Public Transportation

We have route maps available. You can find directions to anywhere in Chicago at
www.rtachicago.com in the Trip Planner section.

Trains & Buses are both operated by the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) and work together. You can get one, three, and seven day Visitors Passes at both O’Hare & Midway. We try and stock them, but if you know for sure you want them, pick them up at the kiosk before you enter the train. Basic fare on the trains is $2.50 and buses is $2.25, each line transfer is $.25. The driver will not make change when you board a bus, so bring singles or buy a variable amount transit card at any “L” train station automated kiosk. For trains, simply walk up to a kiosk and buy a transit card. There are attendants at most stations that can help you, but the kiosks are fairly simple to understand. Cash only AND THEY DO NOT GIVE CHANGE and they do not take credit cards.

Trains
The intercity trains are referred to as the “EL or “L” (for elevated), and each line is color-coded. We are located near the Western stop of the Blue Line that runs between Downtown (referred to as The Loop) and O’Hare International Airport.Please be aware the there is another Western stop on the Blue Line on the southwest side of Chicago. The Blue Line train runs 24 hours.

If you need to get to either Midway, O’Hare, The Loop, or anywhere else in Chicago, you can walk to the Blue Line stop at Western (it has an elevator for your heavy suitcases). Take a right out of the B&B onto Leavitt St. heading south. When you reach Armitage Ave (4 blocks), turn right (west). When you get to Western Ave turn left (south- there will be a McDonald’s just to the south). At this point you should be able to see the train tracks running over Western Ave. The entrance to the station is on the left side (east) of Western Ave.

If you are coming from O’Hare Airport (www.ohare.com) you can jump on the Blue Line (follow the signs at O”Hare for CTA/City trains—Blue line is the only CTA train at O’Hare).Get off at the first Western stop (between Damen and California). When you exit the Western stop, walk north on Western Ave. (take a right out of the station) past McDonald’s, then take a right (east) onto Armitage Ave. Walk two blocks to N. Leavitt St. (traffic light) and turn left (north). Continue on Leavitt for 4 1/2 blocks to 2144 N. Leavitt St. You will find the B&B on the left (west) side of the street where Webster St. dead-ends.

If you are coming from Midway Airport (www.chicago-mdw.com), follow the signs for the CTA/City trains. Get on the Orange Line (the only CTA train that goes to Midway). Transfer from the Orange Line to the Blue Line at the Clark stop. Make sure you get on a Blue Line train headed to O’Hare. Transfers between train lines are free. Get off at the Western stop (between Damen and California). When you exit the Western stop, walk North on Western Ave. (take a right out of the station) past McDonald’s, then take a right (east) onto Armitage Ave. Walk two blocks to N. Leavitt St. (traffic light) and turn left (north). Continue on Leavitt for 4 1/2 blocks to 2144 N. Leavitt St. You will find the B&B on the left (west) side of the street where W. Webster St. dead-ends. . Although further away from the B&B, you can get off at the Damen stop, which puts you in the heart of the Wicker Park/Bucktown entertainment area (Damen/North/Milwaukee). This is a great area to wander, shop, kill some time, or find a unique restaurant. To get to the B&B from the Damen stop, take a left (north) out of the station and walk 3/4 of a mile (or catch the #50 Damen bus) to W. Webster St. (2200 N) and turn left. Walk 1/4 mile until Webster dead-ends. You will see the B&B’s yellow sign at 2144 N. Leavitt St. You will pass about 20-25 restaurants on Damen Ave alone if you get hungry on your walk. There are restaurants in all directions from the Damen/North/Milwaukee intersection.

Buses
Buses run on almost every major North-South street (Damen Ave. and Western Ave. being the two closest to us) and major East-West street (Armitage Ave. and Fullerton Ave.). The advantage of buses is that you can see more of the city, and they stop more often than trains. For complete bus routes, consult a CTA Map, available at the Front Desk or any “L” Station.

Suburban Trips
There are commuter trains (the Metra line has a station at Armitage and Ashland, 1.5 miles away) and bus routes under the RTA (Regional Transportation Authority) called PACE. Train service to the suburbs is great where available, but bus service is spotty at best. Just be aware the CTA Visitor Passes are NOT valid on the Metra or suburban bus routes (PACE).

Amtrak
I have personally become a fan of train travel in America. Chicago is a major hub, serving most major cities throughout the country. Amtrak comes into Union station (downtown Chicago). It’s about a $12 cab ride to my place, or you can take the Blue Line “L”. Exit Union Station on Canal Street and turn left (south) and then turn right (west) on Jackson. Go one block to Clinton and turn left and walk 2 blocks to the Clinton Blue line stop. Catch the Blue Line toward O’Hare and get off at the Western Ave stop.(between Damen and California). When you exit the Western stop, walk north on Western Ave. (take a right out of the station) past McDonald’s, then take a right (east) onto Armitage Ave. Walk two blocks to N. Leavitt St. (traffic light) and turn left (north). Continue on Leavitt for 4 1/2 blocks to 2144 N. Leavitt St. You will find the B&B on the left (west) side of the street where Webster St. dead-ends.
(800) 872-7245
www.Amtrak.com