CHICAGO L TRAIN GUIDE From a Local | 15 Tips on How to Ride the CTA Chicago Travel Guide

The Chicago L Train is the second longest public transit train system in the United States. In this travel video I present a guide to the CTA train system.
From the history of the Chicago L Train to tips and tricks on how to ride the Chicago public trains, you will learn everything you need to know for navigating Chicago by L.
The first L train was opened in 1892 by the Chicago and Southside Elevated Railroad Company. The CTA was formed in 1947 and consolidated the private L train companies in Chicago.
The CTA train lines are named after colors - Red Line, Blue Line, Orange Line, Brown Line, Green Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, and Yellow Line.
All of the CTA Trains go to the Chicago Loop (downtown) except the Yellow Line which goes to Skokie.
Regardless of whether you're underground, at grade, or elevated above ground, the train system is called the L. We don't call in the Chicago Subway, the Chicago Tube, the Chicago Underground, or the Chicago Metro.
'L' is short for Elevated Train as the majority of the train tracks are elevated. Chicago is the only major city in the United States with elevated train tracks running through its downtown area.
A ride on the L Train costs $2.50, there is no time limit and there are no zones.
I hope that this video is useful for newcomers and visitors to Chicago.
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[@davidberlant5096]

My favorite feature of the "L" are the outside heat lamps on the 'L' platforms. Heat is available from November to March. You can stand under them while waiting for a train when temps are in the single digits. A very welcome sight during our harsh Chicago winters.

[@mrmartinwatson1]

I wish they did it based off tempreture. Years ago, it would either still be cold or get cold before they began cutting them on.

[@kugavi2679]

If you're a first time L rider, its very easy to navigate through the city (Unlike the New York City Subway). Signs have clear directions and very easy to understand.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

So true 🙌

[@nel7136]

U can’t pay cash right?

[@EtcEtcEtcPodcast]

How do you pay?

[@puma7118]

@@EtcEtcEtcPodcast a transit card or apply pay

[@thetravelgoods2760]

That’s great to hear considering I navigated NYC subway with no problems, means I’ll be ok in Chicago!

[@leereeder2293]

I rode CTA quite heavily when I lived near Chicago and I am truly appreciative of the work they did as I rode Metra heavily as well along with Pace for suburban buses when needed. Will always appreciate the hard work that the people who work these lines do

[@sedp8710]

Chicago is a mind blowing city

[@lennoxtvthingy7408]

A blend of old and new…

[@renereyes77]

Hey Bro, I'm also from South Florida 👍🏽 My wife and I are in Chicago for a few days. Thanks for this video. I really think that the best way to truly know a city is to take the transit system. Chicago is pretty awesome, we just might move here. ✌🏼

[@Mr102185]

I totally agree with you.

[@Mr102185]

Luis makes great videos, and y’all should definitely move here. Check out his video about South Loop (current resident). It’s super cool. Chicago has 200 neighborhoods to choose from.

[@jenniferspears7074]

Luis, this video was so well done!!! As a person who has taken the CTA most of her Iife, I was truly impressed with all of the information you included...and so detailed. Loved all the locations you went to, also!🤩🤩🤩

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you for the kind words, it was definitely a labor of love

[@lcracalcraca9425]

Greetings from Colombia. Great video. I have "Chicago" on my list for my next travel,,, I hope !!!!

[@ambertiffany22ig43]

I needed this! I’m from LA where we don’t really take public transportation and I’ll be visiting Chicago next week. I’ve been before but never have taken the L before. I’ll be taking it from the airport to my hotel so this helped a lot!!

[@soccerruben1]

We do have LA Metro Rail 🤷

[@soccerruben1]

And we’re doing extensions and improvements, even if it’s at a snail pace.

[@peteroberts6771]

I love Chicago.

[@markprad]

I was born and raised in Chicago. Even though I now live in Miami, I really enjoy watching your videos. I miss Chicago, but not in the winter :)

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Nice! I have lots of friends & family in Miami! Thanks for the kind words!!

[@VictorRodriguez-ke8mr]

is winter very cold?

[@markprad]

@@VictorRodriguez-ke8mr Yes. Somedays it will get to -10 Fahrenheit and lots of snow for months

[@VictorRodriguez-ke8mr]

@@markprad ohhh noo....ok...thanks for the info

[@admidwest]

Thanks for this guide. The blue line from O'Hare is definitely a great option to take to the Loop downtown. I took this last time I was there to my hotel and it was very easy.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching! It's great to have a public transit option to and from airports!!

