NITA
Contact
Multiple people with backpacks waiting to onboard "Park N Ride" bus at a stop in Plainfield.

How to ride

The Chicago region is home to the second largest transit system in the country. Learn how to navigate the system using maps, bus and train trackers, and tips for your ride on this page. For an interactive map of all transit assets in the region, visit the Interactive System Map on NITA's online data portal.

In June 2025, NITA's predecessor agency the RTA joined CTA, Metra and Pace in launching the Regional Day Pass, allowing riders to travel on all three transit systems with one purchase. Learn more here.

Plan your ride

Use the trip planner to find the best transit route for your trip.

Trip Planner

Destination
Date
Time
 

How to ride

Learn more about each part of the Chicago region transit system and tips on how to ride.

CTA Buses
CTA Trains
Metra Trains
Pace Buses
Icon region rv

Neighborhood Maps

Neighborhood Maps highlight local transit options within individual communities. These maps show bus stops, rail stations, and nearby destinations to help riders navigate their immediate area with ease.

Icon CTA Bus rv

Bus Connection Maps

Bus Connection Maps focus on how bus routes connect with rail services. They make it easy to see transfer locations, major hubs, and how different transit providers work together across the region.

Icon bus rapid rv

System Maps

System Maps provide a high-level view of the entire regional transit network. These maps illustrate how CTA, Metra, and Pace services connect across northeastern Illinois, helping riders understand the broader system at a glance.

Icon community rv

Sub-Regional Maps

Subregional Maps are maps for specific suburban areas in the RTA region. The maps also include information on Pace bus operating hours, Metra to Pace connections, and Dial-a-Ride services for these areas.

Please note that these maps are for personal and non-commercial use.  No part of these maps may be copied or used without the prior written permission of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.

Newsletter promotional image
Join our newsletter

Sign up for the NITA Newsletter

Get the latest transit information in your inbox

Sign up today

Schedules and Trackers

Center of 95th Howard Red Line platform, two L trains passing simultaneously.

CTA Bus and Train schedule info

CTA Train Tracker

CTA Bus Tracker

Metra Schedules

Metra Train Tracker

Pace Bus Tracker

Pace Bus Schedule 
RTA
CTA
Metra
Pace
Copyright © 2026 Northern Illinois Transit Authority. All Rights Reserved.