Find the right line.Before you just go out and ride the el, you'll need to figure out which line(s) you need to take to get there. Chicago's el has multiple tracks that cover the entire city and some of the surrounding areas. All of the lines are named for colors. Some of the more popular ones are the red line, the brown line, the orange line, the pink line, etc. There are a bunch and they all go a different route. So go to the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) website and find the one that can get you to where you need to go.
Pay your fare.There are many ways you can pay for your ride on the el. If you just bring cash with you to the station, you will be able to pay right on the spot. Only you don't just give someone your $2 and board the el, you have to get yourself a card.Inside each station are these giant blue machines where you get your el cards. You put your cash inside and it prints out a pass for you, which you then have to swipe in the turnstyles.Another way to pay for your ride is to prepay for your card. If you choose this option, you won't have to wait in line to get your pass (sometimes these lines can take a few minutes, especially during peak hours). You can prepay for a card and put as much money on it as you want. This way, the $2 will just get deducted from your account each time you ride. It's also possible to set it up so that your card will automatically refill when it runs out of money. It's a great system.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.At each station, at least during normal work hours, there will be someone on site who can answer all of your questions. These people know everything about the el system and can be a great resource for those who are not 100-percent positive about their ride.You should ask them anything you want. From which train to take where, how much fares are and where to find the el entrances. They will know everything about the el and where it's gone and will be going.Many of the people who take the el are willing to help those who have questions. Just find a friendly face and ask away.
Ride the train.Once you've paid your fare, head up to the where the train stops. Be sure to get on the correct side of the tracks, because one side goes in one direction, and the other side goes in the opposite direction. It can be confusing, so make sure you have made the right choice.The el is on a schedule, and mostly it comes right on or close to the quoted time. During popular times, the el can run every 10 minutes or so. Once your train arrives, the doors will automatically open. All of them open at the exact same time. They will stay open for about 10-20 seconds at a time as people move in and out. There will be an announcement that the doors are closing, and about five seconds later they will swiftly close.
Transfer if you need to.Sometimes you will require more than one different train to get you to your destination. That's okay, because the el provides free transfers.There area limited number of designated stations that allow you to transfer from one line to the other absolutely free. It's only a few stations, but it will allow you to get to different places.Make sure to consult a map before your trip to locate the transfer stations if that's what you need.
