The Purple Line is a Chicago “L” rapid transit route operated by the Chicago Transit Authority. It serves the northernmost part of the CTA rail system, running between Linden in Wilmette and Howard in Chicago through Evanston. During weekday rush hours, Purple Line Express trains continue beyond Howard to downtown Chicago and the Loop.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Chicago “L” rapid transit |
| Operator | Chicago Transit Authority |
| Regular route | Linden to Howard via Evanston |
| Express route | Linden to the Loop during weekday rush hours |
| Regular stations | 9 stations |
| Rush-hour stations | 26 stations |
| Regular segment length | 3.9 miles (6.3 km) |
| Total line length | 15 miles (24 km) |
| Average weekday ridership | 4,904 in 2024 |
| Railcars | 5000-series trains |
| Depots | Howard Yard and Linden Yard |
Purple Line Chicago “L” Map
The Purple Line Chicago “L” map shows all available stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Purple Line Chicago “L” map in PDF format.
Route Overview: Local Service vs Purple Line Express
The Purple Line route has two main service patterns. Local service runs all day between Linden and Howard, stopping at every station in Wilmette, Evanston, and the far North Side of Chicago. The Purple Line Express runs only during weekday rush periods, extending the route south from Howard to downtown Chicago.
On express trips, trains run from Howard to Wilson, then from Wilson to Belmont, before making all local stops from Belmont to the Loop. This rush-hour service is also known as the Evanston Express.
- Local service: Linden to Howard, all operating hours
- Express service: Linden to the Loop during weekday rush hours only
- Local stations: 9
- Rush-hour stations: 26
- Regular running time and frequency vary by time of day
Before CTA rail lines were color-coded in 1993, the route was known as the Evanston Line, Evanston Service, or Evanston Shuttle. The express pattern was called the Evanston Express.
Stations and Key Stops
The Purple Line stations list changes depending on whether you are using local service or the weekday rush-hour express. Local trains serve the Linden–Howard section at all times. Express trains add North Side and Loop stops during weekday peak periods.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Linden | Wilmette terminal; useful for the Bahá’í House of Worship |
| Central | Serves Ryan Field, Rocky Miller Park, Welsh-Ryan Arena, and Canal Shores Golf Course |
| Noyes | Useful for Northwestern University access |
| Foster | Useful for Northwestern University access |
| Davis | Evanston stop near Northwestern University and Metra Union Pacific North service |
| Dempster | Evanston local stop |
| Main | Evanston stop near Metra Union Pacific North service |
| South Boulevard | Local stop between Main and Howard |
| Howard | Transfer point for Red Line and Yellow Line service |
At Howard, board and exit trains to Howard and Linden from the east platform, and trains to 95th and the Loop from the west platform. For a stations map or route plan, check your station before boarding, especially during rush-hour service.
Local Stations in Wilmette, Evanston, and Howard
Local Purple Line trains serve every station between Linden and Howard. This is the core path train riders use outside weekday rush hours.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Linden | Western terminal in Wilmette |
| Central | Serves sports facilities and Canal Shores Golf Course |
| Noyes | Near Northwestern University |
| Foster | Near Northwestern University |
| Davis | Central Evanston stop; close to Northwestern University and Metra |
| Dempster | Evanston local stop |
| Main | Near Metra Union Pacific North service |
| South Boulevard | Local stop near the Chicago–Evanston border |
| Howard | CTA transfer point for the Red and Yellow lines |
Howard is the main transfer point for local transport connections. From there, riders can continue on the Red Line, Yellow Line, CTA buses, or Pace buses.
North Side and Downtown Express Stops
During weekday rush periods, Purple Line Express trains continue from Howard to downtown Chicago. The route timetable for this service is different from the all-day local pattern, so check the train schedule before you ride.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Wilson | First listed express stop south of Howard |
| Belmont | Express trains begin making local stops from here to the Loop |
| Wellington | North Side Main Line stop |
| Diversey | North Side Main Line stop |
| Fullerton | North Side Main Line stop |
| Armitage | North Side Main Line stop |
| Sedgwick | North Side Main Line stop |
| Chicago | North Side Main Line stop |
| Merchandise Mart | Downtown riverfront stop before the Loop |
| Clark/Lake | Loop stop |
| State/Lake | Loop stop |
| Washington/Wabash | Loop stop near Millennium Station |
| Adams/Wabash | Loop stop |
| Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren | Loop stop |
| LaSalle/Van Buren | Loop stop near LaSalle Street Station |
| Quincy | Loop stop near Union Station |
| Washington/Wells | Loop stop near Ogilvie Transportation Center |
After Washington/Wells, Purple Line Express trains leave the Loop and continue north, making all stops back toward Linden. For weekday Cubs night games and Wrigley Field concerts, Loop-bound express trains stop at Sheridan. Afternoon express trains also stop at Addison for Cubs night games.
