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Best Chicago Public Transportation Apps

249+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.2 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated September 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 (September 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.Free4.6β˜… (32K)YesYesSep 2026
2VentraVentraFree1.8β˜… (3.3K)NoNoSep 2026
3Chicago CTA Metro MapChicago CTA Metro MapFree4.6β˜… (153)YesYesSep 2026
4Transit β€’ Subway & Bus TimesTransit β€’ Subway & Bus TimesFree4.6β˜… (982K)NoYesSep 2026
5Citymapper: All Live TransitCitymapper: All Live TransitFree4.9β˜… (108K)YesYesSep 2026
6Transit GlanceTransit GlanceFreeβ€”NoNoJul 2026
7Chicago Offline Map and Travel Trip GuideChicago Offline Map and Travel Trip GuideFreeβ€”NoYesJul 2026
8Chuck'sChuck'sFree4.0β˜… (1)YesNoMay 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😊(32K 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
1.8😞(3.3K ratings)
Free
#87in 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(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.

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 September 2026, with a 4.6-star average from 32K 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 September 2026.
We track 249+ chicago public transportation apps on the iOS App Store as of September 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.