CHICAGO L TRAIN GUIDE From a Local | 15 Tips on How to Ride the CTA Chicago Travel Guide

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  • čas přidán 8. 03. 2020
  • The Chicago L Train is the second longest public transit train system in the United States. In this travel video I present a guide to the CTA train system.
    From the history of the Chicago L Train to tips and tricks on how to ride the Chicago public trains, you will learn everything you need to know for navigating Chicago by L.
    The first L train was opened in 1892 by the Chicago and Southside Elevated Railroad Company. The CTA was formed in 1947 and consolidated the private L train companies in Chicago.
    The CTA train lines are named after colors - Red Line, Blue Line, Orange Line, Brown Line, Green Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, and Yellow Line.
    All of the CTA Trains go to the Chicago Loop (downtown) except the Yellow Line which goes to Skokie.
    Regardless of whether you're underground, at grade, or elevated above ground, the train system is called the L. We don't call in the Chicago Subway, the Chicago Tube, the Chicago Underground, or the Chicago Metro.
    'L' is short for Elevated Train as the majority of the train tracks are elevated. Chicago is the only major city in the United States with elevated train tracks running through its downtown area.
    A ride on the L Train costs $2.50, there is no time limit and there are no zones.
    I hope that this video is useful for newcomers and visitors to Chicago.
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Komentáře • 425

  • @sedp8710
    @sedp8710 Před 2 lety +8

    Chicago is a mind blowing city

  • @davidberlant5096
    @davidberlant5096 Před 2 lety +95

    My favorite feature of the "L" are the outside heat lamps on the 'L' platforms. Heat is available from November to March. You can stand under them while waiting for a train when temps are in the single digits. A very welcome sight during our harsh Chicago winters.

    • @mrmartinwatson1
      @mrmartinwatson1 Před rokem +1

      I wish they did it based off tempreture. Years ago, it would either still be cold or get cold before they began cutting them on.

  • @kugavi2679
    @kugavi2679 Před 3 lety +204

    If you're a first time L rider, its very easy to navigate through the city (Unlike the New York City Subway).
    Signs have clear directions and very easy to understand.

    • @LuisGustoComedy
      @LuisGustoComedy  Před 3 lety +16

      So true 🙌

    • @nel7136
      @nel7136 Před rokem +1

      U can’t pay cash right?

    • @EtcEtcEtcPodcast
      @EtcEtcEtcPodcast Před rokem

      How do you pay?

    • @puma7118
      @puma7118 Před rokem +3

      @@EtcEtcEtcPodcast a transit card or apply pay

    • @thetravelgoods2760
      @thetravelgoods2760 Před rokem +14

      That’s great to hear considering I navigated NYC subway with no problems, means I’ll be ok in Chicago!

  • @leereeder2293
    @leereeder2293 Před rokem +52

    I rode CTA quite heavily when I lived near Chicago and I am truly appreciative of the work they did as I rode Metra heavily as well along with Pace for suburban buses when needed. Will always appreciate the hard work that the people who work these lines do

  • @largetman
    @largetman Před 4 lety +50

    "Ding Dong, Doors Closing, ________ is next. Doors open on the (left/right) at ________."

  • @urbanesasquatch
    @urbanesasquatch Před 4 lety +4

    Color blind people would prefer number, letter, named rail lines. I used to jump up on the Cicero Ave platform on the Douglas Milwaukee line and spend the whole day on the L when I was a lad. I enjoyed the video.

    • @LuisGustoComedy
      @LuisGustoComedy  Před 4 lety +4

      That's so true, never thought about that! The L is the best, I hope that the city continues to invest in it well into the future!

    • @MTM358
      @MTM358 Před 3 lety +1

      Chicago does put the names on top of the colors. Even the countdown clocks that tell you when the next train is arriving have a spelled out version in smaller font.

  • @josejuliofuego
    @josejuliofuego Před 10 dny +1

    Visiting for the first time in July. Super excited to take the CTA. I love LA metro so hopefully it’s a good trip

  • @Ascertivus
    @Ascertivus Před rokem +7

    I just noticed that the history portion of this video is the least-watched. That sad my favorite part. :( From a huge rail history and public transportation enthusiast, thank you for including that and making this!!