Best Stops for Northwestern University and Evanston
The Purple Line is the most useful CTA rail route for Northwestern University and central Evanston. Davis, Foster, and Noyes are the key campus stops. Davis is about a 15-minute walk to Weber Arch, while Foster and Noyes are both two and a half blocks west of Sheridan Road.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Davis | Good for central Evanston and Northwestern University |
| Foster | Close to Northwestern University |
| Noyes | Close to Northwestern University |
| Central | Best for Ryan Field, Rocky Miller Park, Welsh-Ryan Arena, and Canal Shores Golf Course |
| Linden | Useful for the Bahá’í House of Worship |
The line runs daily between Linden and Howard, so it works well for campus visits, evening trips, and regular Evanston travel.
Fares, Tickets, and Ventra
The Purple Line uses the standard CTA fare system. Riders can pay with a Ventra Card, a Ventra Ticket, a contactless bankcard, or a mobile wallet. CTA passes also work on CTA trains and buses, and on Pace buses where valid.
A regular CTA rail fare is $2.50 USD. Single-Ride Ventra Tickets cost $3.00 USD at most locations and include transfers within the allowed period. A new plastic Ventra Card costs $5.00 USD, and that cost is credited back as transit value if the card is registered within 90 days.
Fare rules, ticket price, pass options, and special airport pricing can change. Use current CTA or Ventra information as your fare calculator before buying a ticket or pass.
Payment Options
You can pay for Purple Line rides with a Ventra Card, contactless bankcard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or a disposable Ventra Ticket. Ventra vending machines are available at CTA rail stations.
Cash cannot be used to board a CTA train directly. At “L” stations, you can use cash at vending machines to load value, buy passes, or purchase a Single-Ride ticket. On buses, exact cash is accepted, but transfers are not available when paying cash directly on the bus.
A Ventra Card can be shared by up to 7 riders, depending on fare type and eligibility. Reduced fares are available only to eligible riders, including children ages 7 to 11, seniors 65 and older, and customers with disabilities who have the proper RTA-issued Reduced Fare Permit. Children under 7 ride free with a fare-paying customer on CTA.
Ventra Cards, Contactless Payment, and Passes
Ventra Cards can hold transit value and passes for CTA and Pace rides. You can buy a plastic card at Ventra vending machines in “L” stations, at many retail locations, online, or by phone. Virtual Ventra Cards can also be added through the Ventra app.
The Ventra app lets riders check balances, add value, buy passes, manage accounts, and view arrival and departure times. Unlimited ride passes can be loaded to a Ventra Card, and multiple passes can be stored so the next one is ready when the current pass ends.
Ventra readers also accept contactless Pay-As-You-Go payment methods. Tap only the card or device you want charged to avoid card clash. At O’Hare, a special fare applies when boarding with transit value or direct contactless Pay-As-You-Go payment, but it does not apply when using an unlimited pass.
Metra fares are separate from CTA fares. Metra tickets and passes can be purchased in the Ventra app and at Metra vending machines where available. A Regional Connect Pass is available to Metra monthly ticket holders for use on CTA or Pace.
Schedule, Frequency, and Live Arrivals
The Purple Line schedule depends on the day and service pattern. Local trains run between Linden and Howard every day. During weekday rush hours, the Purple Line Express adds direct service to the Loop, which changes both the route and the stations served.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday opening hours | 4:25 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. |
| Friday opening times | 4:30 a.m. to 2:10 a.m. |
| Saturday working hours | 5:05 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. |
| Sunday operating hours | 6:05 a.m. to 1:45 a.m. |
| Weekday rush-hour express, morning | 5:15 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. northbound; 5:55 a.m. to 10:05 a.m. southbound |
| Weekday rush-hour express, evening | 2:25 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. southbound; 3:05 p.m. to 7:05 p.m. northbound |
| Rush-hour frequency | Typically every 5 to 8 minutes, with gaps up to 15 minutes possible |
For timings today, live arrivals, last train information, and any closing time changes, check the current CTA schedule before you leave. Service may be adjusted during the week to keep trains evenly spaced and reduce delays.
