Chicago Transit Authority · USD · verified 2026-04-15
Chicago transit fares
‘L’ rapid transit and local CTA buses
Published fares (snapshot)
Figures reflect operator-published tariffs - not a substitute for station validators or agency fare engines.
| Full fare Ventra tap (rail or bus) | $2.50 |
|---|---|
| Transfers | Up to two transfers within two hours for +$0.25 when using Ventra balances. |
Rider tips
- Metra commuter rail is a separate tariff.
- Reduced and student fares have separate Ventra enrolment.
Reference trip vs taxi
Same 5.0 mi · 15m reference used on rideshare hub pages. Transit shows a representative single-ride amount (median of tabular rows or flat fare).
- Representative transit ride
- $2.50
- Metered taxi (standard)
- $19.18
- $18.43 – $23.27 traffic band
Live calculator
Route door-to-door with OpenStreetMap - compare metered taxi and rideshare on identical GPS distance.
Route in Chicago
Transit fares stay on this page; taxi and app estimates appear after routing.
FAQ
What does a single Chicago transit ride cost?
Full fare Ventra tap (rail or bus): 2.5 USD before concessions (see Chicago Transit Authority).
Which agency operates this network?
Chicago Transit Authority sets fares cited here; confirm details at Chicago Transit Authority.
Do transfers cost extra?
Up to two transfers within two hours for +$0.25 when using Ventra balances.
Why can Chicago taxis cost much more than transit?
Taxis charge regulated distance and time on curb-to-curb routing; transit spreads fixed infrastructure costs differently - compare both tools before deciding.