The Orange Line is a CTA rapid transit route in Chicago’s “L” system, linking the Loop with Midway International Airport and the Southwest Side. The route is about 13 miles (21 km) long and uses elevated and at-grade track. It opened on October 31, 1993, and remains one of the most useful public transport links for airport trips, downtown travel, and local transport across the southwest part of the city.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Chicago Transit Authority “L” rapid transit system |
| Route | Midway International Airport to the Loop, then clockwise around the inner Loop and back to Midway |
| Length | About 13 miles (21 km) |
| Opened | October 31, 1993 |
| Main purpose | Airport access, Southwest Side city transport, and downtown connections |
| Typical running time | About 57 minutes for the full route; about 20–25 minutes between Midway and downtown |
| Fare system | Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket, contactless bankcard, and mobile wallet payments |
Orange Line Chicago “L” Map
The Orange Line Chicago “L” map shows all available stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Orange Line Chicago “L” map in PDF format.
Stations and Main Stops
The Orange Line route starts at Midway and follows a clear path train toward downtown Chicago. After serving Southwest Side stations, trains enter the Loop and make all stops clockwise before returning to Midway. For trip planning, the stations list below works like a simple stations map in route order.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Midway | Terminal station for Midway International Airport; connected to the airport by an enclosed walkway |
| Pulaski | Southwest Side station with CTA bus connections |
| Kedzie | Southwest Side station with CTA bus connections |
| Western | Southwest Side station with CTA bus connections |
| 35th/Archer | Serves the Archer corridor and McKinley Park area |
| Ashland | Southwest Side stop with multiple bus transfers |
| Halsted | Serves the Bridgeport area and connects with CTA buses |
| Roosevelt | Connection point for Green Line and Red Line service via the Roosevelt/State tunnel |
| Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren | Loop station with nearby rail and bus transfers |
| LaSalle/Van Buren | Loop station with Metra Rock Island access nearby |
| Quincy | Historic Loop station with access toward downtown rail terminals |
| Washington/Wells | Loop station with Brown, Pink, and Purple Line connections |
| Clark/Lake | Major downtown transfer station |
| State/Lake | Loop station with Red Line access nearby |
| Washington/Wabash | Loop station near Millennium Park and downtown attractions |
| Adams/Wabash | Loop station near the Art Institute and South Loop destinations |
After Adams/Wabash, Orange Line trains leave the Loop and continue back through Roosevelt and the Southwest Side stations toward Midway.
Full Station List
The core Orange Line segment includes stations between Midway and Roosevelt, then the route continues around the Loop. Roosevelt/Wabash shares the South Side Elevated with Green Line trains, and a passenger tunnel connects with the Red Line at Roosevelt/State.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Midway | Airport station and western terminal |
| Pulaski | Southwest Side station |
| Kedzie | Southwest Side station |
| Western | Southwest Side station |
| 35th/Archer | Archer Avenue corridor stop |
| Ashland | Southwest Side transfer stop |
| Halsted | Bridgeport-area station |
| Roosevelt/Wabash | Green Line connection and Red Line access through the Roosevelt/State tunnel |
| Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren | Inner Loop platform |
| LaSalle/Van Buren | Inner Loop platform |
| Quincy | Loop stop |
| Washington/Wells | Loop stop with Brown, Pink, and Purple Line service |
| Clark/Lake | Major Loop transfer stop |
| State/Lake | Loop stop with Red Line access nearby |
| Washington/Wabash | Loop stop near Millennium Park |
| Adams/Wabash | Loop stop before trains return toward Midway |
Schedule, Frequency, and Service Alerts
The Orange Line operates daily between Midway and the Loop. Its operating hours, opening times, frequency, and closing time vary by day, so checking the train schedule before you travel is always smart, especially for early flights, late arrivals, or transfers.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday operating hours | About 3:30 a.m. to 1:25 a.m. the next day |
| Saturday operating hours | About 4:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. the next day |
| Sunday and holiday operating hours | About 4:30 a.m. to 1:25 a.m. the next day |
| Weekday frequency | Typically every 8 to 15 minutes, depending on time of day |
| Saturday frequency | Generally every 10 to 12 minutes |
| Sunday and holiday frequency | Usually every 10 to 15 minutes |
| Overnight alternative | N62 Archer bus between Midway Terminal and downtown |
CTA may adjust service during the week to keep trains evenly spaced and reduce delays. Some trains may not travel the full route, so check destination signs and listen for onboard announcements.
