A number of rules are enforced by law when driving in Chicago, specifically with regard to safety, construction zones, and lane usage. Always check traffic reports in real-time before driving in Chicago, especially if you have quite a distance to travel. Timing can vary drastically depending on when you are on the road. Within the city, the streets are positioned in a grid, running north to south and east to west, which makes navigating fairly easy.
The expressway, however, has expected traffic jams daily. Drivers commute on Illinois expressways into the city from the suburbs, and the reverse is also true. Renting a car certainly gives you flexibility and access to transportation exactly when you need it; however, it may not be necessary.
Many travel to the Loop, the central business district, in downtown Chicago, and some of the trains run hours a day. Of course, there are also buses, taxis, rideshares, and bicycle rentals throughout the city. To blend in and not cause any ruffles while driving in Chicago, follow these tips.
Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Parking downtown can be difficult, and if you do find a great spot it is likely to be expensive.
One way to get around expensive parking is to do your research ahead of time to find free or cheaper parking spots. Some parking garages offer special rates on event days or you may want to consider booking parking in advance from one of the many services such as ParkWhiz where you often pay a cheaper price for parking in advance.
Downtown Chicago is not only packed with traffic, it is teaming with pedestrians, aimlessly crossing the street while many are distracted by billboards and technology.
On the plus side, when you arrive into one of these airports as a tourist, you can expect taxis to be readily available. Renting a car at the airport is convenient as well. If you know your route is fraught with traffic and are looking to avoid road rage, public transit is an option in Chicago. Many residents of Chicago choose to ride the Metra , a train system that reaches far out into the suburbs and even into Wisconsin. The Metra is an easy way to travel and it allows commuters to read, relax or finish up work while they ride home.
This is an affordable way to travel, and trains run very regularly. The Chicago Water Taxi , which runs along the Chicago River, is a fun way for any tourist to see Chicago without getting stuck in traffic. The Chicago Water Taxi has 7 dock locations along the river enabling you to explore a great deal of the city in this fun way.
Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. While driving in Chicago is not a renowned clusterfuck like Los Angeles traffic , it's still no walk in the park.
For starters, we have far more pedestrians to dodge, not to mention highways confusingly named after dead politicians, and that Mad Max stretch of the Dan Ryan as it zips past downtown. Our city streets are a grid and they often get locked, which gives us a lot of time to observe. Here, then, are 24 things that always encounter while traveling the roads, expressways, alleys and tollways of Chicago and the 'burbs. Guys selling cotton candy off a giant pole in Logan Square and off Cicero.
And pickup trucks loaded with watermelons on the side of the road in the summer. Someone "pulling a Sloane"—flirting with people in other cars. Though usually it's some creepy douche. People just casually walking out into the middle of the street, oblivious to oncoming traffic.
Some out-of-towner or rookie completely unable to parallel park on a busy street, holding up traffic with their endless attempts to fit their car in a spot. A line of vehicles that looks like traffic, but is actually a backed-up queue for the car wash.
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