Chicago Transport

Chicago is best enjoyed by walking its streets. However, when walking isnt practical, such as when moving between distant neighbourhoods and on harsh winter days, Chicagos public train and bus systems provide efficient modes of transportation.

By Metro

The The El (elevated train) operates on five major lines, which the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) identifies by colour. Depending on the time of day all stops are serviced every 5 to 20 minutes. There is also a network of commuter trains, known as the Metra, and these trains travel to Chicagos suburbs and nearby areas. A Visitor Pass is available, which works like a fare card and allows unlimited rides on the El and CTA buses over a 24-hour period. The card is sold at airports, hotels, museums, Hot Tix outlets, transportation hubs and Chicago Office of Tourism visitor information centres. Two-, three-, and five-day passes are also available. Phone: 836 7000; website: www.transitchicago.com

By bus

Apart from walking, youll see the most of the city by taking a bus. Bus stops can be located by their blue-and-white signs, which are spaced about two blocks apart. Each bus route is named by a number and the name of the main street it runs along; for example, the bus that follows Grand Avenue is the no. 65 Grand. PACE buses cover the suburbs that surround Chicago. Suburban bus routes bear numbers 208 and above, and buses can be hailed down at intersections where stops arent marked. Phone: +1 847 364 7223 (PACE); website: www.pacebus.com

By ferry

During the summer, boat traffic along the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Chicago River is a great transportation option. Shoreline Sightseeing runs water taxis, which ferry passengers on the lake between Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium and on the Chicago River between Navy Pier and the Sears Tower.Phone: +1 312 222 9328; website: www.shorelinesightseeing.com

Taxis

Taxis can easily be hailed in the Loop, on the Magnificent Mile and the Gold Coast, in River North and in Lincoln Park, but beyond these areas you might need to call. Some local firms in Chicago include: Flash Cab (tel: +1 773 561 4444), Yellow Cab (tel: +1 312 829 4222) and Checker Cab (tel:+1 312 243 2537).

Tourist services

The city of Chicago operates free trolleys during the summer. These run daily between Michigan Avenue and the Museum Campus (home to the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium); the trolleys only operate on weekends in the autumn and spring. Free trolleys also run all year between Navy Pier and the Grand/State El station on the Red Line. While the trolleys are scheduled to run every 30 minutes, you may have to wait much longer during the peak tourist season and they arent air-conditioned.

From the airport

O'Hare International Airport is served by local mass transit lines, regional trains and buses, downtown and suburban shuttles and interstate highways. Most ground transportation access areas are located at the main entrance for each terminal.

The elevated train Blue Line is the most convenient option for transport to downtown Chicago. Rides last 45 minutes and the station can be reached by pedestrian tunnels from Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The Bus/Shuttle Center is located on the ground level (Level 1 near elevator centre 3) of the elevated parking garage. Regional buses can also be caught at Terminal 5. Continental Airport Express offers services from the airport every 5 to 10 minutes, with tickets available at the kiosk outside the International Terminal and at counters across from baggage claim on the lower levels of Terminals 1, 2 and 3.