Current service alerts note that Orange Line trains are operating on the same track between Pulaski and Western, which can cause a boarding change and minor delays. The elevator between the street and the Orange, Pink, and Purple Line platform at Washington/Wells is temporarily out of service due to elevator upgrades. Planned work affecting boarding at Kedzie has been cancelled.
First and Last Trains
The starting time from Midway is earliest on weekdays, then slightly later on weekends. Late-night service continues past midnight, but the Orange Line does not run all night.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| First train from Midway on weekdays | About 3:30 a.m. |
| First train from Midway on Saturdays | About 4:00 a.m. |
| First train from Midway on Sundays | About 4:30 a.m. |
| Early Loop departures toward Midway on weekdays | Begin around 5:00 a.m. |
| Early Loop departures toward Midway on Saturdays | Begin around 4:00 a.m. |
| Early Loop departures toward Midway on Sundays | Begin around 4:30 a.m. |
| Last train and closing time | Service generally ends around 1:25 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., depending on the day |
For timings today, use real-time arrival information before heading to the platform. Late at night, allow extra time because the gap between trains can be longer.
Peak, Off-Peak, Weekend, and Holiday Service
Orange Line working hours cover most of the day and evening. Peak service is strongest during weekday rush periods, while off-peak, weekend, and holiday service runs at a lower frequency.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday rush periods | About 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| Weekday rush frequency | About 10 trains per hour |
| Weekday midday frequency | About 8 trains per hour |
| Weekday night frequency | About 5 trains per hour |
| Saturday daytime frequency | About 5 to 8 trains per hour |
| Saturday late-night frequency | About 3 to 4 trains per hour |
| Sunday daytime frequency | About 5 trains per hour |
| Sunday night frequency | About 3 to 4 trains per hour |
Some rush-period trips continue via the Brown Line to Kimball, so do not board by color alone. Read the destination sign first.
For the latest route timetable, use CTA Train Tracker or text CTATRAIN to 41411. That is the best way to confirm the schedule today before a flight, work trip, or event.
Overnight Alternatives
Orange Line trains do not run overnight. For late-night travel between Midway Terminal and downtown, use the N62 Archer bus.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| N62 Archer bus | Overnight service between Midway Terminal and downtown |
| Southwest Side Night Owl connections | N63, N49, and N9 connect with N62 service |
| Typical Night Owl period | About midnight to 5:00 a.m. |
| Typical owl-route frequency | About every 30 minutes |
| Washington/State Night Owl departures | Buses depart at 10 and 40 minutes past the hour |
| Washington/State routes | N4, N20, N22, N60, N62, and N66 |
If your trip depends on a late connection, check the bus timetable before you travel.
Fares, Tickets, and Ventra
CTA fares on the Orange Line can be paid with a Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket, contactless bankcard, or mobile wallet such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Tap only one payment method on the Ventra reader so you are not charged twice.
The standard CTA train fare applies on the Orange Line. Cash is not used at train turnstiles, but it can be used at Ventra vending machines to add value, buy passes, or purchase disposable tickets. Cash is also accepted on buses with exact fare.
Ventra Cards can hold transit value and passes. You can manage a card in the Ventra app, online, at vending machines, or by phone. New plastic Ventra Cards are sold at all “L” station vending machines and many retail locations, and Ventra can also be added to compatible phones and watches.
The ticket price and pass cost can change, so check current fare information before buying. Reduced fares are available only for eligible riders with the required permits or qualifying status.
CTA Fare Options
CTA fare options include pay-as-you-go transit value, disposable Ventra Tickets, contactless payments, cash on buses, and unlimited-ride passes. A regular Orange Line ride costs $2.50 (US$2.50) in the fare information provided.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Standard CTA “L” fare noted in the draft | $2.50 (US$2.50) |
| Children under 7 | Ride free with a fare-paying customer |
| Children ages 7–11 | Reduced fare |
| Student Reduced Fare | Available on school days from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a valid CTA Student Riding Permit |
| Transfers | Up to two additional CTA rides within two hours when using the same eligible payment method |
At O’Hare, a premium fare applies when entering at O’Hare station with Ventra transit value or a contactless Pay-As-You-Go payment method. That surcharge is not an Orange Line airport surcharge; it applies to O’Hare, not Midway. An unlimited pass can be used at O’Hare for no additional charge.