[@jaslyn5501]

So good to know

[@elferraz2854]

You videos are great I hope you don't quit doing them for the lack of subscribers keep it up Man!! I love Chicago too

[@LuisGustoComedy]

I really appreciate that, we have so much content planned out for the year, keep it locked 😎

[@kathleencraig3804]

I was born in chicago moved to Los angeles ca after HS then moved to Vegas, to Az to Florida ...miss the El train haven't been back since 1997 so much has changed since then ..$2.50 is a cheap way to go from home to work and always been best way to travel, avoiding driving car especially to downtown ...thank you for this awesome video.

[@elizabethrincon4016]

Thank you! Just accepted a job with the Chicago Philharmonic and we move in three weeks. Your channel is super helpful.

[@Ascertivus]

I just noticed that the history portion of this video is the least-watched. That sad my favorite part. :( From a huge rail history and public transportation enthusiast, thank you for including that and making this!!

[@mackmann450]

I've always wanted to visit Chicago. I've only been to O'Hare twice due to layovers, so those don't count. The El is definitely way more extensive than the subway system here in Toronto. We only have four lines and it's been a decade-long undertaking to construct the fifth one, LOL.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

You definitely should! And what a coincidence bc Toronto is high on my list of places I want to visit, would definitely want to see a Blue Jays game. Didn't know you guys had a subway system there, really cool to learn that. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@williamadornetto2850]

Love it! Kudos from someone who spent my first 46 years in Chicago and many days riding those trains. Thanks to both of you for making it simple,informative and fun!

[@82leegary]

This is very educational. Especially since I am moving to Chicago in 4 weeks. And will be using the L train.

[@Kanjigator]

The last time I was in Chicago was 1980. Very different from what I saw in the Blues Brothers movie. I feel like Rip Van Winkle. This video helps. Thank you.

[@vincentpatitucci1018]

Shout out to the work and time spent on this video.

[@pseudoe]

I've lived in Chicago my whole life and I'm watching this. Thank you.

[@SouthsidePottery]

Hi! We love your videos on KZbin for Chicago! I was hoping you & Narissa could make a video for train & bus tip safety for a young person riding by themself. Like where should they sit, what to do if approached? Thanks!

[@urbanesasquatch]

Color blind people would prefer number, letter, named rail lines. I used to jump up on the Cicero Ave platform on the Douglas Milwaukee line and spend the whole day on the L when I was a lad. I enjoyed the video.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

That's so true, never thought about that! The L is the best, I hope that the city continues to invest in it well into the future!

[@MTM358]

Chicago does put the names on top of the colors. Even the countdown clocks that tell you when the next train is arriving have a spelled out version in smaller font.

[@rmawn55]

My favorite Chicago Red line station. Grand!!!

[@paulz4667]

One of best public transport in the world

[@LuisGustoComedy]

💯

[@BlindLightbulb]

Awesome video especially the history of the L!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it 😎

[@keithfalkingham8861]

Great little quick film stuffed with valuable information for when I visit the great city of Chicago, thanks

[@largetman]

"Ding Dong, Doors Closing, ________ is next. Doors open on the (left/right) at ________."

[@LuisGustoComedy]

😂

[@PRHILL9696]

Love that!

[@lilnono6109]

Your forgot to say doors closing 😂

[@lilnono6109]

And after all that they say this is a ___ line train to ___

[@wille7802]

It’s the best part of the L. Lol

[@robc5140]

Luis - I'll be traveling to Chicago later this month and have found your videos incredibly informative. Thank you for taking the time to post so much about the city. Chicago is fortunate to have such an engaged and knowledgable ambassador. all the best, Rob

[@robadams2140]

I live in Georgia now, and I miss taking the Orange and Purple/Brown Lines to and from work every day. This video was nicely done, it was interesting and informative. Thanks for putting it together.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thanks so much Rob!!

[@sitdowndogbreath]

Atlanta unlike liberal Chicago you can carry concealed as long as you have a license for your weapon screw you Chicago

[@islamicsalami7208]

I live in Chicsgo and ride the L all the time and still found this entertaining! Great video!

[@pissoff61]

I LOVE CHICAGO

[@esmereldadelacasa82]

Great and interesting train facts!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you so much!!

[@corywilliams458]

Great Video...coming frm Detroit, that "L", lil intimidating....Jus dont wanna miss my stop & have 2 walk back

[@jonathanwilder5555]

Loving the history, very thorough description of my beloved city!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you 🙌🏼

[@frankbrenner4852]

Great vid! Chicago native and enjoyed the info. Thanks for helping tourists and residents in this great city.

[@knowledgeiskey1319]

this is an incredible level of quality woeww

[@josejuliofuego]

Visiting for the first time in July. Super excited to take the CTA. I love LA metro so hopefully it’s a good trip

[@kadenreyes5871]

You should do more videos about our lovely transit system and I liked your video 😊

[@LuisGustoComedy]

For sure! Thank you so much!

