Get to the Loop

Regional

Metra is the commuter rail agency serving the Chicago area with more than 100 communities, 241 stations and 11 lines that all make their final stops in Chicago's Loop. There are five Metra stations located in and near the Loop. A complete list of lines, schedules, fares and more information is available on the Metra website.

Within the Midwest, Amtrak offers convenient, non-stop service from destinations like St. Louis, Milwaukee and Grand Rapids to Chicago's Union Station, which is located just west of the Loop within walking distance of most destinations.

The South Shore Line operates commuter rail service between Northwest Indiana and Chicago. Loop stations include Millennium and Van Buren Street stations, both located in the Loop in Millennium and Grant parks.

City Transit

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the nation's second largest public transportation system and covers the City of Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs with service via buses and "L" trains. For the best value, purchase a 1-Day, 3-Day, 7-Day or 30-Day CTA pass for unlimited rides. Fares and more information can be found online. 

'L' Trains

All eight CTA train lines offer service in the Loop. Whether you're coming or going from the north, south or west sides of the city, you'll find the train you need right here in the heart of it all, and depending on what line you take, you'll experience public transit like never before: above ground, weaving around Chicago's storied skyscrapers. The view definitely beats a subway ride. For "L" train route information and schedules, visit the CTA's website.

Buses

Dozens of CTA bus lines offer direct service into the Loop. Visit the CTA's website for route information and schedules.

Bike

Chicago is considered among the most bicycle-friendly cities in the U.S. thanks to its stunning — yet generously flat — landscape and miles of safe bikeways.

Riding a Bike

Dearborn Avenue offers one of Chicago's first barrier protected bike lanes. The two-way lane extends from Polk Street on the south to Kinzie Street on the north, providing a direct route into the Loop.

And the Lakefront Trail offers a gorgeous backdrop for a ride into the Loop. Located east of Lakeshore Drive, the trail is an 18-mile-long linear route that stretches along scenic Lake Michigan, providing cyclists, runners and pedestrians with a safe way to enjoy one of the country's most stunning waterfront skylines. It can be accessed safely in the Loop at Monroe Street and Jackson Boulevard.

Renting a Bike

Divvy is Chicago's fun, easy and affordable bike sharing system featuring regular bikes and e-bikes. Divvy bikes can be rented from and returned to any station in the city. You can rent a Divvy for a single trip, purchase a day pass, or sign up for an annual membership for the most savings. Learn more on Divvy's website.

Drive

A network of major interstates and highways, and Chicago's grid system, make the Loop easily accessible by car.

Getting to the Loop

A number of major interstates and highways feed directly into downtown. Travelers entering Chicago from each direction will connect to the Dan Ryan, Eisenhower, or Kennedy expressways and should exit at Congress Parkway, which leads into the Loop from the south. 

Parking

A number of parking lots and garages are available once inside the Loop, in addition to on-street metered parking. Travelers staying at hotels downtown should call ahead to see if valet parking is an option.

Finding parking shouldn't be a hassle, and SP Plus makes it easy. Visit parking.com for the best rates and convenient locations in Chicago. 

InterPark is North America's premier owner, operator, and developer of parking facilities. Use the iParkit app to reserve parking in advance online.

Be Driven

Taxis

Taxis offer a reliable and convenient way to get around the city and are easy to hail at most locations in the Loop and at airports. All taxi drivers are obligated to accept major credit and debit cards, and tipping 15-20 percent is considered appropriate, with an additional tip suggested for drivers who help passengers with luggage.

Sample taxi fares to the Loop are $45 from O'Hare International Airport and $35 from Midway International Airport.

Lyft

Lyft is a mobile app that allows you to request transportation at the touch of a button. To sign up, download the app and follow the prompts create an account. Be sure to check your ride's license plate number against the number as it appears in the Lyft app to ensure you get into the correct car. When your ride is complete, pay and tip right in the app.

Walk

The Chicago Loop is one of the city's most walkable neighborhoods, with a Walk Score of 93 out of 100. Be a part of the hustle and bustle of Chicago's central business district, and get your steps in for the day while you're at it. In all, it will take you less than 20 minutes to walk from the north end of the Loop to the south end, or from the east end to the west end. Once you get here, there's no better way to take in all the sights of the Loop than on foot.

Take a Water Taxi

Gliding on the Chicago River as you marvel at some of the most iconic attractions is a fun way to get around the Loop. Shoreline Water Taxi by Shoreline Sightseeing and Chicago Water Taxi by Wendella Boats offer great and affordable means of transportation. Willis Tower, Museum Campus, Navy Pier, Chinatown, and Chicago Riverwalk are some of the popular destinations.

Fly

Chicago has two international airports that serve as the gateway to the world. Located 17 miles (40-minute drive) from O'Hare International Airport and 12 miles (25-minute drive) from Midway International Airport, the Chicago Loop is conveniently accessible to travelers.

Transportation to and from the O'Hare and Midway:

• Train: The CTA Blue Line 'L' Train directly connects the Chicago Loop and O'Hare International Airport 24/7. The CTA Orange Line 'L' Train directly connects Midway International Airport and the Chicago Loop. Learn More
• Taxi and rideshare services such as Lyft are available at both airports.
• Both O'Hare and Midway have car rental companies available on-site.

Additional Resources:

• Find airport amenities and terminal maps at FlyChicago.com.
• Learn more about Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

International Visitors

For information on visa, customs, consulate, currency exchange, translators, and more, please visit Choose Chicago.