CTA’s trains and buses are the best and most affordable ways to get to various sporting events, concerts, New Year’s Eve fireworks and other fun events to celebrate the holidays
CTA will be offering the New Year’s Eve Free Rides program for our customers again this year, in partnership with sponsor Miller Lite. The free rides will be available on both CTA trains and buses from 10 p.m. Tuesday, December 31 until 4 a.m. Wednesday, January 1. The Miller Lite Free Rides program encourages Chicago residents to celebrate the New Year in a safe and reliable way.
If you are traveling outside the window for free rides there is still an opportunity to save money by purchasing an unlimited rides pass, either the 1-Day ($5) – far more economical and convenient than the price of gas and parking - or the 3-Day ($15) pass – a real budget-saving move.
REMINDER: Check the Latest Holiday Service Updates
- Wednesday, Jan. 1 (New Year's Day) – Operating on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
- Thursday, Jan. 2 – Back to operating on a regular weekday schedule.    
Full travel details are available on the CTA website at https://www.transitchicago.com/travel-information/alert-detail/?AlertId=104211
Service for Upcoming Events
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Navy Pier – Tue. 12/31 at 11:59 p.m.
Service:
- Rail: All rail lines downtown will get you access to the event.
- The Yellow Line service hours will be extended until 2 a.m.
- The Purple Line service hours will be extended until 1:40 a.m.
- Bus: The following bus routes that serve the area will be rerouted with extra service:
- #29 State
- #65 Grand
- #66 Chicago
- #124 Navy Pier
For additional route information check our website: https://www.transitchicago.com/schedules/
Soldier Field
Service on the #128 Soldier Field Express and #146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express routes
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears – Thu. 12/26 at 7:15 p.m.
United Center events
- Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls – Sat. 12/28 at 7 p.m.
- Dallas Stars vs. Chicago Blackhawks – Sun. 12/29 at 7:30 p.m.
Service:
- Rail: Take the Green Line and exit at the new Damen station or exit at the Ashland station from either a Green or Pink line train.
- Bus: Get to and from the following events via the #20 Madison and #50 Damen bus routes. Customers can also take the #19 United Center Express route post event.
Wrigley Field
NHL Winter Classic: St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks – Tue. 12/31 at 4 p.m.
Service:
- Rail: Take the Red Line and exit at the Addison station. Take the Purple or Yellow Line and transfer at Howard to the Red Line; continue to the Addison station. Another option is to take the Purple Line Express southbound and exit at Addison.
- Bus: Several CTA bus routes serve the Wrigley Field area, including:
- #8 Halsted
- #22 Clark
- #36 Broadway
- #80 Irving Park
- #151 Sheridan
- #152 Addison
For additional route information check our website: https://www.transitchicago.com/schedules/
Know before you go!
The CTA strongly recommends customers allow extra travel time and plan ahead by downloading the Ventra app, which allows you to manage your Ventra account, and also features a new trip planning tool powered by Google Maps.
Fare payment options: We offer a variety of convenient payment options—from smart devices to contactless credit cards. Learn more about payment options and ways you can maximize your dollars with our lower-priced unlimited-ride passes by visiting: transitchicago.com/fares/
Service updates: Stay in the loop on CTA service changes and alerts by subscribing to CTA Updates. For details about all CTA service, call 312-836-7000 or visit the CTA website at transitchicago.com.
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