Chicago transportation best bet
 

We will be in Chicago during the week for a family vacation. I'm confused about the best way to get around. I'm thinking about the 3 day CTA visitor pass, or the hop-on hop-off bus tour, or the free trolley. I'm afraid we will get to our downtown hotel and then not know how to get anywhere. Any advice? Thanks!!!

I'm guessing that the CTA visitor pass is the way to go. The El and the buses go to many places, and they're easy. They're all over downtown.

I don't know much about the hop-on hop-off bus tour in Chicago, but in NYC that's definitely not the way to get around.

I was in Chicago in September, the free trolley routes were limited. Hop-on-off has limited ours, if you plan to get back to the hotel by 6 pm (which I doubt!) then it may be useful.

I was happy with the CTA pass, unlimited buses/metro. If you miss your stop, you can go back, or get off if you see something interesting from the window, then continue...

2 things you need to know before going:

1) how long will you be in the city? If 3 days, then 3-day pass, if longer, there are longer passes

2) where to buy this pass. Do you plan on taking the El from the airport? Buy it at the airport. If not (I took a shuttle) on the website there is a long list of places selling passes, I got mine from a convenience shop.

You will know how to get to places. The map of downtown with bus routes marked - printed off the Internet - this is what I used the most. Also every bus stop has a route map. Ask the driver and passengers if needed.

Autumnut, I just realized that we've crossed paths on the Frommers board, too, right?

Downtown is very easily navigated. Just get a map that is big enough to read specific neighborhoods.

Best bet is the CTA pass. Busses will take you to most sights.