How to Get Around Campus Using Public Transportation

Harris’ main building, The Keller Center, is located at 1307 East 60th Street and is easily accessible from other areas in Hyde Park through public transit. CTA buses and Metra trains are two popular ways students get around campus and you can find more details about each option below.

Apart from public transportation, UChicago offers multiple transit options for students, faculty, and staff—you can find out more about The UGo Shuttle Program and other University transit options here.  

Most students use a combination of the Ventra App (for tracking public transit), Passio GO (for University transit including buses and shuttles), and Citymapper (both for public transit and UGo shuttles) to plan their commute. 

Students can use the 171 and 172 bus routes pictured below in green and purple to not only access the Keller Center but also other important locations around the University of Chicago campus, such as the Regenstein library to study, the University of Chicago Bookstore to get swag, or one of the many local restaurants and attractions.

Purchasing Ventra Tickets

Students, faculty, and staff of the university ride FREE on the 171 and 172 routes upon displaying a University-issued ID. All other travelers pay the standard CTA fare of $2.25 per ride.

If you are traveling with people who do not have a University-issued ID, they will have to pay by cash, credit card, use a ticket, or their Ventra card. Single-ride tickets and Ventra cards may be purchased at Ventra machines located at CTA train stations.

Types of Ventra tickets:

• Single ride—allows a single person one ride plus two transfers on CTA buses and trains within 2 hours from first use
• 1 day ticket—allows one person unlimited rides on CTA buses and trains for 24 hours from first use
• Ventra card—pay-as-you-go system where you load transit value onto your card at stations and on the Ventra app and use it for continuous rides

It is highly recommended you download the Ventra app on your smartphone. It allows you to add transit value for your CTA Ventra card, track the location of buses, and view transit timetables, making your travels more efficient.

How to board/disembark a CTA bus

Wait at the bus stop. Upon seeing potential passengers, the bus driver will stop for you to board. Wait for passengers to exit the vehicle before entering. The CTA has a contactless method to pay for transit. Tap the Ventra card on the scanner at the front of the bus: the scanner will turn green, signaling that the payment has gone through. If you are riding the 171 or 172 and have your University-issued ID, you do not need to use your Ventra card. Instead, show your University-issued ID to the driver and they will let you continue and find a seat. Labelled seats at the front are for disabled and the elderly (if the bus is full and you see someone who fits the criteria board, please give up your seat).

Upcoming stops are displayed on a screen toward the front of the vehicle and are also called out over the PA. Once your stop is displayed/called out, pull the cord that runs around the perimeter of the bus (you can see it trailing above the windows) and it will signal to the driver that a passenger requests to get off. Once the bus slows down, work your way to the front and exit. Don’t forget to thank the bus driver!

If you are positioned towards the back of the bus, you can also exit via the side doors. Just press on the doors when the bus has stopped and they will automatically swing open.

*Schedules are subject to change based on season—refer to Ventra app or transitchicago.com/schedules for the most up-to-date schedules.

Taking the Metra 

In addition to buses, The Metra Electric District Line runs through Hyde Park and can be accessed at several train stations. All students are eligible for a free, Day Pass 5 Pack each academic year, which can be used on any Metra line, by registering on my.uchicago.edu. 

The Metra Electric Orange line runs through Hyde Park and the Univ. of Chicago/59th St stop is about a 9 minute walk from the Keller Center. 

Purchasing tickets 

• On the Ventra App—The Ventra app enables you to purchase and display Metra tickets on your smartphone using a credit or debit card or your Ventra account. You can buy tickets anytime and present them to the conductor during your journey. 
• At the Station—Most Metra tickets can be conveniently purchased from vending machines located at downtown stations and the busiest outlying stations. 

Refer to Ventra app or transitchicago.com/schedules for the most up-to-date schedules.