RTA | Fare Information

CTA Bus & Rapid Transit Fares
Metra Rail Fares
Pace Bus Fares

Single-ride tickets and multiday passes are available for use on transit in the Chicago area. Farecards and multi-day passes can be purchased at stations, or online. Many multi-day passes can be used on CTA buses, the 'L', and on Pace buses in the suburbs. Purchase Metra tickets at the Metra stations.

CTA Buses & Rapid Transit (the 'L')

The full fare (bus and rail) is determined by the type of payment you use. Click here for a 2006 CTA Fare Chart (PDF file).

Full Fares

Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus: Full fare is $1.75; transfer for 25 cents. Transfers allow two additional rides within two hours after the first boarding.

Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus offer lower fares, quicker boarding, protected fares and a guaranteed bonus. Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus customers get a 10 percent ($2.00) bonus for each $20 of value added.

Transit Card: $1.75 on buses; $2.00 at rail stations; transfer for 25 cents. Transfers allow two additional rides within two hours after the first boarding.

Cash: $2 per ride on bus and rail; exact fare only; no change returned. No transfers issued when paying with cash.

The Reduced Fare (bus and rail) is determined by the type of payment you use:

Cash Reduced Fare: $1 per ride on bus; 85 cents on rail*, exact fare only. No transfers issued when paying with cash. *Cash not accepted at rail station turnstiles. See rail station Customer Assistant and add 85 cents value at the fare vending machine.

Reduced Fare Transit Card: 85 cents on buses and at rail stations. Transfer for 15 cents. Transfers allow two additional rides within two hours after the first boarding.

Reduced fares are offered only to those customers who are eligible. Click here to find out if you qualify for Reduced Fare.

Click here for information on Visitor Passes , Student Passes , and Reduced Fares

Pay for buses as you enter with exact cash, or a farecard. Farecards are good on buses and the 'L' trains, and are available from vending machines in CTA train stations or at tourist locations and at Jewel and Dominick's stores. Fare vending machines at CTA Stations do not give change.

Purchase | Sales locations | More options & information

Metra Commuter Rail - Fare Check

Unlike the CTA and Pace, which charge fixed fares, Metra fares are calculated on distance, using a zone system. Use Metra's Fare Check to calculate the cost of your trip. You can buy a pass at Metra station ticket booths, or just enter a train and pay the conductor for your fare (for an extra $2 surcharge).

Pace Suburban Bus

Regular full fare = $1.50

Transfers = 25¢ (a second transfer within two hours is free)

Children under 7 ride free.

Pace buses accept exact cash, Pace 10-ride tickets or Club Cards , and other Pace media . You can also use CTA farecards, and the CTA 7-day and 30-day passes on Pace buses. Pace's fares vary depending on the type of route.

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Paratransit

Special Services: Special Service fare for curbside van service is $2.25.
Taxi Access Program: The Taxi Access fare for taxi service using pre-paid vouchers is $5.00.
Mobility Direct: The Mobility Direct fare for voucherless taxi service for recurring trips is $2.25.
Paratransit 30-Day Pass: The Paratransit 30-Day Pass by mail is $75.00.

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Did You Know?

Participating in the RTA/CTA Transit Benefit Program can save you up to 40 percent on your annual transit costs.