Travel

The “El” is the cheapest, best way to get downtown and avoid parking headaches.  A one-way fare is $1.75.  Fare cards can be purchased at the El stations per ride and cards can be “recharged” at any Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) machine.  There is a CTA Card “Plus” that allows for three important things:

1. Automatic reloading, deducted from your checking account or charged to your credit card automatically when the total drops below a certain point;
2. Replacement if lost or stolen at the amount on it when lost or stolen;
3. Bonus $1 for every $10 spent, which can add up. 

CTA does not offer student discounts, but you can transfer for free within two hours of getting off the El.

The purple line runs north and south through Evanston.  The three stations closest to campus are: Davis, Foster, and Noyes Streets just west of Sherman Ave.  Dempster and Main Street are two more Evanston stops for those who live further south.  Trains run about every 15-20 minutes; wait is longer on nights and weekends.  While the trains are generally clean and safe, it is not advisable to ride the trains alone after 10:00 pm. 

Maps and schedules are available from El stations, but even more useful is the “Trip Planner” tool on the CTA’s website.  This tool will give you door-to-door train, bus, and walking directions.  To get to Chicago, take the purple line, direction Howard.  During off-peak hours, the purple line ends at Howard Street.  To get downtown, stay on the platform and wait for the red line, direction Dan Ryan.  This trip takes about 45 minutes to get to the loop.  During peak hours, this route becomes the “Evanston Express” skips most of the red line stops; thus, it only takes about 30 minutes and skips the parking issue.