Here are some tools and tips to help plan your Chicago adventures:

Maps

It’s always helpful to have a map, especially one that shows “you are here.” Find directions to/from the Hyatt using this customized Google Map. When searching for directions, click on the “Take Public Transportation” link to see bus and/or train options.

CTA: Bus & Train

The website of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has bus/train maps and schedules. The CTA has partnered with Google to offer a trip planner that will suggest a public transportation route to get you to your destination. The Trip Planner is available on the CTA website and from within any Google Map of Chicago (see note above).

The cash fare for CTA buses is $2 per trip, exact change only. Fares are slightly lower when you use a CTA fare card on the bus: $1.75 per trip, and 25 cents for transfers. You must purchase a fare card to ride the CTA trains (also called the “El”, short for elevated train). The fare for trains is $2. Purchase a card and add value at CTA stations, and at many currency exchange outlets.

If you plan to do a lot of site-seeing around the city, consider purchasing a CTA vistor pass. Passes are available for 1, 2, 3, and 5 days, and offer unlimited travel on buses and trains. Take 3 rides in a day, and you’ve already paid for the 1-day pass ($5)!

Taxi

For taxi company phone numbers, see this list on the City of Chicago webpages. An easy number to commit to memory is that of Yellow Cab: 312-TAXI-CAB.