Using Public Transportation to Explore Hyde Park and Chicago

Kerem Tasdan, MPP Class of 2026, shares a helpful, quick reference guide to using public transportation to explore Hyde Park and Chicago!

Since starting my academic journey here at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, I’ve come to appreciate the nuances of the public transit system—around campus, Hyde Park, and the rest of the city of Chicago. Whether you’re like me and come from an area with very minimal public transit infrastructure or moving to Chicago with lots of public transit experience, it can be daunting to initially navigate all the transportation options here. So, I wanted to write a quick, high-level overview for when you join us for campus visits or other on-campus events (or as a studentr!)

• The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the “ol’ reliable” method of commuting around the city and is made up of buses and trains—the latter is affectionately known as the "L," short for "elevated trains." For buses, depending on where you live in Chicago, there are often numerous stops to choose from. It’s best not to get overwhelmed, and for those of us who are not as geographically inclined, maps are your friend here. It’s always a solid habit to map out your routes (for both buses and the “L” train system), as well as the time it will take to arrive at your destination in advance. Whether bus or train, the CTA is the best way to explore the city, including museums (many of which are free to UChicago students), festivals, and restaurants.
• Similarly, the Metra trains work great to take you to larger hubs across the city, but also surrounding neighborhoods, suburbs, and even to the state of Wisconsin! A fun way of utilizing the Metra is for planned-out trips with friends to farther away areas than just your immediate neighborhood. Check out this article for some great Metra daytrip ideas. 
• For all these options so far, you can get a day, three-day, week, or month pass to commute around the city using the Ventra app. However, with the UChicago Shuttle system, you can also get around Hyde Park and campus entirely for free! This is one of the best ways to plan your daily commute, or go explore a new part of campus with friends—perhaps a day visit to the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum?
• Lastly, there is the entirely new option for students to utilize UChicago’s exclusive RideSmart by Via program, providing free rides on and around UChicago’s campus starting after 5 p.m. every day—perfect for a commute after a long day’s work at school.

No matter where you’re looking to go or how you’re wanting to get there, there are a variety of transportation options for you as a UChicago student—and Chicago resident—to utilize as you explore all the city has to offer.