World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
The Chicago Transit Authority – CTA (tel: (888) 968 7282; website: www.transitchicago.com ) operates trains and buses within the city. The trains are referred to as the ‘El’ or ‘L’ – the name is derived from the elevated rail that circles around the main Downtown business and shopping district. The seven train lines are identified and named by a different colour. CTA services run 24 hours –Overnight or Night Owl services operate between approximately 0000 and 0500.

The standard fare on the bus or train is US$1.75 (exact fare only), with a day pass costing only US$5 and offering 24-hour unlimited access. There are also passes for two days (US$9), three days (US$12) and five days (US$18). There is a transfer charge of 25 cents between routes, whether train or bus. Tickets and passes are available for purchase from machines and ticket offices at the stations, as well as from visitor information centres and directly from the CTA.

Metra (tel: (312) 322 6777, weekdays, or 836 7000, evenings and weekends; website: www.metrarail.com ) is a commuter rail system serving the suburbs and surrounding cities with 12 lines. Individual fares start at US$1.75 and a weekend pass costs US$5.

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA), (312) 836 7000 or (312) 913 3110, www.rta.com ) oversees Northern Illinois public transportation and includes, the CTA, the suburban bus line, PACE, (847) 364 7223, and Metra.

Free trolley buses (tel: (877) CHICAGO/244 2246; website: www.choosechicago.com/getaround.htm ) travel between the city’s most popular attractions.

Pedways
There is an underground system of ‘pedways’ (pedestrian walkways or ‘subways’ to the British), which are especially useful for escaping the weather and crowded Downtown streets. From this network, which links over 40 blocks of streets, there is access to many buildings, stations and shops in the Loop. Maps are available, free of charge, from hotels and around the various points of the system, including the Illinois Center.

Taxis
These are easy to hail on the streets, especially in the Loop and Wrigleyville. Pick up charge is US$1.90, it costs US$1.60 per mile thereafter, with an extra charge of US$0.50 per additional passenger. A tip of 10-15% is usually expected. The main companies are American United Cab Co (tel: (773) 248 7600), Checker Taxi Assoc. Inc. (tel: (312) 243 2537), Flash Cab Co (tel: (773) 561 1444), Jiffy Cab Co (tel: (773) 487 9000), Wolley Cab (tel: (312) 225 5411) and Yellow Cabs (tel: (312) TAXI CAB/829 4222).

Limousines
Luxury services are available from 25 companies, including American Limousine (tel: (630) 920 8888; website: www.americanlimousine.com ), Amm’s Limo (tel: (773) 792 1156), The Limo Centre (tel: (312) 829 1000), O’Hare-Midway Limousine Service (tel: (773) 693 8800 ) and Smart Cars (tel: ((312) 433 7627). Stretch limousines are always best booked in advance. Prices vary according to the size of the limousine but start from US$60 per hour.

Driving in the City
For those who are new to the city, driving is not recommended. The traffic is hectic during rush hours (0700-0930 and 1600-1900) and confusing because of the one-way street systems in Downtown areas. Local drivers are sometimes impatient with those who do not know where they are going, so it is best for visitors to get into the main areas by train, bus or taxi and continue on foot.

If driving is the only option, be aware that the city streets are largely based on a grid pattern, the central point of which is the crossroads at Madison Avenue and State Street, in the Loop district. From here, the naming of a street as ‘north’ or ‘south’ or as ‘west’ or ‘east’ is taken.

Street parking meters take coins above US$0.10 (a dime), with US$0.25 (a quarter) being the most useful coin. Major attractions may have limited parking but, in general, Downtown parking is difficult and expensive. From 1 December to 1 April, ‘Snow Parking’ regulations apply on many streets, making less spaces available, and cars parked on snow routes are likely to be towed.

Car Hire
The minimum age for hiring a car varies from 21 to 25 years. Car rental agencies charge an extra premium to drivers under 25. A valid drivers licence or an International Driving Permit is required. Costly insurance can be part of the hire arrangement, but renters should check their auto insurance to see if their policies cover rental cars.

The major US car hire companies are all available. These include Alamo (tel: (800) 327 9633; website: www.alamo.com ), Avis (tel: (800) 331 1212; website: www.avis.com ), Budget (tel: (800) 527 0700; website: www.budget.com ), Dollar (tel: (800) 800 4000; website: www.dollar.com ), Hertz (tel: (800) 654 3131; website: www.hertz.com ) and National (tel: (800) 227 7368; website: www.nationalcar.com ). Rates start at about $40 per day or US$165 per week.

Bicycle Hire
For visitors, cycling on the streets is discouraged, however, biking the lakefront cycling paths is quite pleasant (see Sport). Bike Chicago, at the Navy Pier (tel: (800) 915 BIKE or 2453; website: www.navypier@bikerental.com ), or at North Avenue Beach (tel: (773) 327 270; website: northbeach@bikerental.com ) has a good range of bicycles for hire. Rates vary between US$9.99 (minimum four days) to US$35 per day, including helmet, lock and map. Cycling tours are also available at Bike Chicago.