The 'L' System Map
A simplified diagram of the Chicago Transit Authority's train lines. Hover over a line to highlight its path.
'L' Line Details
Discover the routes and key destinations for each line in the system.
The Lifeline of Chicago
The Chicago 'L' (short for "elevated") is the rapid transit system serving the city of Chicago and some of its surrounding suburbs. It is the fourth-largest rapid transit system in the United States, and its iconic elevated tracks are a symbol of the city itself.
Operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the 'L' system has been in operation since 1892, making it the second-oldest rapid transit system in the Americas. With 8 lines, 145 stations, and over 224 miles of track, the 'L' provides 24-hour service on its Red and Blue Lines, a feature unique to only a handful of transit systems worldwide.
From the bustling downtown Loop to the city's diverse neighborhoods and its two major airports, the 'L' is an indispensable part of Chicago's fabric, connecting millions of residents and visitors every week.