  • @jenniferspears7074
    @jenniferspears7074 Před 3 lety +130

    Luis, this video was so well done!!! As a person who has taken the CTA most of her Iife, I was truly impressed with all of the information you included...and so detailed. Loved all the locations you went to, also!🤩🤩🤩

    • @LuisGustoComedy
      @LuisGustoComedy  Před 3 lety +9

      Thank you for the kind words, it was definitely a labor of love

  • @renereyes77
    @renereyes77 Před 3 lety +75

    Hey Bro, I'm also from South Florida 👍🏽 My wife and I are in Chicago for a few days. Thanks for this video. I really think that the best way to truly know a city is to take the transit system. Chicago is pretty awesome, we just might move here. ✌🏼

    • @Mr102185
      @Mr102185 Před 2 lety +4

      I totally agree with you.

    • @Mr102185
      @Mr102185 Před 2 lety +6

      Luis makes great videos, and y’all should definitely move here. Check out his video about South Loop (current resident). It’s super cool. Chicago has 200 neighborhoods to choose from.

  • @ambertiffany22ig43
    @ambertiffany22ig43 Před 2 lety +23

    I needed this! I’m from LA where we don’t really take public transportation and I’ll be visiting Chicago next week. I’ve been before but never have taken the L before. I’ll be taking it from the airport to my hotel so this helped a lot!!

    • @soccerruben1
      @soccerruben1 Před 11 měsíci +1

      We do have LA Metro Rail 🤷

    • @soccerruben1
      @soccerruben1 Před 11 měsíci +1

      And we’re doing extensions and improvements, even if it’s at a snail pace.

  • @markprad
    @markprad Před 3 lety +11

    I was born and raised in Chicago. Even though I now live in Miami, I really enjoy watching your videos. I miss Chicago, but not in the winter :)

    • @LuisGustoComedy
      @LuisGustoComedy  Před 3 lety +3

      Nice! I have lots of friends & family in Miami! Thanks for the kind words!!

    • @VictorRodriguez-ke8mr
      @VictorRodriguez-ke8mr Před 3 lety +1

      is winter very cold?

    • @markprad
      @markprad Před 3 lety +2

      @@VictorRodriguez-ke8mr Yes. Somedays it will get to -10 Fahrenheit and lots of snow for months

    • @VictorRodriguez-ke8mr
      @VictorRodriguez-ke8mr Před 3 lety +1

      @@markprad ohhh noo....ok...thanks for the info

  • @kathleencraig3804
    @kathleencraig3804 Před 2 lety +2

    I was born in chicago moved to Los angeles ca after HS then moved to Vegas, to Az to Florida ...miss the El train haven't been back since 1997 so much has changed since then ..$2.50 is a cheap way to go from home to work and always been best way to travel, avoiding driving car especially to downtown ...thank you for this awesome video.

  • @PHL1213
    @PHL1213 Před 2 lety +1

    Chi L looks so much cleaner than philly where i live. wish philly L system was this clean

  • @mackmann450
    @mackmann450 Před 4 lety +13

    I've always wanted to visit Chicago. I've only been to O'Hare twice due to layovers, so those don't count. The El is definitely way more extensive than the subway system here in Toronto. We only have four lines and it's been a decade-long undertaking to construct the fifth one, LOL.

    • @LuisGustoComedy
      @LuisGustoComedy  Před 4 lety +5

      You definitely should! And what a coincidence bc Toronto is high on my list of places I want to visit, would definitely want to see a Blue Jays game. Didn't know you guys had a subway system there, really cool to learn that. Thanks so much for watching!!

  • @tori.walkergulley
    @tori.walkergulley Před 9 měsíci +1

    I’m going to Chicago by the end of this month, so I’m watching videos on how to ride the public transit there

  • @elliottbeetz6753
    @elliottbeetz6753 Před 2 lety +1

    Huge help, thanks for the tips!

  • @gustinart9043
    @gustinart9043 Před 2 lety +1

    This is so helpful! Thanks!

  • @elferraz2854
    @elferraz2854 Před 4 lety +48

    You videos are great I hope you don't quit doing them for the lack of subscribers keep it up Man!! I love Chicago too

    • @LuisGustoComedy
      @LuisGustoComedy  Před 4 lety +4

      I really appreciate that, we have so much content planned out for the year, keep it locked 😎

  • @admidwest
    @admidwest Před 4 lety +33

    Thanks for this guide. The blue line from O'Hare is definitely a great option to take to the Loop downtown. I took this last time I was there to my hotel and it was very easy.

