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Traffic in the Loop tends to be heavy and congested and many streets are one-way. Street parking is difficult to find and parking lots are expensive. Unless your destination is in the suburbs, going by taxicab, public transportation, or foot is probably a better option. The street numbering system begins at State and Madison Streets in "the Loop," so named for the elevated (or "el") train which loops through the downtown area. Madison is the east-west axis dividing streets designated north or south, while State divides the streets designated east or west. The signs at major intersections will tell you where you are in relationship to the intersection of State and Madison. For instance, at Wrigley Field, the sign on North Clark Street says "1100 W" (or eleven blocks west) and the sign on West Addison Street says "3600 N" (or 36 blocks north). At eight blocks per mile, you know you're four and a half miles north and almost one and a half miles west of the heart of downtown. If traveling around the city by car, you'll find the street layout remarkably easy to figure out. But be aware that parking is highly restricted in many places and off-street parking can be expensive. Be sure to examine street signs closely for details such as restricted hours and residential permit parking, or you may well return to your parking spot only to find that your car has been towed by the city's rather aggressive parking enforcement bureau.
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 Chicago Rapid Transit Map
Subway/Bus:The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides an extensive network of buses and trains throughout the city and some nearby suburbs. Trains run both underground and on elevated tracks (known as the "El"). During the day, trains depart every 5 to 15 minutes; 15 to 60 minutes at night. The seven train lines are known by their color code, as well as their route name: O'Hare-Congress-Douglas (Blue), Ravenswood (Brown), Lake-Englewood-Jackson (Green), Midway (Orange), Howard-Dan Ryan (Red), Evanston Express (Purple) and Skokie Swift (Yellow). Most lines run 24 hours. Buses usually operate every 8 to 20 minutes (5 to 15 minutes during rush hour). The basic fare is $1.75. Buying a transfer ($0.25) when you first board will give you two additional rides from two hours of issue. Certain stops on the El provide free connections to other lines. Prepaid fare cards, which deduct the cost of your fare each time you ride and are renewable, are also available in "El" stations throughout the city. The CTA also offers a 1-day Visitors Pass for $5.00, which allows you 24 hours of unlimited travel. The Visitors Pass can be purchased at some attractions and stores. For route information or a CTA map, call 888-YOUR-CTA. As in any large city, public transit ventures into areas that can be dangerous for those unfamiliar with the city. As a general rule, it's probably best to avoid public transit at night, and to use it only for short trips between downtown and areas immediately to the north of downtown. Taxis:Taxis are readily available in the Loop and most other central locations. Charges are $2.25 upon entering the cab, $1.80 for each additional mile, $1 for first additional passenger, and $0.50 each additional passenger. Cabs run 24 hours. The major companies are American United Cab (773-248-7600), Checker Taxi (312-243-2537), Flash Cab (773-561-1444) and Yellow Cab (312-829-4222 or TAXI-CAB). Trolley:Get a $25 day pass from Chicago Trolley Company (773-648-5000) for unlimited rides between major attractions downtown. It offers a dozen stops with waits as short as ten minutes between stops on the weekends. In summer, your Chicago Trolley ticket is also good for trips to the Museum of Science and Industry, departing from the museum campus around the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium.
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 Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD), the major airport serving Chicago, is located about 20 miles northwest of downtown. Midway Airport (MDW), smaller and less congested, is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown. Transportation from airports to Chicago destinations: From O'Hare International Airport (773-686-2200) Subway: The CTA's O'Hare-Congress-Douglas line (the Blue Line) to downtown Chicago operates 24 hours. The station is located under Terminal 4. Follow the signs in the lower level pedestrian passageways of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. They will guide you directly to the station. From Terminal 5, you need to take the Airport Transit System to Terminal 3. Trains leave every 5 to 10 minutes (every 30 minutes from 1 am to 5 am) and take 40 to 60 minutes to arrive in the Loop. The first stop in the Loop is Washington and Dearborn. (888-YOUR-CTA) Shuttle: The Bus/Shuttle Center is located between Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Follow the signs in the lower level baggage claim areas to the underground pedestrian passageway. Continue on to Elevator Centers 3 or 4 and push the Bus/Shuttle Center button. Try Continental Airport Express (312-454-7799 or 800-654-7871). Reservations are required for trips from hotel to airport. Taxi: Cabs are available on the lower level curb outside the baggage claim areas of all terminals. A trip to downtown will cost $30 to $35 plus tip. You can lower that rate by sharing your ride with two or three others traveling downtown. Call 312-829-4222. From Midway Airport (773-838-0600) Subway: Take the CTA's Midway line (the Orange Line), which takes about 30 minutes to the Loop. It runs from 5:00 am to 11:30 pm. The first stop in the Loop is Clark and Lake. (888-YOUR-CTA) Shuttle: Shuttle service is provided by Airport Express (312-454-7799 or 800-654-7871). Taxi: Cab stands are located in front of main terminal. A cab ride to downtown will cost $22 to $28 and will take 20 to 40 minutes. A Share-A-Ride program is available (312-829-4222).
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Chicago Rapid Transit Map
Chicago Midway Airport