If several people are traveling together, one Ventra Card can be used for up to seven riders at once. When paying cash on buses, exact fare is required and no transfer is available.
Passes for Visitors and Daily Riders
Unlimited passes are useful if you plan to ride CTA trains and buses several times in one day or across a short visit. Each pass is valid for one person and begins when first used.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass | $5 (US$5) |
| 3-Day Pass | $15 (US$15) |
| 7-Day Pass | $20 (US$20) |
| 30-Day Pass | $75 (US$75) |
| Reduced-fare 30-Day Pass | Available only for riders with RTA-issued Reduced Fare permits or cards |
A 1-Day Pass is the simplest day pass for many visitors. It is sold through Ventra options, and some passes are available as disposable tickets at vending machines. Passes work on CTA buses and trains, and certain passes are also valid on Pace non-subscription and non-premium services.
Transfers Between CTA Trains and Buses
You can transfer to another CTA train or bus for free up to two times within two hours when you use the same Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket, contactless bankcard, or mobile wallet.
At Midway Airport, follow signs for “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City.” The orange line painted on the ground helps guide passengers from the terminal area toward the station.
Orange Line bus connections are available at Midway, Pulaski, Kedzie, Western, 35th/Archer, Ashland, Halsted, and Roosevelt. Overnight, the N62 Archer bus replaces the train link between Midway Terminal and downtown.
Transfers and Connections
The Orange Line is a strong transfer route for transportation in Chicago because it links Midway Airport, Southwest Side neighborhoods, the Loop, CTA trains, buses, Pace routes, Metra, Amtrak, and South Shore service. Free CTA transfers are available up to two times within two hours when using the same eligible payment method.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Midway | CTA buses 47, 54B, 55, 55A, 55N, 59, 62H, N62, 63, 63W, 165; Pace buses 315, 379, 383, 384, 385, 386, 390; RVMMTD Midway Commuter; Midway International Airport |
| Pulaski | CTA buses 53, 53A, 62 |
| Kedzie | CTA buses 47, 51, 52, 52A |
| Western | CTA buses 48, 49, X49, 94 |
| 35th/Archer | CTA buses 35, 39, 50, 62 |
| Ashland | CTA buses 9, X9, 31, 62 |
| Halsted | CTA buses 8, 44, 62 |
| Roosevelt | Green Line, Red Line, Metra Electric, South Shore Line, and CTA buses 1, 3, 4, X4, 12, 18, 29, 62, 130, 146, 192 |
| Harold Washington Library | Purple, Brown, Pink, Red, and Blue Line connections at Jackson; CTA buses 2, 6, 10, 22, 24, 29, 36, 62, 130, 146, 147, 148 |
| LaSalle/Van Buren | Metra Rock Island and CTA buses 22, 24, 36, 130 |
For overnight travel to and from Midway, use the N62 Archer bus. Southwest Side Night Owl routes connecting with N62 include N63, N49, and N9.
CTA Train Connections
At Roosevelt, Orange Line riders can transfer to the Green Line and reach the Red Line through the passenger tunnel to Roosevelt/State. In the Loop, the line connects with several CTA rail routes at nearby or shared downtown stations.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Roosevelt | Green Line and Red Line connection via tunnel |
| Harold Washington Library | Purple, Brown, Pink, Red, and Blue Line connections at Jackson |
| Washington/Wells | Brown, Purple, and Pink Line connections |
| Clark/Lake | Blue, Brown, Green, Purple, and Pink Line connections |
| State/Lake | Red Line connection nearby |
| Adams/Wabash | Brown, Green, Purple, and Pink Line connections |
Orange Line trains share track with the Green Line between the junction and Tower 12 at the southeast corner of the Loop. During service changes, allow time for boarding changes and minor delays.
CTA Bus and Pace Bus Connections
CTA and Pace bus connections make the Orange Line useful beyond the rail stations themselves. This is especially helpful for riders heading between Midway, Southwest Side neighborhoods, and downtown.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Midway | CTA buses 47, 54B, 55, 55A, 55N, 59, 62H, N62, 63, 63W, 165; Pace routes 315, 379, 383, 384, 385, 386, 390; RVMMTD Midway Commuter |
| Pulaski | CTA buses 53, 53A, 62 |
| Kedzie | CTA buses 47, 51, 52, 52A |
| Western | CTA buses 48, 49, X49, 94 |
| 35th/Archer | CTA buses 35, 39, 50, 62 |
| Ashland | CTA buses 9, X9, 31, 62 |
| Halsted | CTA buses 8, 44, 62 |
| Roosevelt | CTA buses 1, 3, 4, X4, 12, 18, 29, 62, 130, 146, 192 |
| Harold Washington Library | CTA buses 2, 6, 10, 22, 24, 29, 36, 62, 130, 146, 147, 148 |
| LaSalle/Van Buren | CTA buses 22, 24, 36, 130 |
For late-night Loop travel, Night Owl connections between the Red Line, Blue Line, and bus routes can be made at Washington/State, where buses depart at 10 and 40 minutes past the hour.
