How to get from Chicago Ridge to Downtown chicago Ridge is a suburb located in the southwest of Chicago, about 20 miles from the city center. There are several ways to get to downtown; we’ll review the best options.
Public transportation
Train (Metra)
Orange Line (CTA)
- Nearest station: Midway Airport
- Duration: about 45-60 minutes to Loop
- Cost: About $2.50 (Ventra card)
- Features: Fast and direct to the city center
- Cons: You may need to get to Midway Airport first.
Southwest Service (Metra)
- Nearest station: Worth or Oak Lawn
- Duration: 35-45 minutes to Union Station
- Cost: About $4-6 depending on the area
- Schedule: Limited trains, especially on weekends
Buses (CTA Bus)
Route 379 (95th/Dan Ryan)
- Connects Chicago Ridge to the Red Line
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Cost: $2.25 bus + $2.50 train
- Suitable for day trips
private car
Main roads
I-55 North
- The fastest and most direct way
- Duration: 25-40 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Leads directly to the city center
I-294 to I-90/94
- Alternate Route When Congested on I-55
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
Parking in Downtown
- Grant Park North Garage : $25-40 per day
- Millennium Lakeside Garage : $20-35 per day
- Navy Pier Parking : $30-45 daily
- Street Parking : $4-8 per hour (limited time)
Taxi and shared transportation services
Uber/Lyft
- Cost: $25-45 (depending on time and request)
- Duration: 25-40 minutes
- Comfortable but relatively expensive
traditional taxi
- Cost: $35-55
- Less convenient than smart apps
Tips and recommendations
Best times to travel
- Avoid rush hours : 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM
- Best times : midday or late evening
- Weekends : Less crowded but limited train services
save money
- Use your Ventra card to get discounts.
- Consider a monthly subscription if you travel regularly.
- Park outside downtown and use public transportation.
Planning the trip
- Check traffic conditions before setting off.
- Download the CTA or Metra app to track train schedules.
- Have a backup plan in case of delays.
Additional useful information
Useful applications
- Ventra : To pay public transportation fares
- Google Maps/Waze : For car navigation
- CTA Train Tracker : To track train schedules
- SpotHero : Pre-book parking spaces
Important numbers
- CTA Customer Service: 1-888-YOUR-CTA
- Metra Customer Service: 312-322-6777
- Traffic Information: 511
Conclusion
The best way to get from Chicago Ridge to Downtown depends on your personal circumstances:
- For speed : Private car outside rush hours
- For economy : Public transportation (train + bus)
- For convenience : Uber/Lyft or private car
- For the environment : public transportation
Remember to plan ahead and check traffic conditions and train schedules to ensure a smooth journey into the heart of Chicago.
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