Finding cab alternatives in Chicago is a great way to explore the city as well as to save on transportation expense.
Navigating Chicago’s bustling streets doesn’t always require hailing a traditional taxi.
With a diverse array of transit alternatives at your fingertips, you can explore the Windy City with ease and comfort.
Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, knowing your options can save you time and money.
This is especially true during rush hours or peak seasons when surge pricing can turn a ride from affordable to costly in a matter of minutes.
Rideshare apps have become increasingly popular, with services like Uber and Lyft offering convenient pickups at a variety of price points.
For a more local experience, Chicago’s own ‘Curb’ app connects you with city taxis without the traditional hailing.
It offers a fixed rate, helping you to avoid surge pricing.
If you’re looking for something that combines ease of use with a fixed pricing model, these apps are a great way to get around.
Beyond on-demand car services, Chicago offers other creative methods of transportation, including bike-sharing programs like DivvyRide.
These alternatives provide the flexibility for short trips, or when you’re in the mood for some light exercise, all while traversing the city’s many bike-friendly lanes.
Whether it’s a quick jaunt across town or a leisurely ride along Lake Shore Drive, these services complement the existing public transit options wonderfully.
Cab Alternatives in Chicago
Chicago offers several efficient options to navigate the city besides traditional cabs.
You’ll find public transit and popular ridesharing services quite convenient for your travel needs.
Public Transit Options
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates buses and trains that cover the city extensively.
You’ll find ‘L’ trains and buses serving most neighborhoods, with fare payment through Ventra cards being incredibly convenient.
For travel planning, use the CTA Trip Planner to find the best route for your destination.
Popularity of Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have grown massively in popularity in Chicago.
Offering easy-to-use apps, you can book a ride with a few taps on your smartphone.
Keep an eye on the apps for price surges during high demand times, but generally, they are known for competitive pricing and availability.
Rideshare Services in Chicago
Chicago offers you a range of rideshare services to navigate the city with ease, including major international companies as well as local apps designated for taxis.
Major Rideshare Companies
Uber and Lyft dominate the rideshare landscape in Chicago, providing you with a variety of options to suit your needs.
- Uber:
- UberX: Affordable and common service
- Uber Black: Luxurious rides with professional drivers
- UberXL: For larger groups or extra luggage
- Lyft:
- Standard Lyft: Everyday rides
- Lyft Lux: Premium service in luxury cars
- Lyft XL: Ideal for bigger parties or more space
Local Rideshare Apps
Chicago endorses local apps like Arro and Curb for taxi services, ensuring you have alternative options to the major companies.
- Arro and Curb:
- Official taxi-hailing apps for Chicago
- Works with city cabbies to provide reliable service
Additionally, there is Via, which focuses on carpooling and offers another affordable method to travel throughout the city.
Bicycle and Scooter Share Programs
In Chicago, you have several alternatives to cab services that are not only eco-friendly but are also great for short commutes.
Let’s explore the docked bike systems and dockless scooter services available to you.
Docked Bike Systems
Chicago’s publicly owned Divvy bikeshare system stands out as a convenient and integrated mode of transportation.
You can pick up a bike from one station and return it to any other designated station across the city.
- Locations: Hundreds of stations citywide.
- Pricing: Offers various pricing models including single rides, day passes, and annual memberships.
Dockless Scooter Services
You can opt for a dockless scooter, which offers flexibility since you’re not required to return it to a fixed location.
Chicago has licensed three companies for these services: Lime, Spin, and Superpedestrian.
- Rules: Adhere to city regulations.
- Operation: Easily rentable via the respective mobile apps.
Car Rental and Carsharing Services
Navigating Chicago’s bustling streets is made easy with a blend of conventional car rentals and innovative app-based carsharing services.
Whether you’re here for business or leisure, these options provide the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace.
Conventional Car Rentals
Your traditional option for mobility in Chicago involves Conventional Car Rentals like Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental.
These services typically offer a range of vehicles, from economical sedans to spacious SUVs, ensuring you can find a car that suits your needs.
You can pick up your vehicle at numerous rental locations, including airports and downtown areas.
- Advantages:
- Wide selection of vehicles
- Rent by the day, week, or longer
- Typically include insurance options
- Pre-booking available
- How to use:
- Reserve your car online or in-person.
- Pick up at the designated rental station.
- Return the vehicle to the same or a different location, depending on your agreement.
App-Based Carsharing Platforms
For a more flexible approach, App-Based Carsharing Platforms like Zipcar, Avail, and Getaround offer you the convenience of renting a car for as short as a few hours.
You’ll typically find these services more cost-effective for shorter trips and you don’t have to worry about the maintenance— it’s all taken care of.
- Advantages:
- Rent by the hour or day
- Fuel and insurance often included
- Accessible at various self-service locations
- Easy to book through apps
- How to use:
- Download the carsharing app of your choice.
- Locate a nearby car.
- Unlock the car with your app and be on your way.
- Return the car to a designated spot after use.
Key Takeaways
- New Taxi App: The app Curb is modernizing the Chicago taxi industry.
- It offers a competitive service to rideshare options.
- Affordable Rideshare: Via operates with a unique model.
- It charges a flat $5 fee within its coverage zone by matching riders going in the same direction.
- Public Transportation: Don’t forget Chicago’s “L” Train, managed by the Chicago Transit Authority.
- It’s a reliable and busy rail mass transit system.
- Cab Alternatives: Chicago offers various transportation options such as Uber.
- They provide comfort and often, competitive pricing to traditional taxis.
- Airport Rides: At O’Hare Airport, understand the pick-up points for Uber or Lyft.
- A tram may be necessary if arriving at Terminal 5.
| Option | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Curb | Taxi app efficiency |
| Via | Flat rate sharing |
| L Train | Extensive network |
| Uber | Wide availability |