Getting around Chicago—on public transportation, on foot or by bike—is easy, budget-friendly and lets you take your mind off the road and truly enjoy the city's many sights.

Straight to the Heart of the City

There’s no faster way to get from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to downtown than by rail. Midwest High Speed Rail Association's O'Hare Express to Downtown gets you there in 20 minutes. Or take a more leisurely ride on the Chicago Transit Authority's Blue Line, which gets you there in 45 minutes. Hop aboard the Orange Line running from Midway Airport to downtown, to travel the 11 miles in under 30 minutes. Link into a half-dozen other lines in the city’s core to connect with city suburbs.

Riding on the Metra

Take a day trip on Metra’s high-speed commuter trains. Zip up the Union Pacific North Line to get your adrenaline pumping at Six Flags Great America or meander the peaceful grounds at Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. You can also start your day at the historic Union Station and ride the BNSF line to the DuPage Children’s Museum in nearby Naperville or the SciTech Hands on Museum in Aurora. Go during weekends, when you get unlimited rides for one low price, and there are no commuter crowds.

Chicago by Pedal Power

When weather is pleasant, enjoy the city sights by bicycle. With 645 miles of bike lanes, 13,000 bike racks and bike-compatible buses and trains, two wheels can get you almost anywhere you want to go in Chicago. The city’s Divvy bike share program is ideal for short rides like pedaling between museums and parks in The Loop. Divvy’s Transit app lets you easily see where bikes are located and where to return them.

Sightseeing by Water

Escape Chicago’s busy streets by getting around on a water taxi. Enjoy a sweeping view of the city from the Willis Tower Skydeck and catch a Shoreline Water Taxi to Navy Pier. From there, journey along Lake Michigan to see the Adler Planetarium and other museums. The bright yellow Chicago Water Taxi takes you to Chicago River destinations like the Riverwalk, Chinatown and the Financial District.

Walk the Walks

Chicago takes going for a walk to a whole new level. The Chicago Pedway’s underground tunnel system and overhead bridges make it easy, quick and safe to get around downtown. Above ground, saunter along the BP Bridge, a stainless steel serpentine work of art leading from The Bean at Millennium Park to the climbing wall and skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.

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