Operating Hours
The Purple Line’s regular operating hours cover early morning through late night service every day. It does not close for the full day, but the last train and opening times vary by day of the week.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 4:25 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. |
| Friday | 4:30 a.m. to 2:10 a.m. |
| Saturday | 5:05 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. |
| Sunday | 6:05 a.m. to 1:45 a.m. |
These working hours apply to the regular Linden–Howard service. The Loop extension runs only during weekday rush periods.
Rush-Hour and Off-Peak Service Patterns
Outside rush periods, Purple Line trains stay on the Linden–Howard route and make all local stops. On weekdays, service is most frequent during rush hours, when trains run at 12 tph. Midday service drops to 6 tph, then falls to 4–5 tph in the evening and 3 tph after midnight.
Weekend frequency is lower. Service generally runs at 4 tph early in the morning and at night, with 5 tph in late afternoons.
During weekday rush hours, the Purple Line Express extends downtown. Trains skip most stops north of Wilson, then continue with local service from Belmont to the Loop. The express route is weekday-only and does not run all day.
Connections with Other Transit Systems
The Purple Line connects with Chicago public transport at several important points. Howard is the key transfer station for Red Line and Yellow Line service. During weekday rush hours, the Purple Line Express reaches the Loop and connects with the rest of the CTA “L” network.
Bus connections are available at all open Purple Line stations except Foster, Noyes, and Wellington. Several stops also sit close to Metra service, making the line useful for both city transport and regional transportation in Chicago.
Transfers to Other CTA “L” Lines
At Howard, Purple Line riders can transfer to the Red and Yellow lines. During weekday rush periods, Purple Line Express trains continue to downtown Chicago and serve the Loop, where riders can connect with other CTA “L” lines.
The Purple Line Express is one of only two CTA “L” lines, along with the Red Line, that offers transfers to every other line. It is also the only “L” line that provides non-farecard transfers to every other line.
Connections to CTA Buses and Pace Buses
CTA bus and Pace bus connections make most Purple Line stations easy to reach without a car. Linden connects with Pace buses 421, 422, and 423. Howard connects with CTA buses 22, 97, 147, 201, and 206, plus Pace buses 213, 215, and 290.
In Evanston, Central connects with CTA bus 201. Davis connects with CTA buses 93, 201, and 206, Pace buses 208, 213, and 250, and Pace Pulse route 101 Dempster Line. Dempster, Main, and South Boulevard each connect with CTA bus 206 and Pace bus 213.
South of Howard, express stations such as Wilson, Belmont, and Fullerton also connect with CTA bus routes across the North Side. In the Loop, downtown express stops connect with CTA buses and nearby rail services.
Connections to Metra
The Purple Line has convenient Metra connections along its route. In Evanston, Davis and Main are immediately east of their Metra Union Pacific North counterparts.
On the weekday Purple Line Express, Washington/Wells is near Ogilvie Transportation Center, Quincy is near Union Station, LaSalle/Van Buren is near LaSalle Street Station, and Washington/Wabash is near Millennium Station. At Washington/Wabash, riders can also connect with Metra Electric services at Millennium Station.
Airport Connections
The Purple Line does not provide direct airport service. Chicago’s “L” system serves O’Hare and Midway, but riders must transfer from the Purple Line to reach either airport.
During weekday rush hours, the Purple Line Express can make airport transfers easier by carrying riders directly toward the Loop. Outside those times, local Purple Line service runs between Linden and Howard, where riders can connect to other CTA services.
How to Get from the Purple Line to O’Hare
To reach O’Hare from the Purple Line, ride to Clark/Lake on the Purple Line Express when that service is operating, then transfer to the Blue Line and continue to O’Hare Station.
- Start at Howard Station or another Purple Line station.
- Take the Purple Line toward Clark/Lake when express service is operating.
