CTA’s trains and buses are the best and most affordable ways to get 2026 off on the right foot, whether you’re traveling to New Year’s Eve celebrations or to cheer on the Bears at Soldier Field
A new year, a new opportunity to make CTA your primary ride around Chicagoland. And to get the party started right, remember that CTA will once again offer free rides on New Year’s Eve in partnership with sponsor, Molson Coors.
Free rides will be available on CTA trains and buses from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
If you are traveling outside the window for free rides, there is still an opportunity to save money by purchasing an unlimited rides pass, either the 1-Day ($5) – far more economical and convenient than the price of gas and parking - or the 3-Day ($15) pass – a real budget-saving move.
REMINDER: Check the Latest CTA Service Updates for the Holidays
- Thursday, Jan. 1 (New Year's Day) – Operating on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
- Friday, Jan. 2 – Operating on a regular weekday schedule.
Chicago New Year’s Events
Chicago Riverwalk Fireworks and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
Chicago Riverwalk and Wacker between Lake St. and Wells St. – Wed. 12/31 at 9 p.m.
- Rail: All rail lines downtown will get you access to the event.
- The Purple Line service hours will be extended until 2 a.m.
- The Yellow Line service hours will be extended until 2 a.m.
See online alert for more details.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Navy Pier – Wed. 12/31 at 11:59 p.m.
Service:
- Rail: Take the Red Line and exit at Grand/State.
- The Purple Line service hours will be extended until 2 a.m.
- The Yellow Line service hours will be extended until 2 a.m.
See online alert for more details.
- Bus: The following bus routes that serve the area will be rerouted with extra service:
- #29 State
- #65 Grand
- #66 Chicago
- #124 Navy Pier
For additional route information check our website: https://www.transitchicago.com/schedules/
Service for Upcoming Events
United Center Events
- New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls – Wed. 12/31 at 6 p.m.
- Dallas Stars vs. Chicago Blackhawks – Thu. 1/1 at 7:30 p.m.
- Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls – Fri. 1/2 at 7 p.m.
- Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls – Sat. 1/3 at 7 p.m.
- Vegas Golden Knights vs. Chicago Blackhawks – Sun. 1/4 at 6 p.m.
- St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks – Wed. 1/7 at 8:30 p.m.
Service:
- Rail: Take the Green Line and exit at the new Damen station or exit at the Ashland station from either a Green or Pink line train.
- Bus: Get to and from these events via the #20 Madison and #50 Damen bus routes. Customers can also take the #19 United Center Express route post event.
Soldier Field
- Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears – Sun. 1/4 at 3:25 p.m.
Service:
- Rail: The Red, Orange and Green lines provide the closest access to Soldier Field. Exit at the Roosevelt station.
- Bus: Service on the #128 Soldier Field Express and #146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express routes.
Know before you go!
The CTA strongly recommends customers allow extra travel time and plan ahead by downloading the Ventra app, which allows you to manage your Ventra account, and also features a new trip planning tool powered by Google Maps.
Fare payment options: We offer a variety of convenient payment options—from smart devices to contactless credit cards. Learn more about payment options and ways you can maximize your dollars with our lower-priced unlimited-ride passes by visiting: transitchicago.com/fares/
Service updates: Stay in the loop on CTA service changes and alerts by subscribing to CTA Updates. For details about all CTA service, call 312-836-7000 or visit the CTA website at transitchicago.com.
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