[@mikesilber562]

Fantastic video of the CTA. Having lived in Chicago back between 2005 and 2011 I used to ride the CTA every single solitary day. Growing up in California we have bark, not quite the same please excuse the mistakes in typing I have a disability where I'm actually blind

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you! I love the CTA and miss riding it every day as well

[@dannycnoble]

Man this was very helpful. I have been to chicago many times but never used the cta. Will be using it in 2 weeks to get from midway to amtrack. I downloaded the venture app. Now i have to figure out how to load it.

[@ettoreposterli]

I just moved to the city for school and Luis Gusto is my go-to for any info! Keep it up man

[@LuisGustoComedy]

💯💯💯

[@domorocksX]

This is an amazing video, you can tell alot of work was put into it. I love all the useful information you put, as a Chicagoan definitively going to link this to out of city friends!

[@johnkrake]

Visting Chicago for the first time this weekend, and want to use public transportation whenever possible. Thanks for this awesome video!

[@jamesh8927]

Great job on this video! (and your whole channel, really) The tips and tricks reminded me of the preflight videos they play on planes except I was actually paying attention to your video! 😅

[@U2BEPatrick]

I'm a local and I think you did a great job with this video.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you!

[@TMD3453]

Thanks, Luis. Didn’t know re two major airports. Makes Chicago look good. Peace

[@robertellis8924]

Makes me miss home!

[@Crazyjoker4650]

4 years late, but great vid. Love this channel.

[@CrimsonRaven51]

I’m originally from Chicago. I remember when it cost a quarter to ride a bus and transfer to the “L” train was free. I still have one of the CTA tokens used. So very different now.😢

[@Alexander-ll7gs]

What year was this?

[@sulphurous2656]

Those transit cards and maps from 12 years ago now were also pretty great.

[@montman821]

very informative! thanks man! i used to go to Chicago all the time to visit my family on my summer breaks, and would always get excited to ride the L, because it was the best way to explore the city

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's such a great way to travel around the city!

[@agustinperez1107]

Bro you sound like Mark Wahlberg lol. Been watching your vids man great work. I’m subscribed!

[@Maya_Ruinz]

Really awesome video, planning on moving to Chicago in the future and have been looking for a good introduction to the L. Super helpful seeing this from a native Chicago perspective it was the one thing I wanted to understand from day 1

[@1958zed]

Great video. I'm heading to Chicago this week and, even though I grew up in the SW burbs, I never had a reason to ride the L. I'll be heading to Wrigley Field via Metra and the Red Line.

[@tymccarthy9661]

Learned a thing or two and I use the L everyday! Thanks for the video. (Saw the date it was posted right before everyone shut down. wow)

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jacquelynamcc]

Why am I watching this I've lived in Chicago my whole life & use the cta every day lol. Great video though!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Lol word thanks for watching 💯

[@paulbacon517]

Chicago Transit Authority was the original name for the band Chicago

[@gustinart9043]

Seriously. This was really beautiful!

[@anokat]

Wow, I was always too nervous to take the L because I've used the SSL in the past, and it seemed needlessly confusing. I just recently went to New York and used the subway there, and it was so easy! I figure now it's time to learn my way around chicago's rail system.

[@4.6lexus83]

Love your videos brother. God bless you keep the positive good energy.

[@osagiee.guobadia-secondytc4624]

Thank you on your train guide to the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), Luis plus your girlfriend or your friend. At the end, I stick with the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) in NYC. 😃👏👏👏

[@sunnydaynocloudz]

These chicago videos are excellent. Getting me prepared for my trip.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you so much!

[@supersaturn956]

Nice brother, thank you for share.

[@karizmayildo8859]

I've been there in 2018 Love your video's 👍 Greetings from Holland 😁

[@dtheman4J]

Great video Luis. As a subway/Metro/El enthusiast, I look forward to visiting Chicago soon.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thanks so much, hope you enjoy your visit!

[@cathykellogg4347]

I love that you ended this with etiquette- thanks for the tips!!

[@Parsi__X]

Appreciate your videos on Chicago.. I like the way you talk/walk.. rapper style ;)

[@queenraven1458]

Great video ❤

[@Stanf954]

We used to have EL trains. 2nd Av, 3rd Av, 9th Av in Manhattan, 5 Av, Fulton St, Myrtle Av in Bklyn, 3rd Av in Bronx. All that are left are in The Bronx and Bklyn that become subway once they get into Manhattan. The L line 14 St Xtown is the only one that we call the L.

[@soulpark3128]

We call all the trains 'L'.

