Riding the el - Chicago
 

In my years as a native Chicagoan, I spent a whole lot of time on the el. But now, it's been more than 10 years since I've used it.. I'll be headed downtown to the Art Institute and figure to grab the train from one of the stops along the Kennedy -- River Road? Harlem? My questions -

Where are my best parking chances? Are there stations with dedicated parking areas?

What's the fare and will I be able to pay at the station (along the lines of the NYC transit pass?) - credit card? cash?

Thanks!

Not sure where you are coming from but here is the link to the "park and ride" page of the Chicago Transit Authority.

http://www.transitchicago.com/parking/

For now you can just buy a transit card at any station (almost exactly like NY metrocard). But we are going to a new system more like London's oystercard.

http://www.transitchicago.com/ventra/

I always use cash to buy or load a card. But I believe at least some of the machines take credit cards. Here is more:

http://www.transitchicago.com/riding...uyingfare.aspx

Not sure what you doing but if you are just going and coming from Art Institute (and not making other trips the same day) you probably just want a regular fare card loaded with $$$.

Enjoy Chicago!

ttt

Thanks. Had been to the CTA site, but overlooked the parking info. So I guess I'm set. Thanks again.

FWIW, Harlem has very minimal parking. I suggest parking at the Cumberland blue line. Don't forget to bring your ticket so you can pay for parking before you get back to your car.