PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Evanston is served by two train systems—the Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) elevated train (the "L") and the Metra train.
The "L" will take you into the heart of downtown Chicago (the Loop), with easy access to the Art Institute and Millennium Park. It runs regularly throughout the day and evening but requires a change of trains at Howard Street—except during weekday rush hours when the Evanston train runs express to downtown Chicago. The trip takes about 45 minutes with the express train and about an hour with a transfer at Howard.
The Metra train is a much faster (25 minutes) but more expensive option, and it terminates on the west side of downtown Chicago—convenient for the Sears Tower but a good 15-minute walk to the Art Institute. There are several trains/hour before 9:00 am and again during the evening rush hours —but only one train/hour during the middle of the day.
The "L" stops at 7 stations in Evanston. The end of the line is the Linden Avenue station, just north of Evanston in Wilmette. The downtown Evanston station (the Davis Street station) is on Benson Avenue between Church and Davis Streets.
The "L" uses a color-code system, and Evanston is on the Purple Line. The Purple Line runs express to and from downtown Chicago during rush hours on weekdays. At other times of the day, and on weekends, riders must transfer to a Red Line train at Howard Street.
The last morning express train to Chicago leaves the Davis Street station at 9:37 am. In the afternoon, the first southbound express train leaves Davis Street at 2:37 pm, and the last one leaves at 6:37 pm. Returning from Chicago, the first afternoon express train leaves the Adams/Wabash station at 3:19 pm; the last one leaves at 7:19 pm.
Chicago stations: For the Art Institute, get off at Adams/Wabash (Purple Line) or Monroe (Red Line). For Millennium Park, get off at Randolph or Madison (Purple Line) or Lake (Red Line). The "L" stations are above ground (elevated); the Red Line stations are underground.
Fare: $2.25
The Metra train stops at 3 stations in Evanston. The downtown Evanston station is to the west of the CTA Davis Street station, between Church and Davis Streets. There are stairs up to the platform and the ticket office from Church Street (at Maple Avenue).
Fare: $3.35
ISSID 2009