    • @LuisGustoComedy
      @LuisGustoComedy  Před 4 lety +6

      Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching! It's great to have a public transit option to and from airports!!

    • @jaslyn5501
      @jaslyn5501 Před rokem

      So good to know

  • @conyersfamily
    @conyersfamily Před rokem +1

    Thank you! Super helpful!

  • @fremonteaglesnetwork7932
    @fremonteaglesnetwork7932 Před 3 lety +1

    Great video...well done!

  • @PurrnRuff
    @PurrnRuff Před 9 měsíci +1

    Great video, so helpful, thank you!

  • @lizbethmagana8251
    @lizbethmagana8251 Před 2 lety +1

    This was very helpful thank you

  • @cerealkiller2222
    @cerealkiller2222 Před 2 lety +1

    The video is awesome ! Thank you

  • @bruce1002003
    @bruce1002003 Před 2 lety +1

    Great job!

  • @davebeckman2672
    @davebeckman2672 Před rokem +1

    This was a good video. Thanks.

  • @reneeguerreropozos777
    @reneeguerreropozos777 Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you so much for this video! It was very helpful!

  • @edgarmauricioaguilera6237

    Great information. Thank you soooo much

  • @bronxsportsfan
    @bronxsportsfan Před 2 lety +1

    The Quincy stop is one of my favorite rail stations. It's a throwback to the 90s--the 1890s!

  • @robertellis8924
    @robertellis8924 Před rokem +1

    Makes me miss home!

  • @supersaturn956
    @supersaturn956 Před rokem +1

    Nice brother, thank you for share.

  • @kprice399
    @kprice399 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Great video. Very helpful

  • @rmawn55
    @rmawn55 Před 2 lety +1

    My favorite Chicago Red line station. Grand!!!

  • @RandomReggie
    @RandomReggie Před měsícem

    Been watching your videos for months now leading to my first ever trip to Chicago this weekend for my birthday excited to take the L train didn't know so much rich history behind it :) I fly out tomorrow. 4 day trip wish it was 5 days but we got hit with a layover in ATL

  • @gustinart9043
    @gustinart9043 Před 2 lety +1

    Seriously. This was really beautiful!

  • @malenita7713
    @malenita7713 Před 2 lety +1

    Great video 👍👍👍👍

  • @4.6lexus83
    @4.6lexus83 Před 2 lety +1

    Love your videos brother. God bless you keep the positive good energy.

  • @domorocksX
    @domorocksX Před 2 lety +10

    This is an amazing video, you can tell alot of work was put into it. I love all the useful information you put, as a Chicagoan definitively going to link this to out of city friends!

  • @queenraven1458
    @queenraven1458 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Great video ❤

  • @EmilyTienne
    @EmilyTienne Před 2 lety +1

    Luis, thank you for this informative video. Nice work highlighting our beautiful CTA stations and explaining the ins and outs of the system. I loved the music as well.

  • @williamadornetto2850
    @williamadornetto2850 Před 2 lety +23

    Love it! Kudos from someone who spent my first 46 years in Chicago and many days riding those trains. Thanks to both of you for making it simple,informative and fun!

  • @CrimsonRaven51
    @CrimsonRaven51 Před 2 lety +14

    I’m originally from Chicago. I remember when it cost a quarter to ride a bus and transfer to the “L” train was free. I still have one of the CTA tokens used. So very different now.😢

    • @Alexander-ll7gs
      @Alexander-ll7gs Před 2 lety +1

      What year was this?

    • @sulphurous2656
      @sulphurous2656 Před 2 lety +2

      Those transit cards and maps from 12 years ago now were also pretty great.

  • @keithfalkingham8861
    @keithfalkingham8861 Před 2 lety +2

    Great little quick film stuffed with valuable information for when I visit the great city of Chicago, thanks

  • @aj031890
    @aj031890 Před rokem +2

    I know this video is a couple of years old now but it's worth mentioning that CTA lowered its fares. It's $2.25 to ride and up to 2 transfers are now free

  • @esmereldadelacasa82
    @esmereldadelacasa82 Před 4 lety +16

    Great and interesting train facts!

  • @Maya_Ruinz
    @Maya_Ruinz Před 2 lety +5

    Really awesome video, planning on moving to Chicago in the future and have been looking for a good introduction to the L. Super helpful seeing this from a native Chicago perspective it was the one thing I wanted to understand from day 1

  • @learnspanishtoday1195
    @learnspanishtoday1195 Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you ! I’m at the airport and need to find my way around . This was very helpful!

