Travel and transport agencies Illinois

The Chicago Transit Authority manages the 8 "L" Train lines, each designated by a color and all passing through the interior of the Loop, as well as the city's bus network. To use the CTA's bus and subway network, you need a rechargeable Ventra card, which costs US$5 to purchase. You can buy single metro tickets, but this option is only worthwhile if you only take the metro a few times, as it is more expensive.

Amtrak is the American equivalent of SNCF, minus the monopoly. It is the main operator of destinations to the rest of the United States. Trains are rarely the fastest, cheapest or most convenient option, but they do offer a picturesque and comfortable way to travel. The network connects the country's largest cities and many smaller towns. In Chicago, the Amtrak network serves Union Station, from where you can take the subway. Online chat service.

O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world. More than 190,000 people pass through this North American hub every day. Located 30 km northwest of Chicago, the airport is large and functional, with clear signage. Most international flights disembark at Terminal 5, and domestic flights at Terminal 2. You can then reach downtown Chicago by public transport (CTA Blue Line) or cab.

With stations in strategic locations such as Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Lakeshore, Bike and Roll is one of the most convenient companies in Chicago. You can rent a bike for 2 hours or for the day (it pays for itself after the third hour of rental). The rental includes a lock, a helmet and a free map of the city. The good thing about Bike and Roll is that there are several kinds of bikes: for kids, city bikes, mountain bikes, and heavy-duty bikes for winter (be careful, some agencies are closed during winter).

It's easy to get a cab in Chicago: just wave your arm and there will be several stopping, especially in the downtown area. If you are in a restaurant or hotel, ask the staff to call you a cab, it is very common. There are different companies, but all are licensed and have a metal plate on the roof with their registration. A little tip: when you hail a cab, don't stand on the sidewalk, but on the sidewalk. Don't forget to leave a tip, about 15 to 20% of the amount.

These shuttles connect O'Hare and Midway Airports to downtown. After you've picked up your luggage, head straight out of the airport, with shuttles waiting outside the domestic and international arrivals terminals. There's a counter inside, but you'll likely see shuttles parked along the curb. If you have the opportunity, we recommend that you book your shuttle in advance, before you fly. This way, you won't have to worry about buying your tickets when you arrive at the Chicago airport.

There is also everything you need to send packages abroad, photocopiers, office items. Several addresses in town.

CTA Blue Line, Damen stop. Wicker Park coffee with wireless connection.

The newest bus company is called Megabus. Most Midwestern cities are connected by Megabus, including Minneapolis, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Cleveland, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. Not as regular as Greyhound, Megabus prides itself on being cheaper. And it's true, at this level, it's like a low cost bus! Fares depend on the date of purchase, the route and the day of travel. It is better to arrive early to have a good place in the bus, unless you paid a little extra to reserve your seat.

Greyhound is one of the largest bus companies in North America. The fleet of buses has been largely renewed to offer a better service to its users. In most buses, one can now enjoy a certain level of comfort with leather seats, more leg room, toilets in the back of the vehicle, personal electrical outlets and free wi-fi. Greyhound trips are often hectic and busy, but that's cheap America too! It takes about 9 hours to get to St Paul, Minnesota.

Located 10 miles southwest of Chicago, Midway Airport is mainly used by domestic low-cost airlines. Unless you've been to another U.S. city, you won't likely be flying through this airport. To get to downtown Chicago from Midway, you can take the Go Airport Express shuttles or, even more economically, take public transportation. The Chicago Transit Authority's Orange Line serves the airport and takes about 20 minutes to reach the Loop.

The Chicago Public Library is open to all. As a visitor to the city, you will be entitled to two hours of free internet connection, divided into two sessions of one hour. Go to the Internet Services Office on the third floor: You will be given a code, which you will need to reset at the beginning of the second session. The first ten impressions are free. Wi-Fi is free of access: find out how to handle the handling.

If you are only looking for stamps, do not queue, use computer terminals that sell stamps per ten or unit.