Metra, Amtrak, and South Shore Connections
The Orange Line also helps connect CTA riders with regional and intercity rail. These transfers are most useful in and around the Loop.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Roosevelt | Metra Electric and South Shore Line access at Museum Campus/11th Street |
| LaSalle/Van Buren | Metra Rock Island service at LaSalle Street |
| Quincy | Access toward Union Station for BNSF, Heritage Corridor, Milwaukee District North, Milwaukee District West, North Central Service, SouthWest Service, and Amtrak |
| Washington/Wells | Metra Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest, and Union Pacific West service at Ogilvie |
| Washington/Wabash | Metra Electric and South Shore Line access at Millennium Station |
Midway Airport Guide
The Orange Line is the direct CTA rail route between Midway International Airport and downtown Chicago. All trains from Midway go to the Loop, travel clockwise around it, and then return toward the airport.
The accessible Midway station is just east of the terminal at the Midway Transportation Center. It is connected to the airport by an enclosed walkway, so passengers can follow indoor signs for “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City.”
Normal running time from Midway to downtown is about 20–25 minutes. The route serves Pulaski, Kedzie, Western, 35th/Archer, Ashland, Halsted, and Roosevelt before entering the Loop.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Midway weekday opening hours | About 3:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. |
| Midway Saturday opening hours | About 4:00 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. |
| Midway Sunday and holiday opening hours | About 4:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. |
| Typical Midway to downtown running time | About 20–25 minutes |
| Overnight option | N62 Archer bus |
At the station, use a Ventra vending machine to buy a new card, add fare, or load a pass. You can also tap with a contactless card or mobile wallet.
Getting from the Terminal to the Orange Line Station
From the terminal, follow signs for “CTA Trains.” The station is adjacent to the terminal building and reached by an indoor walkway, which makes the transfer simple even with luggage.
The Orange Line is a direct public transport option after landing at Midway. Trains run daily, with frequent daytime service, and the ride to the Loop usually takes about 20–25 minutes.
Before boarding, buy fare at a Ventra machine or tap with a contactless credit card, debit card, or NFC-enabled phone. The standard one-way fare noted in the draft is $2.50 (US$2.50), and reduced fares are available for eligible riders. Children under 7 ride free with a paying adult.
If you arrive outside Orange Line operating hours, use the N62 Archer bus for overnight service between Midway Terminal and downtown.
Midway to Downtown Chicago
From Midway, every Orange Line train heads toward downtown Chicago. After reaching Roosevelt, trains continue into the Loop and make all Loop stops before returning to the airport.
Follow signs for “CTA Trains” or “Trains to the City,” and look for the orange path on the ground leading toward the station. The downtown ride normally takes about 20–25 minutes.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday service from Midway | About 3:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. |
| Saturday service from Midway | About 4:00 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. |
| Sunday and holiday service from Midway | About 4:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. |
| Typical travel time to downtown | About 20–25 minutes |
Orange Line trains may operate on the same track between Pulaski and Western, which can cause a boarding change and minor delays.
Downtown Chicago to Midway Airport
From downtown, board an Orange Line train heading toward Midway. In the Loop, trains operate clockwise through Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren, LaSalle/Van Buren, Quincy, Washington/Wells, Clark/Lake, State/Lake, Washington/Wabash, and Adams/Wabash before leaving the Loop for the Southwest Side.
Midway station is just east of the terminal and connected by an enclosed walkway. Unlike O’Hare, Midway does not have an airport surcharge in addition to the standard CTA fare in the information provided.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday Orange Line service | About 3:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. at Midway |
| Saturday Orange Line service | About 4:00 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. at Midway |
| Sunday and holiday Orange Line service | About 4:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. at Midway |
| Typical downtown to Midway running time | About 20–25 minutes |
Accessibility and Rules
All CTA railcars are accessible. At accessible stations, riders who need help boarding can ask staff about gap fillers. Before traveling, check service alerts if elevator access is important to your trip.