- Transfer at Clark/Lake to the Blue Line.
- Ride the Blue Line to O’Hare Station.
The trip from Howard via Clark/Lake to O’Hare takes approximately 1 hour 17 minutes. The fare listed in the provided material is $2.50 USD. There is no direct Purple Line train to O’Hare.
How to Get from the Purple Line to Midway
The Purple Line does not serve Midway directly. To reach Midway, transfer to another CTA line in downtown Chicago and continue to the airport from there.
During weekday rush periods, Purple Line Express trains run to the Loop, which can make the downtown transfer more convenient. At other times, ride the local Purple Line to Howard and connect through the CTA system from there. Check the schedule today before you travel, especially late at night or on weekends.
Accessibility, Bike Access, and Parking
All CTA railcars are accessible. At accessible stations, staff can help with boarding using gap fillers. Priority seating is reserved for seniors and people with disabilities, and riders should yield those seats when needed.
Up to 2 bicycles are allowed per railcar during most hours, except weekday rush periods. Bicycles are generally allowed on weekends and holidays, and on weekdays outside rush hours. If you board before a restriction begins, you may finish your trip. Folding bicycles and folding scooters are allowed when folded, but Divvy and other bikeshare bikes are not permitted on CTA trains.
Bike parking is available at many stations, with racks outside most “L” stations and sheltered outdoor or indoor parking at some locations. Use wide accessible swing gates when entering with a bicycle, and do not ride a bike inside an “L” station.
Station parking is available at some Park & Ride locations, but availability, permits, parking charges, and parking charges per day vary by station. Check the station parking details on the route map before driving to a Purple Line station.
Service Alerts, Delays, and Special Event Service
Purple Line service can be affected by delays, elevator outages, construction work, and special events. Check CTA alerts, the Ventra app, or other real-time tools before boarding, especially if you need accessible service or a tight transfer.
Special event service applies for select Chicago Cubs night games and Wrigley Field concerts. Loop-bound Purple Line Express trains stop at Sheridan for all weekday Cubs night games and Wrigley Field concerts. Afternoon express trains also stop at Addison for Cubs night games.
After weekday night games, riders can use northbound Red Line trains to connect at Howard with Purple Line service, and with Yellow Line trains where available.
Tips and Rules
Always check the destination sign before boarding. Some Purple Line trains run only between Linden and Howard, while weekday rush-hour express trains continue downtown.
Cash cannot be used to enter CTA rail stations directly, so use a Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket, pass, or contactless payment method. If you use a mobile wallet or contactless bankcard, tap only one payment method to avoid card clash.
Basic CTA etiquette helps keep the ride smoother: let passengers exit before boarding, stand on the right and pass on the left, keep music low, avoid eating or smoking, and remove backpacks on crowded trains. The Purple Line is generally a safe public transport option, but use normal city travel awareness, especially late at night.
Brief History and Modernization
The Purple Line’s history goes back to the Northwestern Elevated Railroad, which opened service to Central Street in Evanston on May 16, 1908. The route was extended to Linden in Wilmette in 1912.
In 1947, the service transferred to the Chicago Transit Authority. On July 31, 1949, CTA introduced the basic operating pattern still used today: local service between Linden and Howard, with weekday rush-hour express service continuing from Howard to the Loop.
The route was known as the Evanston Line or Evanston Service before CTA introduced color-coded rail names in 1993. The rush-hour extension became the Purple Line Express.
The line has been modernized over time. The last 2400-series cars were removed in May 2014, followed by the retirement of the 2600-series cars in March 2015. By 2018, the Purple Line was using Bombardier-built 5000-series railcars, usually in six-car trains.
The Red and Purple Modernization Project is replacing aging infrastructure on the North Side main line and the Evanston branch. Phase One construction ran from October 2, 2019, to July 20, 2025, and included the Red-Purple Bypass at Clark Junction plus rebuilt stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr.