[@davebeckman2672]

This was a good video. Thanks.

[@PHL1213]

Chi L looks so much cleaner than philly where i live. wish philly L system was this clean

[@lailasalas]

I Would Like A Tour Around The Loop To Appreciate Chicago Downtown Starting And Ending At UNION STATION

[@daimirlara5775]

This my First week in Chicago 0_0 new here to the city. Im always down to explore and see this awesome 😎 city 🌆.

[@kprice399]

Great video. Very helpful

[@renatanicewicz4234]

Very interesting and useful video! I 'm going to visit Chicago in May:), thank you for sharing

[@kevsebutuoy]

Great vid. If a visitor takes the train from O'Hare into the city during rush hour, what are a few etiquette tips regarding luggage on a crowded train? Also, are there places on the "L" for luggage?

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you! Unfortunately, there are no luggage spots on the train like I've seen in Europe. Usually people stand them next to them in the aisle or stand with them in a space without seats. Either way you'll usually be in good company with other luggage holders so it's nothing to worry about 😄

[@Rosafit620]

Amazing facts and great history information. You’re awesome! Thanks for the great info. Seems like the best and most efficient way of travel throughout the city.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you!! Very happy you enjoyed the guide, appreciate it!

[@Wildcat6319]

Very helpful video…looking forward to using the L on our visit next week!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Glad to hear! 🚇

[@victoria6155]

I love your videos! They are so helpful and informative. I am moving to Chicago in August!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you so much!! Hope you have an amazing move to the city 😎

[@MidnightWarrior-sc8iq]

victoria, just warning you whatever you do, DON'T MOVE TO THE SOUTH SIDE

[@victoria6155]

Crazy Gamer I’m living in Logan square :)

[@victoria6155]

Crazy Gamer I’m applying to a job in south loop. Is that considered the south side?

[@MidnightWarrior-sc8iq]

@@victoria6155 No, that's considered downtown

[@artnwityr]

I plan to visit in a couple of weeks (July 17th & 18th, 2020). This video has been very helpful and a great summary. Greetings from Los Angeles!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Hope you enjoy the city during your trip! I'd like to visit LA again soon!

[@RandomReggie]

Been watching your videos for months now leading to my first ever trip to Chicago this weekend for my birthday excited to take the L train didn't know so much rich history behind it :) I fly out tomorrow. 4 day trip wish it was 5 days but we got hit with a layover in ATL

[@user-xi4nz3be1x]

Wow this is an amazingly concise and informative video. Keep up the great work!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you!

[@icedteamama176]

Perfect! Going to Chicago on Memorial weekend…we’ll definitely try the L. Thank you! 👍

[@tini92ful]

This is so helpful because I'll be loving in Chicago this summer for a grad school program and am going to have to figure all this out

[@LuisGustoComedy]

So great to hear!

[@edgarmauricioaguilera6237]

Great information. Thank you soooo much

[@learnspanishtoday1195]

Thank you ! I’m at the airport and need to find my way around . This was very helpful!

[@bodegatiger404]

bless you for this. I'll be living there alone for a month and I'm so nervous about getting around

[@stevedoubleu99B]

A great guide for a great railway system. Best wishes from UK.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thanks so much!

[@ilahildasissac1943]

I recall when the Ravenswood Line became the Brown Line.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

😁

[@athomas9661]

Love this Luis. But the cost to ride a bus/train is a little confusing for non-natives -- the .25 for transfers part.

[@gustinart9043]

This is so helpful! Thanks!

[@fathanfamily7538]

Hello FRIEND GOOD MORNING greatting from INDONESIA new FRIEND THANK you for GREAT vidio

[@PurrnRuff]

Great video, so helpful, thank you!

[@harriedavies3940]

I might have to start sharing this video with my friends who visit from out of town/overseas! I'm used to the CTA after several years here but it's helpful and fun!

[@frankbaumann1084]

Great video. Helped immensely with my (first time) trip to Chicago

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Much appreciated Frank!

[@conyersfamily]

Thank you! Super helpful!

[@skeksilthechamberlain1479]

I’m planning on visiting Chicago soon and your video is a big help for knowing how to navigate the transit system. Thank you!

[@aj031890]

I know this video is a couple of years old now but it's worth mentioning that CTA lowered its fares. It's $2.25 to ride and up to 2 transfers are now free

[@sitdowndogbreath]

Wow when did that happen

[@aj031890]

@@sitdowndogbreath November of 2021 I believe

[@malenita7713]

Great video 👍👍👍👍

[@lizbethmagana8251]

This was very helpful thank you

[@1966ELDUBZ]

I grew up in chicago for 19 years and took the l everywhere