Welcome to Chicago!

Getting Around

Getting around Chicago is an easy and enjoyable experience for visitors. Both of Chicago's major airports, O'Hare International and Midway, are linked with the public transportation system, providing swift, inexpensive travel to downtown hotels and outlying neighborhoods. The Future Filmmakers Festival located at Columbia College's Film Row Cinema are all on major transportation lines, and the sophisticated network of trains and buses make it easy to get to just about anyplace in the city, from major tourist attractions to out-of the-way neighborhood treasures. Taxicabs are abundant with some of the lowest fares in any major city.

Public Transit Options and Information

Traveling around the City and to explore and sightsee is easy on the CTA "L" system.

The Chicago Transit Authority operates the second largest public transit system in the country. On an average weekday, approximately 1.5 million riders are taken on the CTA. The rapid transit system serves 144 stations on different lines. Most lines travel through the downtown Chicago area.

The first rapid transit line began service in June of 1892. Five years later, the Loop Elevated system opened. Chicago's "Loop" was named for the elevated rapid transit system that circles the heart of the downtown area. In the 1940's service in the State Street and Dearborn Street subways began.

Chicago is one of the few cities in the world that has rapid transit system to two major airports. The Blue Line travels from O'Hare to downtown in approximately 40 minutes while the Orange Line connects Midway to the Loop in about 30 minutes. Chicago's "L" system lines are color coded for simplicity.

Columbia College's Film Row Cinema at 1104 S. Wabash is conveniently connected by the rapid transit system. All buses are equipped to accommodate two bikes on a rack at the front of the vehicle. Outside of the rush hour periods, bikes can be taken on board all of the 'L' trains also.

Buses and trains are equipped with voice annunciation systems that announce stops on-board as the vehicle is approaching. All new buses have a low-floor design that allows persons with mobility limitations to easily access the system. Older buses have lifts that allow persons with wheelchairs to board. Rapid transit stations are being improved to allow for wheelchair access. Key stations with elevators allow for movement throughout the rapid transit system.

Taxi

Getting a taxicab is easy in Chicago. Taxicabs run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be hailed by stepping to the curb and waving your hand over your head. You can also pre-arrange a taxi pickup by calling any of the hundreds of taxicab companies in Chicago. If the sign on top of the taxicab is illuminated, it is available for hire.

At O'Hare and Midway airports, a starter is available in case of questions or problems in finding a taxi. Easily identifiable by a city ID, the starter will help arrange for your ride. As you exit baggage claim at the airport, look for the "Taxi" sign and stand in the queue to wait for your taxicab to the city.

Drivers can not refuse you service, unless the "Not for Hire" sign is clearly displayed in advance. In Chicago, you pay the amount shown on the taximeter, plus any tolls.

For trips over five miles, the driver may agree to charge either a flat rate or discounted fare. However, the meter must continue to run, and an agreement must be made with the driver before the trip begins. Tipping is optional, but it is customary to tip $1-$2 for short distances, and $2-$5 for longer trips, such as downtown to the airport.