Get to know the system. The "L" is a series of eight rail lines totaling more than 100 miles of track, most of which is elevated, with some being underground. The eight lines are designated by color: Blue, red, yellow, brown, pink, orange, purple and green. At some point, each line leads to the Loop downtown, except for the yellow line, which goes from Skokie to the Howard station and only runs weekdays. The purple line only runs during rush hour and follows the north side of the red line. An expansion is being planned that would connect all the Metro stations with the "L." There are also plans to have an express route from the airports to the Loop downtown.
Determine what color the line is at the stop. It will either be indicated on the stairs up to the station, or overhead when walking down toward the subway. Each station has a map of where that particular train goes.
Pay your fare. The fare is determined by how you intend to pay. With the Chicago card it is $1.75 and $0.25 for a transfer. Although, some stations offer free transfers. A Chicago card has a stored value. You can add money to it at any CTA vending machine. You may also buy a transit card at the station. The price is $2 per ride. Value can also be added to a transit card. Another way to purchase a fare to ride the "L" is to get a pass. Passes are generally bought by tourists. Each pass offers unlimited rides on all rail lines and buses. They can be bought for a period of one, two, three, five, seven or 30 days. A one-day pass costs $5, two-day costs $9, three-day costs $12, and a five-day pass costs $18. A seven-day pass costs $20. Finally, a 30-day pass costs $75.
Enter the turnstile with your ticket. Once you're through the station, you'll be on a platform with a track on each side. Each side will have the last stop of the route posted. Get on the train that is heading in the direction you want to go.
Look for a map of all the stops the train makes once you're on the train. The maps are above the doors. Keep track of where your stop is and know the stop right before yours so when the conductor calls it, you'll know you need to get off next. Most train rides might take awhile, so take something to read, you don't want to get caught staring at the wrong person.
Get up and get close to a door right before the train gets to your stop. During rush hour, you don't want to get stuck on a train because of the people getting in and out of the doors. Once you're off, just pass back through the turnstile, get to the street, and go on with your day.
