If you’re heading out in Chicago on New Year’s Eve, the CTA is making it easier, cheaper and safer to catch the fireworks, countdowns and late-night celebrations across the city.
Thanks to CTA's annual partnership with Molson Coors, all CTA trains and buses will be free from 10pm on Wednesday, December 31 until 4am on Thursday, January 1. That's right, you don't have to drive or pay for a ride. Just get to and from all your NYE events safely and completely free.
Just be sure to check the schedule first. On New Year’s Eve, trains run mostly on a regular weekday schedule, with some key late-night upgrades. The Red Line and Blue Line will operate 24 hours, as they always do, making them your best bets for getting downtown and back home no matter how late things go. The Purple Line and Yellow Line will both run later than usual, with service extended until 2am.
The Chicago Riverwalk Fireworks and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve celebration kick off at 9pm along the Riverwalk and Wacker Drive between Lake and Wells. All rail lines serving downtown will get you close, and late-night Purple and Yellow Line service makes the trip home less stressful.
The classic Navy Pier fireworks show launches at 11:59pm. The Red Line can get you there if you get off at Grand/State and walk or transfer to one of several buses serving the area, including the 29 State, 65 Grand, 66 Chicago and 124 Navy Pier. Expect reroutes and extra service around midnight.
If you’re out before 10pm or staying out after 4am, CTA is still the best way to go. A 1-Day Unlimited Pass costs $5 and easily beats paying for gas, parking or surge-priced rideshares. The 3-Day Unlimited Pass is $15 and covers you through the holiday weekend.
On New Year’s Day itself, CTA switches to a Sunday or holiday schedule. Expect fewer trains and buses, especially later in the day. The Red and Blue Lines will still run 24 hours, but other rail lines and many bus routes will have reduced service.
Check for updates at https://www.transitchicago.com/alerts/.