Best Chicago Public Transit Apps

186+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

3.8 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated July 2026

The best chicago public transit apps on iPhone average 3.8★ across 186+ titles — we've ranked them by what real users actually keep on their phones. Updated July 2026.

Compare top Chicago Public Transit Apps (July 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.Free4.6★ (31K)YesYesJul 2026
2Transit • Subway & Bus TimesTransit • Subway & Bus TimesFree4.6★ (959K)YesYesJul 2026
3VentraVentraFree1.8★ (3.3K)NoNoJul 2026
4Citymapper: All Live TransitCitymapper: All Live TransitFree4.9★ (104K)YesYesJul 2026
5Chicago Subway CTA L TrainChicago Subway CTA L TrainFree4.6★ (790)NoYesJul 2026
6Pronto - San DiegoPronto - San DiegoFree4.7★ (30K)NoNoJul 2026
7OneBusAwayOneBusAwayFree2.8★ (626)NoNoJul 2026
8Chicago CTA Train Bus TrackerChicago CTA Train Bus TrackerFree3.3★ (16)YesYesMay 2026

Top Picks for Chicago Public Transit

Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.#1

Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. by Kramer Concepts, LLC

Chicago Bus & Train Tracker
Editor's Choice
🗺️ Navigation
4.6😊(31K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. screenshot 1
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. screenshot 2
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. screenshot 3
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. screenshot 4
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. screenshot 5
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. screenshot 6

Get real-time Chicago bus and train arrival estimates for your favorite CTA stops. Track vehicle locations on a map, save frequent stops, and view service alerts. Integrates with Apple Watch for quick access.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Accurate for trains and buses
  • 🚀 99% accuracy on time rate
  • 👍 Intuitive UI
  • 👍 Excellent paired with Apple Watch

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Inaccurate arrival times
  • 🐛 Crashes on iPad
  • 🐛 Turns off audio when app is open
Transit • Subway & Bus Times#2

Transit • Subway & Bus Times by 9280-0366 Quebec inc.

Track NYC MTA, CTA, LA Metro
Strong Contender
🗺️ Navigation
4.6😐(959K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#5in Navigation
Transit • Subway & Bus Times screenshot 1
Transit • Subway & Bus Times screenshot 2
Transit • Subway & Bus Times screenshot 3
Transit • Subway & Bus Times screenshot 4

Navigate your city with real-time public transit information. Plan routes, track vehicles, and receive instant alerts for buses and trains in over 1,000 cities worldwide. Save favorite destinations for quick trip planning.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Accurate real-time transit information
  • 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
  • 🚀 Reliable and helpful for commuting
  • 👍 Useful features like route planning and alerts

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Inconsistent bus/train arrival times
  • 🐛 Unreliable GPS tracking and location data
  • 🔒 Concerns about paid subscription model
Ventra#3

Ventra by Chicago Transit Authority

Worth Considering
✈️ Travel
1.8😞(3.3K ratings)
Free
#81in Travel
Ventra screenshot 1
Ventra screenshot 2
Ventra screenshot 3
Ventra screenshot 4

Manage your public transit fares and tickets for Chicago's CTA, Metra, and Pace services. Load value, buy Metra mobile tickets, and access real-time arrival information all in one place. Add your Ventra Card to your iPhone for seamless travel.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Convenient for transit
  • 🚀 Helpful for visitors
  • 🚀 Reliable payment processing

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
  • 🐛 Inaccurate arrival/departure times
  • 🐛 Confusing user interface

More Chicago Public Transit apps to explore

4
Citymapper: All Live Transit
Citymapper: All Live Transit
Citymapper: All Live Transit
Live Bus, Subway, Train Times
Free

Plan and navigate your journeys using real-time public transit, ride-sharing, and micro-mobility options. Get turn-by-turn directions, live updates, and compare travel times and costs across various modes of transport.

Real-time trip planningTurn-by-turn navigationLive wait times and ETAs
🗺️ Navigation
(104K)
free with in-app purchases
5
Chicago Subway CTA L Train
Chicago Subway CTA L Train
Chicago Subway CTA L Train
Smart Transit & Offline Map
Free

This app provides real-time transit information for Chicago's 'L' trains and buses. It features a smart route planner, offline maps, and nearby station navigation to help you travel efficiently. Get essential details like train times, fares, and station facilities.

Real-time train and bus informationSmart route planner with transfer optionsNearby station finder with turn-by-turn navigation
🔍 Reference
(790)
free with in-app purchases
6
Pronto - San Diego
Pronto - San Diego
Pronto - San Diego
North County Transit District
Free

Easily purchase transit fares for San Diego County. Add money to your account and scan your phone at validators for each trip. The app automatically ensures you always get the best fare, capping at daily and monthly pass rates.

Mobile fare purchasePay-as-you-go faresReal-time arrivals
✈️ Travel
(30K)
free
7
OneBusAway
OneBusAway
OneBusAway
Real-time transit information
Free

Get real-time transit information for multiple regions, including Puget Sound. Plan your trips, receive departure alerts, and view live arrival times. Easily find nearby stops and save your favorite routes for quick access.

Real-time arrival informationTrip planningDeparture alerts
🗺️ Navigation
(626)
free
8
Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker
Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker
Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker
Chicago Transit :CTA Train Bus
Free

Navigate Chicago's public transit with real-time bus and train tracking. Plan your journeys with detailed route information, departure and arrival times, and an offline rail map. Enjoy personalized day and night modes for a seamless travel experience.

