CTA Bus Fare is the amount of money passengers pay to ride the bus operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The fare varies based on factors such as the payment method, time of day, and age of the passenger. Passengers can pay using a Ventra card, contactless payment, or cash. Reduced fares are available for eligible passengers such as seniors and students. Free transfers are also available for up to two additional rides within two hours of the first ride. The CTA Bus Fare information is essential for anyone traveling on CTA buses to plan their trip and budget accordingly.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides bus and train services throughout the city of Chicago and surrounding areas. The CTA bus system is one of the largest in the country, with over 100 routes and 12,000 stops. Riding the bus is an affordable and convenient way to get around the city and explore its many neighborhoods and attractions.
| FARES | FULL | REDUCED | STUDENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'L' train fare | $2.50 | $1.25 | $0.75 |
| Bus fare | $2.25 | $1.10 | $0.75 |
| Transfer (Up to 2 additional rides within 2 hrs) | Free | Free | Free |
| PASSES | |||
| 1-Day CTA/Pace Pass | $5.00 | ||
| 3-Day CTA/Pace Pass | $15.00 | ||
| 7-Day CTA/Pace Pass | $20.00 | ||
| 30-Day CTA/Pace Pass | $75.00 | $35.00** | |
| OTHER FARES | |||
| 'L' train fare from O'Hare | $5.00 | $1.25 | $0.75 |
| Bus fare with cash on bus | $2.50 | $1.25 | $0.75 |
| Regional Connect Pass | $30.00 | ||
| 128 Soldier Field Express (Round-trip fare) | $5.00 | $2.50 | |
The CTA Bus Fare is $2.25 for adults and $1.10 for reduced fare riders, including seniors, customers with disabilities, and students. Children under 7 ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Exact change is required to pay for a bus fare with cash. Alternatively, riders can use a Ventra card, which can be purchased and loaded with value or passes at Ventra vending machines, retail locations, online, or by phone. Riders can also pay for their bus fare using contactless payment methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Transfers are available for up to two additional rides within two hours of the first ride, with no additional charge.
The CTA provides a map of its bus routes and stops on its website. The map is color-coded to help riders identify the different bus routes and their locations. The map also shows nearby train stations, major streets, and points of interest.
The CTA train system, also known as the 'L,' is an efficient and affordable way to get around Chicago. The train system has eight lines and 145 stations, serving the city and surrounding suburbs. The CTA provides a map of its train lines and stations on its website.
The CTA bus system is an extensive network that covers the city and surrounding suburbs. Bus routes operate seven days a week, with service beginning early in the morning and ending late at night. The CTA provides a trip planner tool on its website that allows riders to plan their bus trips based on their starting and ending locations and desired travel times.
The CTA offers several apps to help riders plan their trips, pay their fares, and track the location of buses and trains in real-time. The CTA Train Tracker app provides train arrival times and service alerts for all CTA train lines, while the CTA Bus tracker app provides real-time bus location and arrival information for all CTA bus routes. The Ventra app allows riders to manage their Ventra accounts, purchase and load value or passes, and pay for their fares using their mobile devices.
Chicago is a vibrant city with many attractions and activities for visitors and residents alike. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, the Field Museum, and the Willis Tower Skydeck. Other popular activities include exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods, trying local cuisine, attending festivals and events, and enjoying the city's parks and outdoor spaces.
| Full | Reduced | Student | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'L' train fare | $2.50 | $1.25 | $.75 |
| Bus fare | $2.25 | $1.10 | $.75 |
Transfer: Up to 2 additional rides within 2 hours are free. Note: Fares can be deducted from a Ventra Transit Account or paid via Pay-as-you-go direct contactless payment.
| Pass Type | Full | Reduced |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day CTA/Pace Pass | $5 | |
| 3-Day CTA/Pace Pass | $15 | |
| 7-Day CTA/Pace Pass | $20 | |
| 30-Day CTA/Pace Pass | $75 | $35 |
| Full | Reduced | Student | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'L' train fare from O'Hare | $5 | $1.25 | $.75 |
| Bus fare with cash on bus | $2.50 | $1.25 | $.75 |
| Regional Connect Pass | $30 | ||
| 128 Soldier Field Express (Round-trip fare) | $5 | $2.50 |
