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Short for elevated train, the El is nevertheless the name given to the entire CTA-run train network, including the sections that travel underground. The five major and two minor lines are identifiable by color: red, green, blue, brown, orange, purple, and yellow. Some lines run 24 hours a day (less often off-peak). Trains arrive every 5–20 minutes, and the service is fast and economical.

The CTA also operates an extensive network of buses, especially useful for reaching the lakefront, which is not served by the El. Look for the blue and white stops. Some also serve PACE buses that cover the city suburbs and are numbered 208 and higher.

A regular El or bus fare is $1.75, with an extra 25¢ for a transfer card (valid for two transfers within two hours of purchase), and you need exact change. However if you buy a Transit card with a preset value at a station ticket office, or get a topup Transit card and charge it with the desired amount at a machine, the relevant fare is then deducted from your pass each time you take a ride. One- to five-day Visitor Passes are also available from stations, visitor centers, and selected tourist attractions.

Metra, the commuter rail system, serves the city’s suburbs. Fares vary according to the journey’s length. Downtown stops are Union Station, LaSalle Street Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, and Randolph Street Station.

It is usually easy to hail a cab Downtown. Elsewhere, it’s better to call for one. There’s an intial charge, then a fee per mile and per extra passenger. A 10–15% tip is expected. Companies include:

In summer, Wendella Riverbus (312-337-1446) runs water taxis between the Wrigley Building and both Union Station and the Ogilvie Transportaion Center. Shoreline Water Taxi (312-222-9328) also offers a service every 20 minutes from Navy Pier to the John G. Shedd Aquarium and near the Sears Tower.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day (see Public Holidays), free daytime trolley buses run on four routes from downtown El and Metra stations to the Museum Campus, the Art Institute of Chicago, State Street and Michigan Avenue shopping areas, Navy Pier – and on weekends they run to Lincoln Park and Chinatown/Pilsen (see Ethnic Neighborhoods).

Exploring compact areas (such as the Mag Mile and Lincoln Park) on foot is great in fine weather. However, avoid walking alone after dark.

Only confident cyclists should consider city cycling as the roads are so busy. However, the 18 miles (29 km) of lake-front bike paths are very pleasant. To get a Chicago Bike Map call 312-742-2453. Bike Chicago rents bikes and conducts bike tours from Navy Pier: call 1-800-915-2453 or visit www.bikechicago.com.

Chicago’s grid system, makes orientation relatively straightforward. However, expressways are often snarled, the Loop’s one-way streets can be very confusing, and finding parking Downtown can be a huge, costly problem.