Live CTA bus trackingMetra train time trackerOffline Chicago rail map
✈️ Travel
(16)
free with in-app purchases
9
Chicago CTA Bus Tracker
Chicago CTA Bus Tracker
Chicago CTA Bus Tracker
Chicago Transit Authority bus
Free

Track Chicago CTA buses in real-time. Select your route, direction, and stop to view upcoming bus arrivals. Save favorite stops for quick access to arrival times.

Live bus trackingRoute and direction selectionStop arrival predictions
🗺️ Navigation
(184)
ad-supported
10
Illini Bus for CUMTD
Illini Bus for CUMTD
Illini Bus for CUMTD
by Nop Shusang
Free

This transit app provides real-time bus tracking and route information for the UIUC campus. It features a trip planner, detailed stop maps, and quick access to nearby bus schedules without requiring any clicks upon opening.

Real-time bus trackingRoute and stop mapsCampus trip planner
🗺️ Navigation
(971)
free
11
MARTA — Official
MARTA — Official
MARTA — Official
by Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit
Free

Access real-time bus and rail schedules for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. Plan your trips with up-to-the-minute arrival and departure information.

Bus schedulesRail schedulesReal-time information
✈️ Travel
(1.3K)
free
12
MTA TrainTime
MTA TrainTime
MTA TrainTime
Railroad tickets and trips
Free

This app allows railroad customers to buy and use tickets, plan journeys, and track trains in real-time. It offers features like split payments, multi-station trip planning, and real-time GPS tracking for a seamless travel experience.

Buy and use railroad ticketsPlan trips with departure timesReal-time GPS train tracking
🗺️ Navigation
(211K)
free
13
CTA Transit Tracker
CTA Transit Tracker
CTA Transit Tracker
Chicago Bus & Train Tracker
Free

Track Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses in real-time. Get accurate arrival predictions for your chosen routes and stops. Save your favorite locations for quick access to upcoming bus times.

Real-time CTA bus trackingAccurate arrival predictionsSave favorite stops
🗺️ Navigation
(182)
free with in-app purchases
14
Metro Transit
Metro Transit
Metro Transit
by Metropolitan Council
Free

Plan your transit trips, view real-time departure information for buses and trains, and purchase mobile tickets directly from your smartphone. This app simplifies navigating public transportation in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.

Trip PlannerReal-time departure information (NexTrip)Mobile ticket purchasing
✈️ Travel
(333)
free
15
PDX Bus, MAX, Streetcar & WES
PDX Bus, MAX, Streetcar & WES
PDX Bus, MAX, Streetcar & WES
Portland Transit arrival times
Free

This app provides real-time arrival information for public transportation in Portland, Oregon, including buses, MAX, Streetcar, and WES. It offers features like stop management, interactive maps, and rider alerts to help navigate the transit system efficiently.

Real-time arrival timesInteractive rail mapsGPS-enabled nearby stop locator
✈️ Travel
(303)
free with in-app purchases
16
myStop Mobile
myStop Mobile
myStop Mobile
by Avail Technologies
Free

Access real-time bus information and plan your trips with this app. It provides interactive location and schedule data for numerous public transit agencies across the US, featuring live bus tracking and service alerts.

Real-time bus trackingTrip planning with Google SearchService alerts
🗺️ Navigation
(12K)
free
17
xtBus transit browser
xtBus transit browser
xtBus transit browser
know your next bus arrival
Free

This app helps you track bus arrivals and routes visually on a map. It allows you to bookmark your preferred transit agencies for easy access to real-time arrival estimates and bus locations.

Real-time bus location on mapAccurate arrival time estimatesBookmark local transit agencies
🗺️ Navigation
(10)
free with in-app purchases
18
Token Transit
Token Transit
Token Transit
Public Transit Passes
Free

Purchase and activate digital transit passes directly from your phone. Your mobile device becomes your ticket, allowing you to easily board public transportation. Supports over 200 cities across North America.

Purchase transit faresActivate digital ticketsStore tickets on phone
✈️ Travel
(423)
free
19
RTA Chicago
RTA Chicago
RTA Chicago
by Mentz GmbH
Free

Navigate Chicago's public transit with door-to-door directions and real-time arrival estimates for CTA trains and buses, Metra rail, and Pace buses. Customize your journey based on travel preferences, including mobility needs.

Door-to-door public transit directionsReal-time arrival estimatesCTA train and bus tracking
✈️ Travel
(30)
free
20
Chicago ETAs: CTA Tracker
Chicago ETAs: CTA Tracker
Chicago ETAs: CTA Tracker
ETAs for CTA buses and trains
Free

This app provides real-time arrival estimates for Chicago's public transit system. It allows users to track specific departures on their lock screen, save favorite stops, and find nearby locations. Detailed route information is also available.

Real-time arrival timesLock screen trackingFavorite stops
🗺️ Navigation
(1)
free

FAQ about Chicago Public Transit

What are the best chicago public transit apps for iPhone?
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. tops our chicago public transit apps ranking as of July 2026, with a 4.6-star average from 31K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 20 of the top chicago public transit apps we rank are free to download, including Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. and Transit • Subway & Bus Times.
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. shows ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of July 2026.
We track 186+ chicago public transit apps on the iOS App Store as of July 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
This app provides real-time estimated arrival times for Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains. It allows you to track vehicle locations on a map, save your frequently used stops, and view service alerts for specific routes.
Key features include real-time arrival estimates in minutes and time, a location map showing vehicle positions, individual vehicle tracking, the ability to save favorite stops, viewing multiple routes, and receiving CTA service alerts. It also offers Apple Watch integration for quick access to saved stops.