Federal law requires priority seating for seniors and people with disabilities. Please yield those seats when needed or when asked.
Up to 2 bicycles are permitted per railcar during most hours and most days, except weekday rush periods. CTA may also prohibit bicycles during heavy ridership.
Schedules can change, and CTA may adjust service to reduce delays and keep trains evenly spaced. Watch destination signs and listen for announcements, since some trains may not travel the full line.
For travel information, use the Ventra app or call the RTA Travel Information Center at 312-836-7000. Spanish-language information is also available at 312-836-7000.
Overnight Owl service between Midway Terminal and downtown is provided by the N62 Archer bus. Southwest Side Night Owl connections include N63, N49, and N9, with many owl routes operating about every 30 minutes.
Parking, Park & Ride, and Bike Parking
CTA provides Park & Ride parking at selected stations on the Blue, Brown, Orange, and Pink lines. Parking charges per day and payment rules may vary by lot, so follow the posted instructions at the station.
Some lots have special conditions. The Harlem lot on the Orange Line branch is currently closed for construction, with alternative parking available at the Blue Line Cumberland Station. Monthly parking under the “L” is listed at $95 to $150 (US$95 to US$150), depending on location.
Bike parking is available at many CTA stations. Most “L” stations have outdoor racks, and some stations also offer sheltered outdoor or indoor bike parking.
CTA allows up to 2 bicycles per railcar during most hours and most days, except weekday rush periods. Riders age 14 or older may bring a bicycle on a train or bus; riders age 12 or 13 must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 12 may not bring bicycles on CTA.
Park & Ride Stations on the Orange Line
Station parking can make the Orange Line practical if you are driving from the Southwest Side and continuing by train into downtown Chicago. Daily parking is listed at several Orange Line stations, and monthly parking is available at some locations.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Midway | Main Park & Ride option on the Orange Line |
| Pulaski | Daily parking listed by CTA |
| Kedzie | Daily parking listed by CTA |
| Western | Daily parking listed by CTA |
| 35th/Archer | Daily parking listed by CTA |
| Halsted | Daily parking listed by CTA |
| Ashland | Daily parking listed by CTA |
If you plan to park, check current availability before you leave. Lots can fill, and some parking areas may be affected by construction or service changes.
Tips for Tourists and Local Riders
The Orange Line is straightforward for both visitors and regular riders: board at Midway for downtown, or board in the Loop for Midway. The line usually runs from early morning until around 1:00 a.m., with frequency changing by time of day.
For fare payment, tapping a contactless card or mobile wallet is often easiest. A Ventra Card is also useful, especially if you plan to buy a pass or want a backup in case your phone battery dies. Cash can be used at vending machines and on buses, but not directly at train turnstiles.
Use Google Maps, Apple Maps, Transit, Ventra, or CTA Train Tracker to confirm your route plan, wait time, and transfers. Chicago station names can repeat, so check both the line color and the terminal direction before boarding.
Keep luggage close, stay aware of your surroundings, and give yourself extra time late at night. For a safer and smoother ride, pay attention in the Loop, where multiple lines share nearby stations and platforms.
Brief History
Planning for a southwest rapid transit route goes back to the late 1930s, when Chicago proposed an extension between the Loop and the Midway area. Several plans followed over the decades, but the project did not move forward until the early 1980s with the Southwest Transit Project.
Federal funding was secured in 1986, and construction began in 1987. The Orange Line opened on October 31, 1993, becoming the first new Chicago rail line built from scratch since the Dan Ryan Line opened in 1969 and the first CTA system extension since the Blue Line reached O’Hare in 1984.
When it opened, CTA used the new color-coded naming system and named the route the Orange Line. The service also introduced all-ADA-accessible stations and one-person train operation. Its history is closely tied to Midway Airport access and the growth of rapid transportation in Chicago’s Southwest Side.
Current Projects and Future Service Changes
CTA currently posts Orange Line service alerts and systemwide updates for elevators, construction, reroutes, and planned work. At present, Orange Line trains are operating on the same track between Pulaski and Western, which may cause a boarding change and minor delays.
There is also a temporary elevator outage at Washington/Wells affecting access between the street and the Orange, Pink, and Purple Line platform. Planned work that would have affected boarding at Kedzie has been cancelled.
