Short Notes is based in Chicago and covers the city's live events. These notes are for visitors to the city.

The 'L'

The CTA elevated and subway network ('the L') is the quickest way to reach most Chicago entertainment venues. All-day passes are available from station machines. The Red Line is the most useful single route for music nights on the North Side and events in the Loop.

Buses

CTA buses fill the gaps the L does not cover. On event nights, additional bus service may run to major venues. Check transitchicago.com for routes and real-time arrivals.

Cycling

Divvy bike-share (divvybikes.com) operates throughout the city, and Chicago's protected bike lane network makes cycling a practical option for reaching venues in good weather. The lakefront path is a safe route between the Museum Campus and venues north of the river.

Planning Your Route on Event Nights

Knowing which mode to use is only half the job. On busy nights the bigger challenge is timing, because thousands of people leave a stadium, arena or festival ground at once. A little planning makes the trip home much calmer.

Metra and regional trains

If you are staying in the suburbs or coming in from elsewhere in the Midwest, Metra commuter rail links outlying towns with downtown terminals such as Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center. Evening and weekend timetables are thinner than weekday rush-hour service, so check the last train back before you commit to an encore or a late comedy set. The South Shore Line serves northwest Indiana in a similar way.

Getting to the big venues

  • Wrigley Field sits beside the Addison stop on the Red Line. Expect packed platforms before and after games and concerts.
  • Soldier Field and the Museum Campus are a walk from the Roosevelt station, which is served by several lines. The lakefront path is a pleasant alternative in good weather.
  • The United Center is on the Near West Side. It is not right next to an L station, so many fans combine a short train ride with a bus or a walk, or use a rideshare.
  • Theatres in the Loop are well served by almost every L line, which makes a pre-show dinner and a train home easy to combine.

Practical tips

  • Load a Ventra card or set up contactless payment before you travel, so you are not queuing at machines when a crowd arrives.
  • After a large event, waiting 20 to 30 minutes at a nearby bar or café often gets you a quieter train and avoids rideshare surge pricing.
  • Winter changes everything. Allow extra time, dress for wind off the lake and remember that cycling and walking routes can be icy.
  • Late at night, choose busy, well-lit stations and travel with friends where you can.

For help choosing where to stay in relation to the venues you plan to visit, see our planning notes. Our venue guides cover individual spaces across the city in more detail.