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Best Chicago Public Transportation Apps

249+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.3 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated October 2026

Out of 249+ chicago public transportation apps on iOS, 20 are free and the rest sit in the paid tier. This page sorts them so you can compare both sides before you commit.

Compare top Chicago Public Transportation Apps (October 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.Free4.6β˜… (33K)YesYesNov 2026
2VentraVentraFree1.9β˜… (3.5K)NoNoNov 2026
3Chicago CTA Metro MapChicago CTA Metro MapFree4.6β˜… (155)YesYesOct 2026
4Citymapper: All Live TransitCitymapper: All Live TransitFree4.9β˜… (110K)YesYesNov 2026
5Chicago Subway mapChicago Subway mapFreeβ€”NoNoOct 2026
6300ER Shuttle300ER ShuttleFreeβ€”NoNoAug 2026
7Transit GlanceTransit GlanceFreeβ€”NoNoJul 2026
8onTime Metra, CTAonTime Metra, CTAFree4.0β˜… (876)YesYesOct 2026

Top Picks for Chicago Public Transportation

Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.#1

Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. by Kramer Concepts, LLC

Chicago Bus & Train Tracker
Editor's Choice
πŸ—ΊοΈ Navigation
4.6😊(33K 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

  • πŸš€ Accurate for trains and buses
  • πŸš€ 99% accuracy on time rate
  • πŸ‘ Intuitive UI
  • πŸ‘ Excellent paired with Apple Watch
  • πŸ‘ Favorite transit app

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Inaccurate arrival times
  • πŸ› Crashes on iPad
  • πŸ› Turns off audio when app is open
  • πŸ› Unreliable, with ghost buses and delayed updates
  • πŸ‘Ž Poor user interface
Ventra#2

Ventra by Chicago Transit Authority

Strong Contender
✈️ Travel
1.9😞(3.5K ratings)
Free
#93in 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

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

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Frequent crashes and bugs
  • πŸ› Inaccurate arrival/departure times
  • πŸ› Confusing user interface
  • πŸ› Unreliable login and account management
  • πŸ› Payment issues and declined transactions
  • πŸ› Lack of customer support
Chicago CTA Metro Map#3

Chicago CTA Metro Map by Mapway Inc.

L Train Map and Planner
Worth Considering
πŸ—ΊοΈ Navigation
4.6(155 ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
Chicago CTA Metro Map screenshot 1
Chicago CTA Metro Map screenshot 2
Chicago CTA Metro Map screenshot 3
Chicago CTA Metro Map screenshot 4
Chicago CTA Metro Map screenshot 5

Navigate Chicago's CTA transit system with ease. This app offers interactive maps, real-time train departures, and offline journey planning to help you get around the city efficiently. Save your favorite routes and enjoy a step-by-step guide for stress-free travel.

More Chicago Public Transportation apps to explore

FAQ about Chicago Public Transportation

What are the best chicago public transportation apps for iPhone?
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. tops our chicago public transportation apps ranking as of October 2026, with a 4.6-star average from 33K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes β€” 20 of the top chicago public transportation apps we rank are free to download, including Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. and Ventra.
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. shows ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of October 2026.
We track 249+ chicago public transportation apps on the iOS App Store as of October 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.