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Best Chicago Public Transportation Apps

250+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.5 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated October 2026

Out of 250+ 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)YesYesOct 2026
2Chicago CTA Metro MapChicago CTA Metro MapFree4.6β˜… (153)YesYesOct 2026
3Citymapper: All Live TransitCitymapper: All Live TransitFree4.9β˜… (109K)YesYesOct 2026
4onTime Metra, CTAonTime Metra, CTAFree4.0β˜… (870)YesYesOct 2026
5300ER Shuttle300ER ShuttleFreeβ€”NoNoAug 2026
6Transit GlanceTransit GlanceFreeβ€”NoNoJul 2026
7Champaign Bus TrackerChampaign Bus TrackerFreeβ€”YesNoMay 2026
8MetraX: Metra & South ShoreMetraX: Metra & South ShoreFree5.0β˜… (7)NoNoOct 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
Chicago CTA Metro Map#2

Chicago CTA Metro Map by Mapway Inc.

L Train Map and Planner
Strong Contender
πŸ—ΊοΈ Navigation
4.6(153 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.

Citymapper: All Live Transit#3

Citymapper: All Live Transit by Citymapper Limited

Live Bus, Subway, Train Times
Worth Considering
πŸ—ΊοΈ Navigation
4.9😊(109K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#17in Navigation
Citymapper: All Live Transit screenshot 1
Citymapper: All Live Transit screenshot 2
Citymapper: All Live Transit screenshot 3
Citymapper: All Live Transit screenshot 4
Citymapper: All Live Transit screenshot 5
Citymapper: All Live Transit screenshot 6

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.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Excellent navigation
  • πŸ‘ User-friendly interface
  • πŸš‡ Comprehensive public transport information
  • πŸ—ΊοΈ Accurate route planning
  • ⏱️ Real-time updates
  • πŸ” Helpful location tracking
  • πŸ’° Affordable transportation options

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Inaccurate schedule information
  • πŸ”§ Unreliable live updates
  • 🚧 Limited coverage in some cities
  • πŸ’° Paywall for basic features
  • πŸ”‹ High battery consumption
  • πŸ€” Confusing interface at times

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 Chicago CTA Metro Map.
Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. shows ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of October 2026.
We track 250+ chicago public transportation apps on the iOS App Store as of October 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.