  • @jcsussex
    @jcsussex Před 4 dny

    4 years late, but great vid. Love this channel.

  • @renatanicewicz4234
    @renatanicewicz4234 Před 2 lety +1

    Very interesting and useful video! I 'm going to visit Chicago in May:), thank you for sharing

  • @cathykellogg4347
    @cathykellogg4347 Před rokem

    I love that you ended this with etiquette- thanks for the tips!!

  • @BlindLightbulb
    @BlindLightbulb Před 4 lety +13

    Awesome video especially the history of the L!

  • @knowledgeiskey1319
    @knowledgeiskey1319 Před 3 lety +4

    this is an incredible level of quality woeww

  • @vincentpatitucci1018
    @vincentpatitucci1018 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Shout out to the work and time spent on this video.

  • @DanteeArias1
    @DanteeArias1 Před 4 lety +8

    Awesome video dude!

  • @SouthsidePottery
    @SouthsidePottery Před 2 lety +15

    Hi! We love your videos on CZcams for Chicago! I was hoping you & Narissa could make a video for train & bus tip safety for a young person riding by themself.
    Like where should they sit, what to do if approached? Thanks!

  • @frankbrenner4852
    @frankbrenner4852 Před 2 lety +2

    Great vid! Chicago native and enjoyed the info. Thanks for helping tourists and residents in this great city.

  • @robc5140
    @robc5140 Před 2 lety +7

    Luis - I'll be traveling to Chicago later this month and have found your videos incredibly informative. Thank you for taking the time to post so much about the city. Chicago is fortunate to have such an engaged and knowledgable ambassador. all the best, Rob

  • @skeksilthechamberlain1479

    I’m planning on visiting Chicago soon and your video is a big help for knowing how to navigate the transit system. Thank you!

  • @pissoff61
    @pissoff61 Před 2 lety +1

    I LOVE CHICAGO

  • @icedteamama176
    @icedteamama176 Před 2 lety

    Perfect! Going to Chicago on Memorial weekend…we’ll definitely try the L. Thank you! 👍

  • @johnkrake
    @johnkrake Před 3 lety +3

    Visting Chicago for the first time this weekend, and want to use public transportation whenever possible. Thanks for this awesome video!

  • @harriedavies3940
    @harriedavies3940 Před 3 lety +1

    I might have to start sharing this video with my friends who visit from out of town/overseas! I'm used to the CTA after several years here but it's helpful and fun!

  • @chibispacekase9448
    @chibispacekase9448 Před rokem

    This is legit one of the best videos I have ever seen for a rail system. Bravo!

  • @benjaminwagner8141
    @benjaminwagner8141 Před 2 lety

    Found this channel whilst searching about Wrigley Field. So informative about Chicago. Totally going to use these as a point of reference

  • @islamicsalami7208
    @islamicsalami7208 Před rokem +1

    I live in Chicsgo and ride the L all the time and still found this entertaining! Great video!

  • @jonathanwilder5555
    @jonathanwilder5555 Před 3 lety +7

    Loving the history, very thorough description of my beloved city!

  • @BusDriverLife
    @BusDriverLife Před 3 lety +1

    Great video! Thanks for the info!

  • @jamesh8927
    @jamesh8927 Před rokem +1

    Great job on this video! (and your whole channel, really) The tips and tricks reminded me of the preflight videos they play on planes except I was actually paying attention to your video! 😅

  • @Rosafit620
    @Rosafit620 Před 4 lety +6

    Amazing facts and great history information. You’re awesome! Thanks for the great info. Seems like the best and most efficient way of travel throughout the city.

    • @LuisGustoComedy
      @LuisGustoComedy  Před 4 lety +1

      Thank you!! Very happy you enjoyed the guide, appreciate it!

  • @user-xi4nz3be1x
    @user-xi4nz3be1x Před 3 lety +4

    Wow this is an amazingly concise and informative video. Keep up the great work!

  • @emilmehic4159
    @emilmehic4159 Před 3 lety +1

    Lovely, man

  • @thenobleone-3384
    @thenobleone-3384 Před 3 lety +8

    This is something for me to start learning I won't be moving until the fall time. But I know it will take some time for me to get used to the L Train.

