Steve & Evie's Wiki

Downtown Transit Sightseeing Guide
CTA maps . RTA maps

https://www.choosechicago.com/plan-your-trip/transportation/getting-around-chicago/ - info follows:

GETTING AROUND CHICAGO
Find your way around the city once you are here.
Chicago is a walking city with an easy-to-navigate downtown grid. Madison Street divides the city north
and south, while State Street divides it east and west. The State/Madison intersection marks the origin
 of Chicago's address grid system. Addresses are relative to the distance from that mark, with eight
 blocks to every mile. So an address of 3600 North Clark means that it is 36 blocks north of Madison.

CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY 
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the nation's second largest public transportation system – 
serving the City of Chicago and 40 neighboring communities by rail and bus. Pay cash for single trip 
rides or purchase a reloadable Ventra Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass for added savings.
For full fare information, transit card retailers and maps, visit the Chicago Transit Authority website 
at transitchicago.com. Also look to their site for the latest updates to train schedules and routes 
that may affect your travel plans.
‘L' Trains: Not all of Chicago's eight ‘L' lines are "elevated." They do, however, connect the city 
via above-ground, street-level and subway trains and serve 144 rail stations all over town, making 
the ‘L' one of the most efficient and affordable methods of transportation available. Two lines 
operate 24 hours a day: the Blue Line, which connects the airport and downtown, and the Red Line, 
with service between the North and South Sides via downtown.
Buses: More than 100 routes lace the city; buses stop every few blocks. Several lines operate 
24 hours a day. Exact change is required for cash fare.
Full Fare with Cash (bus only)
Acceptable on buses using exact change only in dollar bills or coins; no transfers available.
	• Single ride: $2.25

Single Ride Disposable Ventra Ticket (bus and rail)
Ventra Tickets are good only for a limited time and cannot be loaded again once used up. 
Includes a full fare and two transfers (a $2.50 value), plus a $0.50 limited-use media fee.
	• Single ride: $3.00
1-Day Disposable Ventra Ticket (bus and rail)
Ventra Tickets are good only for a limited time and cannot be loaded again once the value is used up. 
Includes unlimited rides within 24 hours of activation.
	• Unlimited rides for 24 hours: $10.00

Full Fare with Reloadable Ventra Card (bus and rail)
Transfers must occur within two hours of the first ride. Available online and at rail station vending 
machines.
	• First ride: $2.00 (bus)
	• First ride: $2.25 (rail)
	• First transfer: $0.25
	• Second transfer: FREE