Hey Chicago! ❄️🦃 Whether you’re heading downtown for the parade, heading home after feasting, or simply enjoying a crisp holiday stroll, we’ve got your ride covered — smooth, friendly, and stress-free.
What’s going on:
On Thanksgiving Day, all CTA trains and buses will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
For travellers flying out of town:
Take the Blue Line to O’Hare International Airport (~45 minutes from Dearborn in the Loop) for fast service.
Take the Orange Line to Midway International Airport (~30 minutes from the Loop) — conveniently connected with many bus routes.
During the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade route on State Street (Thu morning):
Starting at 8:30 a.m., State Street between Congress and Randolph will be closed.
Sixteen (16) CTA bus routes will be detoured or curtailed in the downtown area until ~1:00 p.m.
Seasonal service update: The #10 Museum of Science & Industry bus begins special seasonal service from Thanksgiving Day through January 2.
Travel Tips
If you’re flying out or arriving via CTA, the Blue and Orange Lines offer consistent airport connections — plan accordingly.
If you normally ride a bus through the downtown parade zone, check your route early and allow extra time for detours.
Because the system shifts to a Sunday/holiday schedule, frequency may be lower than typical weekday service — give yourself extra time.
Use your Ventra card or mobile fare option to speed up boardings.
Keep an eye on CTA alerts and track real-time service changes (especially around the parade zone) through the Moovit App.