Car or Public Transportation?

Question

My wife, young son, and I will be visiting Chicago in August. We want to do all the touristy things in downtown as it’s our first time visiting. We want to go to the art museum, the natural history museum and try some of the local foods.

I was told that the parking can be very expensive and that I should park my car near the city and try using the public transportation instead. I’m a little nervous about that with my son though.

Is the parking very expensive? Are the subways easy to use? If I leave my car somewhere and use the subway all day will that be cheaper than parking somewhere central and just walking around all day?

Answer

Visiting Chicago is a great experience, and you're right to consider both parking and public transportation options. Chicago’s downtown area can be challenging when it comes to parking, but the good news is that public transportation is an excellent and convenient way to get around, especially with a young child. Let’s break it down for you:

Parking in Chicago: Yes, parking in the downtown area can be expensive, especially near popular attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Natural History Museum. On-street parking can cost anywhere from $3 to $6 per hour, and most spots have a 2-hour limit. In some areas, you might find parking garages or lots that offer daily rates ranging from $20 to $50 depending on the location. If you park for a full day, it can add up quickly, especially if you are visiting multiple attractions in one day.

Public Transportation (CTA): The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates both buses and the "L" (short for elevated train) system, which is a convenient and affordable way to travel around the city. The subway and the “L” are easy to use and can take you to most major tourist destinations. The stations are typically well-marked and accessible, and the trains and buses are air-conditioned, which is a big plus during the hot summer months. For a family, the CTA offers a 7-day Ventra Pass which provides unlimited rides on buses and trains for about $20 per person. This pass can be an excellent value if you plan to use public transit frequently during your trip.

In terms of safety, the CTA is generally safe, especially during the day, and there are always a lot of people around, especially in downtown areas. If you're traveling with your son, you might want to take extra care during rush hours or on crowded trains, but overall, it’s a convenient and family-friendly option. Many visitors find the subway system easy to navigate, with clear signs and announcements. If you have a smartphone, you can also download the CTA app to track routes and train schedules in real time.

Cost Comparison: Using the CTA for the day would likely be cheaper than paying for parking in a central area. If you park somewhere on the outskirts of the city (like in a less expensive parking garage or even using a park-and-ride lot), you could save on parking costs. For example, a daily parking rate at a suburban park-and-ride lot might be around $5 to $10, and then you could take the CTA to downtown. Even with the cost of the subway tickets, the total for public transportation would be far less than the cost of parking in the heart of downtown for the entire day.
Convenience: The CTA is very convenient for tourists. You can use the trains to get close to many of Chicago’s major attractions, such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Art Institute, and the Museum Campus, where the Natural History Museum is located. If you’re staying in a hotel near a CTA station, you can easily hop on and off without much hassle.
Alternatives: If you’re still unsure about public transportation with your son, consider using a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. These services are widely available in Chicago and may be more convenient for door-to-door service. It will be more expensive than public transit but can still be more affordable than parking in a central garage.

In conclusion, using public transportation in Chicago is not only cost-effective but also a convenient way to explore the city. If you're concerned about safety or comfort, you can always plan your travel during less busy times and avoid crowded trains. Overall, if you park outside of downtown and use the CTA, it will likely be cheaper than paying for expensive parking in the city. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the ease of hopping on and off the trains without worrying about finding parking at each stop.

Enjoy your trip to Chicago, and don't forget to try the local foods—deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs are a must!