CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY (CTA)
Read moreThe 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
Read moreAmtrak 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 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Read moreO'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.
BIKE AND ROLL CHICAGO
Read moreWith 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).
CHECKER TAXI
Read moreIt'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.
GO AIRPORT EXPRESS
Read moreThese 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.
MEGABUS
Read moreThe 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
Read moreGreyhound 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.
MIDWAY AIRPORT
Read moreLocated 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.
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - HAROLD WASHINGTON LIBRARY
Read moreThe 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.
UNITED STATES POST OFFICE
Read moreIf you are only looking for stamps, do not queue, use computer terminals that sell stamps per ten or unit.
EDGE OF PARK RENTALS
Read moreConveniently located near Peninsula State Park at the south entrance to the park, this organization offers bike and scooter rentals. Two-wheelers are one of the best ways to explore the park during the summer months. If you want to rent a bike, you don't need to make a reservation on the website. For scooters, on the other hand, it is advisable to book in advance as they go fast, especially in July and August. Before you can rent a scooter, you will have to follow a short initiation session.
ISTHMUS DAILY PAGE
Read moreIn this official magazine of Madison, all the city's activities, all addresses. This information is available on its website.
MACHINERY ROW BICYCLES
Read moreThis bicycle store on the edge of Monona Lake, close to the Monona Convention Center, has invested the long brick block of Machinery Row, formerly used as a place of sale for agricultural equipment and is now on the historical buildings registry of the city of Madison. Bikes can be rented from Monona lake (about 16 km away) on the bicycle path that goes next door. On the other hand, the Tour Lake tower is more difficult: we must borrow roads frequented by cars.
APOSTLE ISLANDS CRUISE SERVICE
Read moreThis organization offers various boat trips around the archipelago of the Apostle Islands.
JEFFERSON LINES
Read moreJefferson Lines bus company provides connections to Madison (3 hours), Milwaukee (4 hours) and Chicago (7 hours). In La Crosse, it picks up and drops off passengers at the Bus Depot, located at 314 Jay Street, about a ten-minute walk from the city's tourist office. The prices charged are more or less the same as at Greyhound, Jefferson Lines' main competitor in the Midwest. The buses are comfortable and usually have wifi and outlets. The vehicles are also equipped with restrooms.