Nearby Attractions and Useful Destinations
The Purple Line is useful for trips to Wilmette, Evanston, Chicago’s North Side, and downtown Chicago during weekday rush hours. It connects riders to university, cultural, sports, and transfer destinations along the route.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Linden | Bahá’í House of Worship |
| Foster | Northwestern University access |
| Noyes | Northwestern University access |
| Central | Ryan Field, Rocky Miller Park, Welsh-Ryan Arena, and Canal Shores Golf Course |
| Howard | Transfers to the Red Line, Yellow Line, CTA buses, and Pace buses |
| Loop express stops | Downtown destinations during weekday rush-hour service |
Evanston and Northwestern University Area
For Northwestern University, use Davis, Foster, or Noyes. Davis is a practical stop for central Evanston and the campus area, while Foster and Noyes are close to Sheridan Road.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Davis | Central Evanston and Northwestern University access |
| Foster | Northwestern University access |
| Noyes | Northwestern University access |
| Central | Ryan Field, Rocky Miller Park, Welsh-Ryan Arena, and Canal Shores Golf Course |
| Linden | Bahá’í House of Worship |
North Side Chicago Stops
The regular Purple Line serves Linden, Evanston, and Howard on Chicago’s North Side. During weekday rush hours, express trains continue beyond Howard toward downtown Chicago.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Linden | Wilmette terminal |
| Central | Sports facilities and nearby attractions |
| Noyes | Evanston stop near Northwestern University |
| Foster | Evanston stop near Northwestern University |
| Davis | Central Evanston and Metra connection |
| Dempster | Evanston local stop |
| Main | Evanston stop near Metra |
| South Boulevard | Local stop |
| Howard | Transfer point for Red and Yellow line service |
Downtown Loop Destinations on Express Service
During weekday rush periods, Purple Line Express trains operate clockwise around the Loop. These stops put riders close to major downtown destinations, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Board of Trade, Chicago Cultural Center, City Hall/County Building, Daley Center, and Thompson Center.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Clark/Lake | Loop stop and major transfer point |
| State/Lake | Loop stop |
| Washington/Wabash | Loop stop near Millennium Station |
| Adams/Wabash | Loop stop |
| Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren | Loop stop |
| LaSalle/Van Buren | Loop stop near LaSalle Street Station |
| Quincy | Loop stop near Union Station |
| Washington/Wells | Loop stop near Ogilvie Transportation Center |
The same express service also connects to Merchandise Mart before trains return north.
FAQ
Here are quick answers to common Purple Line Chicago “L” questions about the route, schedule, fare, accessibility, parking, and airport connections.
Does the Purple Line go to downtown Chicago?
Yes, but only during weekday rush hours. The Purple Line normally runs between Linden and Howard. During weekday rush periods, Purple Line Express service continues south from Howard to downtown Chicago and the Loop.
On those trips, trains run express from Howard to Wilson, then from Wilson to Belmont, before making local stops from Belmont to the Loop.
What is the difference between the Purple Line and Purple Line Express?
The Purple Line is the regular Linden–Howard service through Wilmette, Evanston, and Chicago. The Purple Line Express is the weekday rush-hour service pattern that extends beyond Howard to downtown Chicago.
Outside weekday rush periods, trains stay on the Linden–Howard segment.
Does the Purple Line run all day?
Yes. The Purple Line runs daily between Linden and Howard, with service from early morning into late night. Exact opening hours and closing time vary by day.
- Monday to Thursday: 4:25 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
- Friday: 4:30 a.m. to 2:10 a.m.
- Saturday: 5:05 a.m. to 2:15 a.m.
- Sunday: 6:05 a.m. to 1:45 a.m.
The Purple Line Express does not run all day; it operates only during weekday rush periods.
Is the Purple Line accessible?
Yes. CTA states that all railcars are accessible. At accessible stations, staff can help with gap fillers for boarding. Priority seating is reserved for seniors and people with disabilities.
The Purple Line includes accessible stations, and Howard was rebuilt with ADA accessibility. CTA also notes an accessible station at Linden.
Can you park at Purple Line stations?
Yes, some Purple Line stations are listed as Park & Ride locations. Parking availability, permit rules, cost, and parking charges per day depend on the station.
Check the current CTA Park & Ride details for the station you plan to use before driving.
How do you get from the Purple Line to O’Hare or Midway?
The Purple Line does not serve either airport directly. To reach O’Hare, transfer to the Blue Line. To reach Midway, transfer to the Orange Line through the CTA system.
During weekday rush hours, Purple Line Express trains to the Loop can make the transfer easier. At other times, ride the local Purple Line to Howard and connect from there.