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

[@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.

[@sedp8710]

Chicago is a mind blowing city

[@lennoxtvthingy7408]

A blend of old and new…

[@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

[@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.

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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!

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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.

[@PHL1213]

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

[@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. ✌🏼

[@Chicagomademe85]

I totally agree with you.

[@Chicagomademe85]

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.

[@pseudoe]

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

[@elizabethrincon4016]

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

[@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!🤩🤩🤩

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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 !!!!

[@peteroberts6771]

I love Chicago.

[@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.

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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

[@thenobleone-3384]

This is something for me to start learning I won't be moving until the fall time. But I know it will take some time for me to get used to the L Train.

[@Ascertivon]

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.

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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!!

[@corywilliams458]

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

[@vincentpatitucci1018]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@keithfalkingham8861]

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

[@bronxsportsfan]

The Quincy stop is one of my favorite rail stations. It's a throwback to the 90s--the 1890s!

[@tori.walkergulley]

I’m going to Chicago by the end of this month, so I’m watching videos on how to ride the public transit there

[@robertellis8924]

Makes me miss home!

[@82leegary]

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

[@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

[@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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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

[@kprice399]

Great video. Very helpful

[@islamicsalami7208]

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

[@supersaturn956]

Nice brother, thank you for share.

[@rmawn55]

My favorite Chicago Red line station. Grand!!!

[@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

[@frankbrenner4852]

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

[@CasperChicago]

Luis Gusto, glad you stuck with your channel. I watched you three years ago before I moved to Chicago.

[@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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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

[@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.

[@queenraven1458]

Great video ❤

[@largetman]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

😂

[@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

[@TMD3453]

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

[@jonathanwilder5555]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Thank you 🙌🏼

[@agustinperez1107]

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

[@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! 😅

[@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.

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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

[@BlindLightbulb]

Awesome video especially the history of the L!

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it 😎

[@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.

[@juktapose]

Thanks for this video. Going to chitown next month for the 1st time

[@jacquelynamcc]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Lol word thanks for watching 💯

[@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'.

[@U2BEPatrick]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Thank you!

[@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)

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Thanks for watching!

[@davebeckman2672]

This was a good video. Thanks.

[@kadenreyes5871]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

For sure! Thank you so much!

[@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!

[@johnkrake]

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

[@Parsi__X]

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

[@ettoreposterli]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

💯💯💯

[@paulz4667]

One of best public transport in the world

[@LuisGustoChicago]

💯

[@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

[@cathykellogg4347]

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

[@gustinart9043]

Seriously. This was really beautiful!

[@esmereldadelacasa82]

Great and interesting train facts!

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Thank you so much!!

[@edgarmauricioaguilera6237]

Great information. Thank you soooo much

[@dtheman4J]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Thanks so much, hope you enjoy your visit!

[@PurrnRuff]

Great video, so helpful, thank you!

[@Wildcat6319]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Glad to hear! 🚇

[@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

[@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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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

[@victoria6155]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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

[@renatanicewicz4234]

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

[@sunnydaynocloudz]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Thank you so much!

[@4.6lexus83]

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

[@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!

[@stevedoubleu99B]

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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Thanks so much!

[@bodegatiger404]

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

[@1966ELDUBZ]

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

[@conyersfamily]

Thank you! Super helpful!

[@knowledgeiskey1319]

this is an incredible level of quality woeww

[@karizmayildo8859]

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

[@icedteamama176]

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

[@deztanyfarruggia5837]

I’m visiting Chicago in January for the first time and I need to get from O’Hare to the city but I’m still scared to try this 😆 I know it’s cheaper than an Uber and it would be a cool experience considering I’ve never ridden a train but I’m still very confused ☹️

[@MidnightWarrior-sc8iq]

You should 100% do it , I go to chicago every month and i take the L all the time and it is super fun

[@LuisGustoChicago]

It's pretty easy tbh .. the walk from the terminal to the station is somewhat long but it's completed covered and air-conditioned.

[@iheartjbgccb]

How'd it go? Im going next week and still sorta confused but Im sure it's easy once Im there and know where I want to go

[@fathanfamily7538]

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

[@DanteeArias1]

Awesome video dude!

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Really appreciate it bro!!

[@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

[@LuisGustoChicago]

So great to hear!

[@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. 😃👏👏👏

[@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.

[@ellion25]

Thanks for this video. Makes me think of my past trips to Chicago and is making me want to go back.

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Happy to make it! Hope you get to visit again!

[@paulbacon517]

Chicago Transit Authority was the original name for the band Chicago

[@athomas9661]

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

[@c.b.galvez2099]

I live in Chicago my whole life and I still haven’t learn how to the trains. I have to start learning soon and hopefully I will be okay when I do it

[@LuisGustoChicago]

Sounds good!

[@mariehernandez4573]

Don't know if this works in Chicago but from what I understand, you can use Google Maps to get from one place to another... If you put in directions you can find options for walking directions, car directions, or public transportation. The public transportation ones tell you where to go at what time. Maybe try taking a few short trips like that till you get the hang of it.

[@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!

[@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!

[@LuisGustoChicago]

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

[@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

[@chibispacekase9448]

This is legit one of the best videos I have ever seen for a rail system. Bravo!

[@reneeguerreropozos777]

Thank you so much for this video! It was very helpful!

[@owensaenz1065]

Love the history you put in too.

[@ronaldstubbs9450]

Southside born and raised. and former cta employee. Enjoyed your video, but you didn't mention that the cta was the first to put trains down the expressway medians. Also passenger etiquette doesn't work on all sides of town. L is unique, and it's a Chicago treasure.