Chicago on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

Transportation

Free CTA art tour

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free CTA art tour Usually we're all rushing in and out of CTA stations but if you have the time stop and take a look or better yet take a tour.  The collection includes mosaics, sculptures and paintings. More than 50 pieces of art are exhibited at over 40 CTA stations.  More artwork has been … [Read more...] about Free CTA art tour

How to find cheap parking in Chicago

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

How to find cheap parking in Chicago. Parking in Chicago can be very expensive. Depending on where and when you park in Chicago, the cost and hours of operation vary. Please see the rate map here.  Meters in the Loop are $7.00 per hour,  $4.50 in the Central Business District and $2 outside the … [Read more...] about How to find cheap parking in Chicago

Ride the CTA for free on New Year’s Eve

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Ride the CTA for free on New Year's Eve. Skip Uber Surge Pricing Since it will be nearly impossible to get a taxi, and no one wants to pay Uber surge prices, keep in mind that the CTA will provide FREE rides on all CTA buses and trains beginning at 10:00p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 until 4:00 a.m. … [Read more...] about Ride the CTA for free on New Year’s Eve

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Transportation

How to get an Illinois REAL ID driver’s license UPDATED

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

How to get an Illinois REAL ID driver's license COTC Update 12/10/19:  Due to the federally mandated REAL ID program, wait times at Driver Services facilities have increased. Please be patient and be aware that the DMV may need to suspend certain services, including drive tests, to ensure that they … [Read more...] about How to get an Illinois REAL ID driver’s license UPDATED

How to ride the CTA

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

How to ride the CTA. We're lucky to have a fantastic public transportation system in Chicago.  You can get almost everywhere in the city (and some suburbs) on a train or bus.  Chicago's  'L' (L stands for elevated) system has eight rapid transit routes and consists of 146 … [Read more...] about How to ride the CTA

Divvy bikes transportation on the cheap

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Divvy bikes transportation on the cheap. Chicago's bike sharing program, Divvy, is a great way to cheaply transport yourself around the city.  There are stations all over the city, especially at CTA and Metra stops. All the following prices are effective February 1, 2018. Options for tourists and … [Read more...] about Divvy bikes transportation on the cheap

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Transportation

Free motorcycle classes Harper College

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free motorcycle classes Harper College. If you're considering learning to ride, all Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Motorcycle Safety Training Courses for Cook County and Northern Illinois are administered by Harper College. They put on free rider education courses at 15 locations … [Read more...] about Free motorcycle classes Harper College

Discount Chicago Water Taxi All-Day passes

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Discount Chicago Water Taxi All-Day passes.  I love riding the Water Taxi.  People complain that it used to cost the same as the bus but it's so much better than riding the bus I'm willing to pay more. Now astute reader Jeff H. tipped me off on a way to get a discount.  Pick up the small Metra … [Read more...] about Discount Chicago Water Taxi All-Day passes

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Transportation

Free Chicago Trolleys

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Chicago has three free trolleys.  All are seasonal.  At times the lines for free trolleys can get very long and you may find yourself waiting for several trolleys to pass before you can board. Also these trolleys do not have air conditioning. Navy Pier Trolley #1 The free Navy Pier Trolley stops … [Read more...] about Free Chicago Trolleys

Free Rivers Casino Des Plaines Shuttles

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free Rivers Casino Des Plaines Shuttles. Rivers used to have a free shuttle from downtown Chicago but those are no longer listed on their website. I emailed them about it and no one ever got back to me. Guide to Chicago Area Casinos Free Chicago area casino shuttles To keep up with the latest … [Read more...] about Free Rivers Casino Des Plaines Shuttles

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Transportation

Free Chicago area Casino Shuttles

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Some casino's offer free shuttles, some require you to take public transit to connect with a free shuttle and some offer no shuttle at all.  As always check the schedules as they are all subject to change. Guide to Chicago Area Casinos To keep up with the latest news on deals, discounts and … [Read more...] about Free Chicago area Casino Shuttles

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Transportation

Buy a Ventra card before yours expires

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Buy a Ventra card before yours expires. Update 8/20/18 I received my replacement Ventra card on August 17 and it has been a fiasco.  I activated the new card per the instructions and the balance was supposed to transfer to my replacement card.   When I logged in to my Ventra account online or … [Read more...] about Buy a Ventra card before yours expires

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Transportation

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

Chicago on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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