A Guide to Getting Around Chicago
Most of the windy city is very pedestrian friendly with wide sidewalks and tree-lined streets around every corner. However, when you need to traverse a longer distance than your legs can suffice here are some tips on public and private options to get you around the city on a budget and/or in style.
1. Book a private chauffeured sedan car ride with SMART Cars – of course! Available for booking 24/7/365 we are a reliable resource for all your Chicago ground transportation needs. Whether you’re just in town for a weekend or are a Chicago native and need regular transportation our smartly dressed chauffeurs can accommodate your schedule. Simply call 800-871-7627 to book your ride immediately or in the future at a scheduled time/place.
2. The Chicago Transit Authority or CTA for short operates the nation’s 2nd largest public transportation system that services the city of Chicago as well as 40 neighboring communities by rail and bus. You can pay cash for single trip rides or purchase a reloadable Ventra Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass for additional savings. This is probably the cheapest, albeit sometimes less convenient depending on your route, option on the list.
3. Metra Commuter Rail is a high-speed train that connects the outlying suburbs to downtown and is an easy way to get into the bustling downtown of the city fast. Visit metrarail.com for schedules.
4. Taxis downtown are plentiful and easy to snag at hotels, popular restaurants, shopping areas and the major tourist destinations throughout town. Credit cards are accepted by city mandate and the base rate is $2.25 for the first 1/9 mile plus $.20 for each additional 1/9 mile. Sometimes a gas surcharge may also apply.
5. Water taxis are a fun way to get around and there are two major providers to choose from, Chicago Water Taxi and Shoreline Water Taxi. Both are great for sightseeing and convenient transportation.
However you decide to get through and around Chicago you’ll find a variety of convenient and cost-effective ways to do it. If you’re driving in Chicago you’ll need access to parking options as well, click-here for an interactive parking map of downtown to search for public parking lots and garages near your points of interest. You can also reserve parking in advance at Parking Panda and ParkWhiz.
Now get out there and enjoy our great city; getting around is a breeze in the windy city!
