Getting to UChicago and paying for public tranport

Question

I'm thinking of a short trip to Chicago in Dec/Jan (mostly to see Phantom) and would probably be staying in the Loop. I'm thinking of maybe going to some of the University of Chicago museums and/or the DuSable Museum. I'll be a solo woman.

Google maps is showing that I can take a bus to nearish the MSI and then walk. Also the Metra Electric train. I think this should be safe, right? (Not really sure of current areas to avoid.)

It also says I can take the red line to Garfield, which I think might be a little more questionable safety wise?

I can obviously take uber, but I like to do public transport when I can as it's (usually) cheaper and better for the environment. (Of course in winter I may need to reconsider this, but I'm being optimistic about the weather right now.)

Any recommendations on this would be great.

It's been a while since I took any buses in Chicago, and it looks like I can now just PAYG with a contactless credit card, right? Are the fares the same as with the Ventra card? I do have an (old) Ventra card but it seems like a pain to load it and keep track if I can just use my credit card. Can I do this on the Metra train too?

Thanks.

Answer

Chicago has a well-established public transportation system, and it’s quite feasible to reach University of Chicago and the DuSable Museum from the Loop using transit, even as a solo traveler. Many visitors rely on buses, the ‘L’ train, and Metra trains, and with a little planning, these can be safe and convenient.

For your specific destinations:

Museum of Science and Industry (MSI): Taking a CTA bus from the Loop to the area near the MSI is a common option. Alternatively, the Metra Electric District line can drop you off closer to the museum with a short walk. Both options are generally safe during the day, especially on weekdays.
University of Chicago campus & DuSable Museum: The Metra Electric line is a solid choice. It travels through relatively busy areas during the day, and the stations around Hyde Park (like 55th-56th-57th Street) are typically safe, particularly in daylight. Walking around the campus area is generally considered safe, with a good number of students and faculty present.
CTA Red Line to Garfield: While the Red Line is very convenient, the Garfield stop is in a neighborhood that can be quieter and less busy, especially after dark. For a solo visitor, it’s safer to plan your trip for daylight hours, or consider exiting at a busier station and connecting via a bus that goes directly to your destination.

Regarding fares and payment:

CTA (buses and trains): Chicago now allows contactless payment using a credit or debit card, as well as mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. This is essentially the same as paying with a Ventra card. Using contactless payment is straightforward—just tap your card or device at the reader when boarding a bus or entering a train station.
Ventra card: While still an option, Ventra requires either pre-loading value or purchasing passes. If you prefer simplicity and already have a contactless card, you can skip the Ventra card entirely.
Metra trains: Payment is different from CTA. Metra tickets are generally purchased before boarding via the Ventra app, Metra website, ticket vending machines at stations, or at ticket counters. Contactless credit cards are not accepted directly on Metra trains; you need a physical or digital Metra ticket.

Other tips for solo travel and public transit in Chicago:

Plan your trips during daylight whenever possible. Stations and bus stops are safer when they are busy.
Check bus schedules in advance—some routes run less frequently in winter.
Keep an eye on weather conditions; snow and ice can make walking from stations more challenging.
If you feel uncomfortable at any stop, Uber or Lyft is always an option and can be more convenient in cold weather.
Use apps like Google Maps or the Ventra app to track buses in real time, which reduces waiting time at stops.

Overall, your plan to use public transport while staying in the Loop is very doable. The Metra Electric line and bus connections are reliable for Hyde Park destinations. CTA buses and trains are safe in the daytime, and contactless credit card payments simplify transit usage. Just exercise standard solo-traveler caution in quieter neighborhoods or after dark.

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