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If your next destination is Chicago, familiarizing yourself with its public transportation system is key, That's why I share this guide on how to use your meter..
Today we will focus on the famous "L", Chicago's elevated and subway subway system, and how you can use it to move around the city and its airports, which is worth mentioning is my favorite of the "big ones" in the USA.
Using the Chicago Metro
The Metro system Chicago, affectionately known as the "L" (abbreviation of "elevated", although it also has underground sections), is operated by the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority). It is an extensive network that connects neighborhoods, Attractions and points of interest throughout the city and some nearby suburbs. You can transfer between different lines and CTA buses with a single payment within a certain time period of 2 hours.
I share this video of the experience:
It is important to note that the "L" of Chicago It is one of the oldest rapid transit systems in the United States. USA. Your first line, the Chicago and South Side Rapid Transit Railroad, began operating 6 June 1892, making it a historical icon of engineering and urban transportation.
How to pay and how much does it cost??
The most recommended way to pay for your subway trip is with a Ventra card. You can buy a ventra card at the Metro stations, in some stores and online. This card can be recharged with cash value or with travel passes (from 1 day, 3 days, 7 unlimited days or monthly that I recommend). Simply touch your Ventra card to the card reader when entering the station.
You can also pay with contactless credit or debit cards directly at the station readers, although in my case it didn't work, But I could do it with Google Wallet.
The standard fare for a one-way trip is $2.50 USD. There are reduced rates for students and elderly.
Chicago Subway “L” Lines
The “L” is iconic not only for its functionality but also for its presence in Chicago architecture and culture.. Its elevated tracks offer unique views of the city and there are stations that feel like a trip back in time., It seems that at any moment a steam train will pass through there..
Lines: The "L" system has eight main lines, each identified by a color:
- Red Line: One of the busiest lines, running from north to south through the city center.
- Blue Line: Connect the center with O’Hare airport to the northwest and Forest Park to the west.
- Brown Line: A primarily elevated route that runs along the "North Side" through historic neighborhoods.
- Green Line: Operates both high and surface sections, running from north to south through the "West Side" and the "South Side".
- Orange Line: Connect the center with Midway Airport to the Southwest.
- Purple Line: A line that operates primarily on the North Shore and offers express service to downtown during peak hours.
- Pink Line: Connects the Lower West Side and Lawndale with the Loop.
- Yellow Line (Skokie Swift): A short line connecting Skokie to the Purple Line at Howard Street.
Stations: The "L" has 146 stations distributed throughout the city and some suburbs. Many stations have direct transfers between different lines, facilitating trips. I recommend you check with the CTA which ones are accessible and have an elevator or escalators., since otherwise and if you are with luggage, you will have to go up or down quite a few steps.
System extension: La red del «L» se extiende por aproximadamente 165.4 kilometres (102.8 miles), lo que te permite acceder a una gran parte del área metropolitana de Chicago de manera rápida y eficiente.
¿Cómo llegar a los aeropuertos en el metro de Chicago?
Una de las grandes ventajas del sistema es su conexión directa con los dos principales aeropuertos de Chicago, which allows you to save time and money on taxis or transport services:
- O'Hare International Airport (WORDS): The Blue Line offers direct service the 24 hours of the day, the 7 weekdays, to and from O’Hare airport. La estación se encuentra dentro del aeropuerto, y puedes seguir las señales de «CTA Trains» o «Trains to City» desde las terminales. The estimated travel time to the center of Chicago is 40-45 minutes and costs $5 leaving from the airport.
- Midway International Airport (MDW): Orange Line connects directly to Midway airport. La estación de Midway es accesible y está conectada a la terminal del aeropuerto por un pasillo cubierto. The estimated travel time to the center of Chicago is 20-25 minutes. Keep in mind that Orange Line does not operate throughout the night like the Blue Line, So it is important to check the schedules if you have flights very early or too late.
Autobuses
La CTA también opera una extensa red de autobuses que complementa el sistema «L», llegando a áreas no cubiertas por las líneas de metro. Puedes hacer transbordos fácilmente entre el metro y los autobuses utilizando tu tarjeta Ventra sin costo adicional, eso sí verifica los horarios de funcionamiento ya que cambian de día a día o su frecuencia también.
Espero que esta guía te ayude a moverte con confianza por Chicago utilizando su emblemático sistema de metro. It is a way that I always prefer to experience a city and reach all your destinations, including its airports, efficiently.
¿Tienes alguna pregunta sobre el «L» de Chicago o algún consejo para otros viajeros? ¡Compártelo en los comentarios!
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