Chicago on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

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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 now … [Read more...] about Free Chicago Trolleys

Earn $50 for Travel Survey

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.

Earn $50 for Travel Survey Between now and May 2019, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is conducting the “My Daily Travel” survey.  They are looking for 12,000 households around northeastern Illinois to share  their travel habits. The are collecting data to measure and understand … [Read more...] about Earn $50 for Travel Survey

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

Filed Under: Transportation

Guide to Chicago Water Taxi’s

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.

Guide to Chicago Water Taxi's.  The Chicago water taxi's are a fun and relaxing transit alternative that gets you from A to B while gliding along our waterways. Take a cheap tour of our lake and river They're also a great way to take a discount tour of our beautiful lake and river.  If you're … [Read more...] about Guide to Chicago Water Taxi’s

Filed Under: Transportation

Hours of free fun with City of Chicago pothole tracker

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.

Hours of free fun with City of Chicago pothole tracker.  As usual as winter has (almost) ended the roads are a mess with potholes.  Now you can see where all the reported potholes are on the City of Chicago's pothole tracker website!  Check it out here. If you have a tire busting divot in your … [Read more...] about Hours of free fun with City of Chicago pothole tracker

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 Illinois Casino's Grand Victoria Elgin, 250 South Grove Ave, … [Read more...] about Free Chicago area Casino Shuttles

Filed Under: Transportation

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 CTA ROSEMONT BLUE LINE … [Read more...] about Free Rivers Casino Des Plaines Shuttles

Filed Under: Transportation

Divvy bikes Offering New Cheap Options

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 Offering New Cheap Options. 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. New options for tourists … [Read more...] about Divvy bikes Offering New Cheap Options

Filed Under: Transportation

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 stations over approximately … [Read more...] about How to ride the CTA

Understanding Basic Economy Airfares

Understanding Basic Economy Airfares. All three of the legacy airlines (American, Delta and United) are now selling Basic Economy fares. As a fairly frequent traveler I decided I needed to understand these fares. Here’s what I’ve learned. We all strive to save money but sometimes the savings … [Read more...] about Understanding Basic Economy Airfares

Shop Jewel Earn Shell Gas Discount

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Shop Jewel Earn Shell Gas Discount. I don't live near a Jewel but whenever I'm going close to one I always peruse the Weekly ad in advance and pop in and pick up the sale items. And bread - Jewel has a very good bakery.  Anyway on my last visit I noticed that they have a deal where you can earn up … [Read more...] about Shop Jewel Earn Shell Gas Discount

How to find out if your vehicle has been recalled

Everyone has heard about the terrible accident the Star Wars actor was involved in. Apparently he wasn't aware of a recall on his vehicle.  Here's how to find out if your vehicle has been recalled. From what I've read recall repairs are free. There are several locations where you can check and … [Read more...] about How to find out if your vehicle has been recalled

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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