Best Chicago Transit Planner Apps

240+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.4 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated August 2026

Finding the right chicago transit planner apps can be overwhelming with so many options. We've analyzed 240+ apps to bring you the best choices for 2026, from free options to premium solutions with advanced features.

Compare top Chicago Transit Planner Apps (August 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Chicago Transit PlannerChicago Transit PlannerFree5.0★ (2)NoYesMay 2026
2Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.Free4.6★ (32K)YesYesAug 2026
3Citymapper: All Live TransitCitymapper: All Live TransitFree4.9★ (107K)YesYesAug 2026
4Transit • Subway & Bus TimesTransit • Subway & Bus TimesFree4.6★ (975K)NoYesAug 2026
5Chicago CTA Train Bus TrackerChicago CTA Train Bus TrackerFree3.3★ (16)YesYesMay 2026
6ezTransit Chicago CTAezTransit Chicago CTAFreeNoYesAug 2026
7Arrive Chicago TransitArrive Chicago TransitFree5.0★ (3)NoNoMay 2026
8Chicago Subway mapChicago Subway mapFreeNoNoMay 2026

Top Picks for Chicago Transit Planner

Chicago Transit Planner#1

Chicago Transit Planner by Tyler Sherman

On demand Bus and L-Train info
Editor's Choice
✈️ Travel
5.0(2 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Chicago Transit Planner screenshot 1
Chicago Transit Planner screenshot 2
Chicago Transit Planner screenshot 3
Chicago Transit Planner screenshot 4
Chicago Transit Planner screenshot 5
Chicago Transit Planner screenshot 6

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.

Transit Stop: CTA Tracker.#2

Transit Stop: CTA Tracker. by Kramer Concepts, LLC

Chicago Bus & Train Tracker
Strong Contender
🗺️ Navigation
4.6😊(32K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#94in Navigation
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
Citymapper: All Live Transit#3

Citymapper: All Live Transit by Citymapper Limited

Live Bus, Subway, Train Times
Worth Considering
🗺️ Navigation
4.9😊(107K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#15in 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

  • 🚀 Excellent navigation
  • 👍 User-friendly interface
  • 🚇 Comprehensive public transport information
  • 🗺️ Accurate route planning

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Inaccurate schedule information
  • 🔧 Unreliable live updates
  • 🚧 Limited coverage in some cities

More Chicago Transit Planner apps to explore

4
Transit • Subway & Bus Times
Transit • Subway & Bus Times
Transit • Subway & Bus Times
Track NYC MTA, CTA, LA Metro
Free

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.

Real-time departure timesLive vehicle trackingFastest route planning
🗺️ Navigation
(975K)
free with in-app purchases
5
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
6
ezTransit Chicago CTA
ezTransit Chicago CTA
ezTransit Chicago CTA
Trip Planner for Chicago CTA
Free

Plan your trips on Chicago's public transit system offline. Get route suggestions with transfer details and departure/arrival times, view them on a map, and save your favorites. Receive notifications for schedule updates.

Offline trip planningRoute searching on mapAdvanced search parameters
✈️ Travel
(0)
free with in-app purchases
7
Arrive Chicago Transit
Arrive Chicago Transit
Arrive Chicago Transit
Never Miss Your Train Again
Free

This app provides real-time tracking for all Chicago public transit, including CTA trains and buses, and Metra commuter rail. It features a unique virtual pigeon companion, safety alerts, carbon impact tracking, and a trip planner. Explore historic spots and get crowd predictions for events.

Real-time CTA and Metra trackingVirtual pigeon companion with customizationCommunity safety alerts
🗺️ Navigation
(3)
free
8
Chicago Subway map
Chicago Subway map
Chicago Subway map
Chicago Metro Map
Free
✈️ Travel
(0)
9
All Aboard - CTA tracker
All Aboard - CTA tracker
All Aboard - CTA tracker
Simple bus and train tracking
Free
🔧 Utilities
(0)
10
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
(889)
free with in-app purchases
11
Track Chicago
Track Chicago
Track Chicago
CTA Bus and Train Tracker
Free

Get real-time arrival information for CTA buses and trains. Easily manage your favorite stops and quickly refresh schedules with intuitive gestures.

Real-time arrival trackingAdd and manage favorite stopsSwipe to reload times
🗺️ Navigation
(21)
free
12
EL Tracker
EL Tracker
EL Tracker
For CTA Riders
Free

This free Chicago transit app provides real-time departure information with customizable widgets and smart delay calculations. It offers tailored alerts, Siri integration, and accessibility features for low-vision users and multiple languages.

Customizable departure widgetsSmartWalk delay calculationSiri support
🗺️ Navigation
(75)
free
13
PRESTO
PRESTO
PRESTO
Official app from Metrolinx
Free

Manage your transit card and pay for rides using your iPhone or Apple Watch. Load funds and passes instantly, set up autoload, and track your balance and transaction history. Supports multiple transit agencies across Ontario.

Tap to pay with iPhone/Apple WatchInstant fund and pass loadingSet up Autoload and Autorenew
✈️ Travel
(888)
free
14
CTA Bus Tracker
CTA Bus Tracker
CTA Bus Tracker
Chicago CTA Bus Finder
Free
🗺️ Navigation
(0)
15
Ventra
Ventra
Ventra
by Chicago Transit Authority
Free

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.

Manage Ventra Card balance and passesLoad value and passes to Ventra CardBuy Metra mobile tickets
✈️ Travel
(3.3K)
free
16
Chicago CTA Metro Map
Chicago CTA Metro Map
Chicago CTA Metro Map
L Train Map and Planner
Free

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.

Interactive L train mapsOffline journey plannerReal-time departure boards
🗺️ Navigation
(153)
free with in-app purchases
17
Transit Stats - CTA Analytics
Transit Stats - CTA Analytics
Transit Stats - CTA Analytics
Turn CTA rides into data
Free

Track your Chicago public transit rides to see distance, spending, and CO₂ impact. Compete with other riders on city-wide leaderboards and unlock achievements. View detailed personal statistics and ride history.

Automatic GPS ride trackingPersonalized ride statisticsCity-wide leaderboards
🗺️ Navigation
(12)
free with in-app purchases
18
Chicago Guide and Subway map
Chicago Guide and Subway map
Chicago Guide and Subway map
Chicago Guide and metro map
Free
✈️ Travel
(0)
19
Transit Glance
Transit Glance
Transit Glance
Chicago Transit - At a Glance
Free
🗺️ Navigation
(0)
20
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

FAQ about Chicago Transit Planner

What are the best chicago transit planner apps for iPhone?
Chicago Transit Planner tops our chicago transit planner apps ranking as of August 2026, with a 5.0-star average from 2 App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 20 of the top chicago transit planner apps we rank are free to download, including Chicago Transit Planner and Transit Stop: CTA Tracker..
Chicago Transit Planner has no ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of August 2026.
We track 240+ chicago transit planner apps on the iOS App Store as of August 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
Chicago Transit Planner is a travel app that provides real-time information for buses and L-trains within the Chicago transit system. It helps users track arrivals, identify nearby stops, and scan bus signs using AR.
Chicago Transit Planner offers several subscription plans: a weekly renewal for $0.99, a monthly subscription for $2.99, and a yearly subscription for $15.99. These plans provide access to premium features or an enhanced experience.