The Chicago transit system with Ventra (2022)

[@FaustasTolkusinas]

Tip for international travelers: when buying the ventra card with a credit/debit card, you have to choose the option "credit". When the machine prompts you to insert the card, you have to do it fast. Push in and pull out. Because the machine is reading the magnetic stripe. After that the machine will ask you for the zip code. Simply put a number "0". That is enough. Thanks to these tips by the CTA employee I was able to purchase a Ventra card with 7 day pass at the airport. 2022 September.

[@konradxtofik]

Thank you so much for this info. It’ll come useful for my upcoming trip to the Windy City 😊

[@TravGuideChannel]

You’re very welcome and glad the video was helpful

[@debrh.b]

The windy city more likely BOG OF ETERNAL STENCH. I HOPE YOU HAVE A STRONG STOMACH THE SEWAGE SMELL WILL MAKE YOU VOMIT BECAUSE NO PLACE LET'S YOU USE THE BATHROOM OR WASH YOUR HANDS THAT'S WHY WE HAD SUCH A BAD PROBLEM WITH COVID

[@maythesolis2940]

Does my 7 year old need a separate ventra card for bus? We plan to use the bus a few times this summer

[@TravGuideChannel]

Hi, The best way to answer your question is to refer you to the cta webpage that covers this. A separate card it say’s isn’t needed as long as your child rides with you. Even if traveling together with adults, the same card can be used, as long as you have loaded enough value on the cta card. www.transitchicago.com/for-parents-with-children/

[@Ricfugian]

just one question, as seen in the video, can I only buy the pass for 3 days (no ventra) for 15 dollars from the airport, (as I understand you cannot buy it in other places) is it possible to buy it and use it from the next day? is the calculation of the 3 days valid from the first use? Thank you

[@TravGuideChannel]

Hi, all good questions. If you plan to buy a ticket ( not the Ventra card), the 3 day ticket passes are only available at the airports, according to Ventra. If you plan to use a Ventra card, you can link to your card by their app, and set up a 3 day pass ( also 7 and 30 day passes). So having the card gives more flexibility on passes than buying the temporary ticket. As to your question on when does clock begin to tick, it is from time of first use. Keep in mind rates and conditions can change,I did check to confirm this is still the case as of now. Here are a few pages if want more info: www.ventrachicago.com/how-to/ventra-tickets/ www.transitchicago.com/passes/

[@Ricfugian]

@@TravGuideChannel thanks you for the very helpful advice, can't wait to see chicago!

[@TravGuideChannel]

Have a safe trip

[@Lynfamero]

I´m visiting Chicago on November with my husband. We´re arriving at the Midway airport, can we buy Ventra cards there? Also, I think the 7-day pass will be very useful for us, I guess I need to buy two 7-day passes (one for my husband and one for me), right? Does these passes work for riding buses as well?

[@TravGuideChannel]

The orange line cta train runs between Midway airport and downtown Chicago. There should be ventra vending machines at the airport. You each probably want to buy the ventra card with 7 day pass.yes, the ventra card 7 day pass works for the cta bus as well as the pace bus ( pace is bus service for the suburbs)

[@Ivan-yq6ik]

Hello, would you happen to know if I buy a 3 day unlimited pass Will that work for L train from o hare to downtown too?

[@TravGuideChannel]

Yes, you can buy the pass at the vending machine there at the O’Hare station, and according to the information on the cta website, that can be used to take the blue line from O’Hare.

[@Ivan-yq6ik]

@ thank you! It worked perfectly during our stay this weekend!

[@TravGuideChannel]

Happy to hear that, and I hope you enjoyed your stay in Chicago.

[@prsunset]

where the 7-day pass option with the Ventra Card appears?, it was only seen up to 3 days pass

[@TravGuideChannel]

On the ventra app ( you need to link it to your ventra card) it should show also the 7 day pass option when you click to add a cta fare then next click to add transit pass. Its listed at $20

[@michalwojtowicz8435]

Is disposable 1-day ticket valid for L from O'Hare airport?

[@TravGuideChannel]

Yes, you should be able to buy the one day ticket at O’Hare airport,

[@osimeon00]

It's so confusing on the website. Is the CTA for both buses and trains? What is the pace pass? They don't explain anything!

[@TravGuideChannel]

Yeah, the CTA applies to both buses and trains that operate in the city.

[@TravGuideChannel]

The pace system is for buses that operate in the suburbs and between the suburbs and Chicago. You can use your Ventra card to get a pass that applies to both the cta and pace. but that requires a specific ventra pass made for using both pace and CTA transit.

[@osimeon00]

@@TravGuideChannel Thank you!

[@TravGuideChannel]

You did not ask about the Metra system, but for those curious, it is the system that operates for trains that operate between Chicago and the suburbs. They don’t operate on the Ventra system in the same way as cta does. But you can use your Ventra account ( linked to the ventra app you would have on your cell) to buy a ticket for the Metra trains using the app. And then just show the mobile ticket to the conductor once you are on board..

[@TravGuideChannel]

And if you plan to be in chicago or suburbs for some time, it may be a good idea to download the ventra app and register your ventra card you purchase. That way you can load directly money into the Ventra app ( using bank card), and buy passes on the app that is linked to your card.

[@CarlosSanchez-uf8ik]

Can I buy a 30-day pass at most/all vending machines or retailers?

[@TravGuideChannel]

This may be helpful. I would assume most of the metra machines would include this option during the open dates available for purchase . “Monthly Pass Good for unlimited rides in a calendar month between your selected zones on weekdays and systemwide on weekends. Available for purchase from vending machines or the Ventra app from the 20th to the 12th. Passes expire at noon on the first business day of the next month. Monthly Passes are for the exclusive use of the purchaser and are not transferable.” metra.com/fares

[@priscillaaman]

Hi there quick question, if I want to buy the 1 day pass (no ventra card) is that an option anywhere as long as there is a ventra booth? Thanks in advance!

[@TravGuideChannel]

You should be able to buy the 1 day pass at any ventra machine.

[@priscillaaman]

@@TravGuideChannel so the 1 day pass will not require me to buy the ventra card? Perfect!

[@TravGuideChannel]

the 1 day pass is an option with the disposable ticket

[@dannydoan3695]

I'm a little confused as how much is a one day Ventra ticket cost. If I understand it correct, the cost of a one day ticket is $5, but I see you paid $10? Did I miss something? Thanks

[@TravGuideChannel]

Hi, i use a reloadable ventra card. I often load it for much more than I will need at the time. The reloadable will allow you to keep more value on your card for future needs. The 1 day pass can he purchased on a disposable ticket or on the reloadable card. I did just check their website again and the 1 day ventra ticket pass is $5 (www.transitchicago.com/passes/) . Transitchicago.com is their official site.

[@dannydoan3695]

@@TravGuideChannel Thanks so much for your explanations.

[@TravGuideChannel]

Hi again, I took a look at the video and I see where your confusion is at. I see that the vending machine was charging $10 for a 1 day pass, but you will notice also above I state the 2022 price for the 1 day pass has changed ( to $5). So the video clip showed $10, which was the price before 2022, but they lowered it this year. Sorry for the confusion and the video was in 2021, so was not reflecting the new, lower fare.