touch your Chicago Card Plus to the touchpad on the front of rail station turnstiles and bus fareboxes on all CTA and Pace buses.
• Protected Fares - If a Chicago Card Plus is lost, stolen or damaged, simply go online or call the CTA to report the problem. A replacement card will be issued and the balance in the account at the time the CTA was notified of the theft or loss will be available to the cardholder. Replacement cards cost $5.
• Online Account Management - Fare transactions can be viewed for each card in an account, and personal information can be changed by visiting www.chicago-card.com or by calling CTA Customer Service at 1-888-YOUR-CTA (1-888-968-7282), Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
   

Get Chicago Card Plus

Chicago Card Plus/I-GO Card:

CTA and I-GO Car Sharing have collaborated to create the new Chicago Card Plus/I-GO Card, a single card with all the features of a Chicago Card Plus that can be used to access I-GO vehicles and ride CTA.  The Chicago Card Plus/I-GO Card is available to new applicants who do not have an I-GO Car Sharing membership.

Get Chicago Card Plus/I-GO

Transit Card

Transit Cards are stored-value farecards that that allow fare value to be added by inserting cash into any Transit Card Vending Machine or with a major credit card at Express Vending Machines in selected locations.

Buses and turnstiles deduct full fares and transfer charges from Transit Cards.
 

Available online, at retail outlets and at CTA stations

• You can order Transit Cards online at the CTA Store.
• Transit Cards are sold at currency exchanges, Jewel and Dominick's stores, and at many other locations.
• Transit Cards can be purchased and value can be added to Transit Cards at vending machines located at all CTA rail stations (at either Transit Card Vending Machines and Express Vending Machines).
• Transit Card Vending Machines accept one-, two-, five-, 10, and 20-dollar bills, and all coins except pennies and half dollars; they do not provide change. Any value can be added to an existing Transit Card as long as total value does not exceed $100.
• Express Vending Machines accept ATM cards and major credit cards. New Transit Cards can be purchased at a minimum of $5.00.

• Turnstiles do not accept cash. Reduced fare customers should obtain a Reduced Fare Transit Card from the Customer Assistant and add value at a fare vending machine.
• Up to seven full fare individuals can use one Transit Card with transfer eligibility maintained for each individual. Each inserts the card separately into the turnstile or farebox.
• Reduced Fare Transit Cards can also be purchased in packs.