Identify CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) routes from Midway. For trains, Midway is the first stop on the CTA Orange Line. For buses, the #54 and #55 run along IL 50 / Cicero Avenue and 55th Street, respectively.
Track the CTA Orange Line route. The Orange Line connects Midway Airport to Chicago's downtown Loop via the Archer Avenue and I-55 / Stevenson Expressway corridors. All other CTA train lines also provide direct service to the Loop. From the Orange Line, important transfer points are located at Roosevelt, and Clark - Lake.
Match individual CTA train lines alongside local roads and landmarks as reference points. On the North Side, the CTA Red Line follows a path that is generally two miles west of Lake Michigan until the Chicago - Evanston border. The CTA Brown and Blue lines also serve the North Side at Lincoln Avenue and the Kennedy Expressway, respectively. From the West Side and Oak Park, the Blue Line accommodates riders along the I-290 / Eisenhower Expressway, while Green Line el trains move above Lake Street. Lastly, South Siders can pick up the Red Line at the I-90/94 Dan Ryan Expressway and the Green Line off King Drive.
Define your destination from Midway. Most visitors to Chicago will take the Orange Line to the Loop for downtown hotels, or transfers onto other CTA train lines. Locals may prefer to take the #54 or #55 buses as a shortcut to the West and South sides of town. University of Chicago students can take the #55, heading east from Midway, directly to campus.
Deboard your plane at Midway and walk to the baggage claim. From the baggage claim, you may follow signs to the CTA el platform or bus depot. The walkway to the CTA train station features an orange dividing strip.
Buy your CTA public transportation fare. As of 2010, a CTA one-way fare costs $2.25 and you must have exact change. CTA Orange Line fare card machines are located just outside of the station platform turnstiles. For a CTA bus, you will pay the fare when you enter the bus. To help you navigate direction, CTA buses and trains post their last stop overhead.
Transfer at the Loop from your Orange Line train, if applicable. For the South Side, you can transfer onto Red or Green Line trains at Roosevelt. You can access all other CTA lines from Clark and Lake. CTA buses headed north and east from Midway will also intersect CTA train lines at the Eisenhower Expressway, Dan Ryan Expressway and King Drive.
Exit the CTA system at your final destination.
