Comparison

Chicago Transit Planner vs Chicago Subway map

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Chicago Transit Planner

This app provides real-time bus and L-train information for Chicago's transit system. It offers features like scanning bus signs with AR, finding nearby stations and stops, and tracking specific train or bus routes with live updates on arrivals and delays.

Highlights
  • Real-time bus and L-train arrival tracking
  • AR bus sign scanning
  • Nearby train station and bus stop finder
  • Map-based transit visualization
  • Delay notifications
  • Route and station tracking
Features
Read full description

The best companion riding the Chicago Transit system. Whether you want to track what time buses are going to be arriving at a stop, or what train stops are nearby you, this app helps you do it. CT Planner provides you with realtime data for buses and L-trains throughout Chicago displayed on an easy to use map. [Scan Bus Sign] This option allows you to use your ARKit enabled devices to read bus signs throughout Chicago and be shown a map of all planned buses stopping there, as well as useful information like: when it arrives, if it’s delayed, the bus number, and current location. [Near By Trains] This option is used to find all train stations within a configurable radius from your current location on a map. You can then pick a station and find all trains going to that station and see information like: if it’s delayed, the expected arrival time, and the current location (all displayed on a map on your screen). [Near By Buses] This option is used to find all bus stops within a configurable radius from your current location on a map. You can then pick a stop and find all buses going to that stop and see information like: if it’s delayed, the expected arrival time, and the current location (all displayed on a map on your screen). [Track my Train] This option has you choose a line, after which it displays all stations on that line on the map. From there you choose a specific station and which direction (or both directions) and all trains going to the station are displayed for the chosen direction. You can tap on a train to see relevant information about that train such as if it’s delayed, the expected arrival time, and the current location. [Track my Bus] This option has you choose a route, after which it displays all stops on that route on the map. From there you choose a specific stop and all buses going to the stop are displayed on the map. You can tap on a bus to see relevant information such as if it’s delayed, the expected arrival time, and the current location. For our terms of use please visit http://shermansoftwaremarketing.com/terms-of-use/

About

Chicago Subway map

Features
Read full description

Chicago subway map, offline route planning and a city guide in one app. Navigate the CTA “L”, explore Metra connections and discover what to do between stops. From your first arrival at O’Hare to a weekend around the Loop, keep your transport map and Chicago travel ideas together. PLAN YOUR NEXT RIDE Choose your starting point and destination, search stations and review the connections in your journey. Explore the Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple and Yellow Lines. Use transport filters to browse CTA rail, buses, Pace, Metra and water taxi layers on the regional map. YOUR MAP, READY WHEN YOU NEED IT Zoom into the built-in CTA map, follow color-coded lines and see where stations connect. Select a station on the interactive map and send it straight to the planner as your origin or destination. The offline planner uses transport data stored on your device. Online maps, airport boards and external services require an internet connection. ARRIVE VIA O’HARE OR MIDWAY Find airport information for ORD and MDW, with practical context for the Blue Line connection to O’Hare and the Orange Line connection to Midway. View available departure and arrival boards, then prepare the next part of your trip into Chicago. DISCOVER CHICAGO BEYOND THE PLATFORM Explore attractions and photo spots around Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, the Chicago Riverwalk and the city’s neighborhoods. Search places by category, open map links and listen to available attraction descriptions with the audio guide. Use the city guide to connect sightseeing ideas with nearby transport stops. ONE DAY OR A WHOLE WEEK Browse itineraries for one to seven days. Choose your trip length, switch between days and find ideas for parks, museums, architecture and lakefront walks. Keep a flexible plan for a short city break, a family visit or more time exploring Chicago. FIND THE BEST LIGHT Check sunrise, sunset and solar noon for your selected date. Explore suggested viewpoints for a morning by Lake Michigan, reflections along the river or an evening skyline photograph. PRACTICAL TRAVEL TOOLS Save useful places in the address book and keep transport information, emergency contacts and travel essentials close at hand. Explore available links for hotels, flights, car rentals, tours and mobile data. External providers set their own prices, availability and terms. Built for visitors and everyday journeys alike, Chicago Subway Map brings maps, route planning and city discoveries into one place. Start with a station, plan your ride and make more of the city around you. An independent app, not affiliated with or endorsed by CTA, Metra, Pace or the City of Chicago. Routes and journey times are estimates based on stored data. Check official operators for current service, disruptions, fares and airport instructions before traveling.

Screenshots

Chicago Transit Planner4 screens
Chicago Subway map4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Chicago Subway map at none against Chicago Transit Planner's 3. Chicago Transit Planner's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 17 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Chicago Transit Planner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Chicago Subway map asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Chicago Transit Planner ships an update weekly, Chicago Subway map every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Chicago Transit Planner versus Chicago Subway map: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChicago Transit PlannerChicago Subway map
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 17 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTyler ShermanYaroslav Mykolaienko

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Chicago Transit Planner

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Renewal$0.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription$2.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription$15.991 Year
None

Chicago Subway map

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Chicago Transit Planner free?
Chicago Transit Planner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Chicago Subway map free?
Chicago Subway map is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Chicago Transit Planner or Chicago Subway map have ads?
Neither Chicago Transit Planner nor Chicago Subway map shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Chicago Transit Planner or Chicago Subway map?
Chicago Transit Planner ships an update weekly, and Chicago Subway map every 17 months. Most recently, Chicago Transit Planner was updated on October 26, 2026 and Chicago Subway map on October 25, 2026.

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