  • @annecaro.3956
    @annecaro.3956 Před rokem

    very nice ! thank you

  • @kadenreyes5871
    @kadenreyes5871 Před 4 lety +9

    You should do more videos about our lovely transit system and I liked your video 😊

  • @ellion25
    @ellion25 Před 3 lety +2

    Thanks for this video. Makes me think of my past trips to Chicago and is making me want to go back.

  • @TMD3453
    @TMD3453 Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks, Luis. Didn’t know re two major airports. Makes Chicago look good. Peace

  • @Wildcat6319
    @Wildcat6319 Před 2 lety +2

    Very helpful video…looking forward to using the L on our visit next week!

  • @emilyfreiburger414
    @emilyfreiburger414 Před 2 lety

    Super Helpful!

  • @paulz4667
    @paulz4667 Před 4 lety +3

    One of best public transport in the world

  • @sunnydaynocloudz
    @sunnydaynocloudz Před 3 lety +1

    These chicago videos are excellent. Getting me prepared for my trip.

  • @82leegary
    @82leegary Před 2 lety +4

    This is very educational. Especially since I am moving to Chicago in 4 weeks. And will be using the L train.

  • @stevedoubleu99B
    @stevedoubleu99B Před 3 lety +1

    A great guide for a great railway system. Best wishes from UK.

  • @karizmayildo8859
    @karizmayildo8859 Před 2 lety +1

    I've been there in 2018
    Love your video's 👍
    Greetings from Holland 😁

  • @peteroberts6771
    @peteroberts6771 Před 2 lety +1

    I love Chicago.

  • @lcracalcraca9425
    @lcracalcraca9425 Před 6 měsíci

    Greetings from Colombia. Great video. I have "Chicago" on my list for my next travel,,, I hope !!!!

  • @bodegatiger404
    @bodegatiger404 Před 3 lety +1

    bless you for this. I'll be living there alone for a month and I'm so nervous about getting around

  • @elizabethrincon4016
    @elizabethrincon4016 Před rokem +1

    Thank you! Just accepted a job with the Chicago Philharmonic and we move in three weeks. Your channel is super helpful.

  • @cloud9aviation84
    @cloud9aviation84 Před 4 lety +1

    Great video, many thanks for the tips, planning a visit to your city next march all being well, a 2 day stay then catching the Amtrak to California 👍,

    • @LuisGustoComedy
      @LuisGustoComedy  Před 4 lety

      Appreciate it! Hope you have a great time visiting! Thanks for watching 😎

  • @corywilliams458
    @corywilliams458 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Great Video...coming frm Detroit, that "L", lil intimidating....Jus dont wanna miss my stop & have 2 walk back

  • @Parsi__X
    @Parsi__X Před rokem +1

    Appreciate your videos on Chicago.. I like the way you talk/walk.. rapper style ;)

  • @shhaiwatoumcibian
    @shhaiwatoumcibian Před 2 lety

    Thank you my friend

  • @ettoreposterli
    @ettoreposterli Před 3 lety +5

    I just moved to the city for school and Luis Gusto is my go-to for any info! Keep it up man

  • @osagiee.guobadia-secondytc4624

    Thank you on your train guide to the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), Luis plus your girlfriend or your friend. At the end, I stick with the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) in NYC. 😃👏👏👏

  • @ilahildasissac1943
    @ilahildasissac1943 Před 3 lety +5

    I recall when the Ravenswood Line became the Brown Line.

  • @dtheman4J
    @dtheman4J Před 2 lety +2

    Great video Luis. As a subway/Metro/El enthusiast, I look forward to visiting Chicago soon.

  •  Před 3 lety +2

    Yo I really like your style, you got that confident attitude lol keep up the good work bro! 👍🏾 liked and subscribed!

  • @anokat
    @anokat Před 9 měsíci +3

    Wow, I was always too nervous to take the L because I've used the SSL in the past, and it seemed needlessly confusing. I just recently went to New York and used the subway there, and it was so easy! I figure now it's time to learn my way around chicago's rail system.

  • @1958zed
    @1958zed Před 13 dny

    Great video. I'm heading to Chicago this week and, even though I grew up in the SW burbs, I never had a reason to ride the L. I'll be heading to Wrigley Field via Metra and the Red Line.

  • @havingteawiththedevil
    @havingteawiththedevil Před 2 lety +1

    As a Chicago native, i never has no idea how to take the L. At all. Even in my adult years. Always took the bus or the Metra. Never the L but i want to try.