For future service changes, CTA has noted plans to add 24-hour service to the Orange Line with funding received from Senate Bill 2111. That would be a major service expansion compared with the current early-morning-to-late-evening pattern.
CTA continues to post weekly planned service changes for construction, maintenance, and events. Check alerts before traveling, especially if you rely on elevators or are connecting late at night.
Nearby Attractions and Useful Destinations
The Orange Line is more than an airport train. It also gives riders an elevated view of downtown Chicago and puts several major destinations within easy reach.
Quincy is a notable Loop stop, known for its historic character, wood paneling, and vintage-style station details. Nearby attractions from Orange Line stations include the Chicago Riverwalk near Clark/Lake, the Chicago Theatre near State/Lake, Millennium Park near Washington/Wabash, the Art Institute of Chicago near Adams/Wabash, and Roosevelt Collection near Roosevelt. These are within about a 10-minute walk of the stations in the draft information.
Roosevelt is especially useful for Museum Campus, Soldier Field, Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and Adler Planetarium access. The platform also offers memorable skyline views at the right time of day.
Downtown Chicago and the Loop
In downtown Chicago, Orange Line trains run clockwise around the Loop before returning to Midway. This makes the route convenient for reaching the central business district, government buildings, cultural stops, and transfer stations.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren | Loop stop near the Harold Washington Library Center |
| LaSalle/Van Buren | Loop stop near financial district destinations and Metra Rock Island access |
| Quincy | Historic Loop station with downtown access |
| Washington/Wells | Loop transfer area for Brown, Pink, and Purple Line trains |
| Clark/Lake | Major transfer point near the Chicago Riverwalk area |
| State/Lake | Loop stop near the Chicago Theatre area |
| Washington/Wabash | Useful for Millennium Park and central Loop destinations |
| Adams/Wabash | Useful for the Art Institute of Chicago and South Loop access |
The Orange Line also serves downtown points of interest listed in the draft, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Board of Trade, Chicago Cultural Center, City Hall/County Building, Daley Center, Museum Campus, Soldier Field, and Thompson Center.
Museum Campus and South Loop
For Museum Campus and the South Loop, Roosevelt is the key Orange Line stop. From there, riders can connect to the Green Line, reach the Red Line through the Roosevelt/State tunnel, or continue on foot or by connecting service toward nearby destinations.
- Serves Museum Campus and Soldier Field access
- Connects with the Red Line at Roosevelt via a passenger tunnel
- Runs through the Loop elevated in clockwise service
- Provides a direct CTA rail link between Midway and downtown Chicago
The route is part of the CTA “L” system and runs daily between Midway and the Loop.
McCormick Place and Event Connections
McCormick Place is served by CTA bus and “L” connections. CTA bus routes #3 King Drive and #21 Cermak stop at McCormick Place, and Cermak-McCormick Place on the Green Line is the nearest CTA “L” station.
The Green Line station is at E. Cermak Road and S. State Street, about 2 blocks, or 0.15 mile (0.24 km), from the northwest corner of the McCormick Place West Building. From the Loop, use southbound Green Line trains marked Cottage Grove or Ashland/63rd. To return to the Loop, use the northbound platform marked Harlem/Lake.
From Midway, ride the Orange Line to Roosevelt, transfer to the Green Line, and continue one stop south to Cermak-McCormick Place. McCormick Place also has a Metra Electric District station on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse in the South Building, with commuter rail service to and from downtown Chicago in about seven minutes.
- CTA bus #3 King Drive
- CTA bus #21 Cermak
- Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place
- Orange Line to Roosevelt, then Green Line for Midway trips
One-way CTA “L” fare is $2.50 (US$2.50), with an additional fare if coming directly from O’Hare Airport.
Southwest Side Neighborhood Stops
The Orange Line serves several Southwest Side neighborhoods before reaching Roosevelt and the Loop. This stations list is useful if you are planning local trips rather than only traveling to or from the airport.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Midway | Garfield Ridge / Clearing |
| Pulaski | Archer Heights / West Elsdon |
| Kedzie | Brighton Park / Gage Park |
| Western | Brighton Park / Gage Park / New City |
| 35th/Archer | McKinley Park |
| Ashland | Lower West Side / McKinley Park |
| Halsted | Bridgeport |
| Roosevelt | The Loop / Near South Side |
At Roosevelt, riders can connect with the Green and Red lines, plus multiple CTA bus routes.