Getting around Chicago and learning the lay of the land from your new apartment to points of interest can be a tricky proposition. This metro area is big and it can be confusing to navigate for newcomers. This is especially so in the middle of rush hour on a snowy day when there’s no time to waste. To avoid the chaos and really take in the sights, using Chicago public transportation can come in handy. Even if you don’t intend to rely on public transport forever, it’s a good way to learn the roads without having to drive them!
Fortunately, if you do want to rely on Chicago regional public transport to get around, you will find there are plenty of options at your fingertips. You will even find there are many online resources to public transport that can help you map out trips, find out costs and even figure out where to catch rides. TransitChicago.com is the best place to go to find out about trains and buses.
Three options for public transport in Chicago:
1. Subway and Train System
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Chicago has been well designed to get residents from Point A to Point B with relative ease. The city has a mass transit system that operates on a regular basis taking residents from their neighborhoods to major destinations including the businesses found in The Loop. This is a cost-effective and fast way to get around the city.
2. Buses
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In addition to trains and subways, Chicago also has an excellent bus system that provides transportation to more specific points of interest. The bus system is excellent for getting from your Chicago apartment to destinations in The Loop, educational institutes, shopping districts and more.
3. Cabs
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Just like New York City, Chicago is noted for its many cab stands. This is a wonderful way to get around when you’re in a hurry or want a good tour of how to get from one place to another with ease. It can prove costly if you rely on it too much though. Many newcomers choose to use cabs to get tours and tips and then pull out their own vehicles or opt for other Chicago public transportation options once they know their way around.
Great Online Resources for getting around Chicago
- Virtual Tourist has a Chicago City Trains and Buses section with great tips from real people for navigating the roadways.
- Chicago Travel Guide also has great information for Driving and Parking downtown, in Chicagoland, and the Chicago Skyway among other places.
- Tips for traveling on Chicago’s “El train” specifically
- Real time Chicago traffic reports
Learning to navigate Chicago can take a little time and effort. One of the best ways to get around quickly and efficiently involves relying on public transportation. Fortunately, you’ll find Chicago does have a well-developed system that can get people where they’re going on time without the hassles of driving.
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I am student who cannot get a driver’s license, can i survive in Chicago?????