We Can All Agree: Transit is the Best Way to Get to Lollapalooza!

Attending live music outdoors is a must-do activity for many Chicagoans during the summer. In our region, we’re lucky to have music festivals that feature a wide range of options for all different tastes. One that comes to mind has been a Chicago staple since 1991: Lollapalooza! The four-day festival at Grant Park starts Thursday, August 1 and ends on Sunday, August 4.

Parking around Grant Park is very expensive, so we can all agree that public transportation is the way to go.

CTA, Metra and Pace make getting to Lolla easy! Starting Thursday through Sunday, Metra will provide extra trains, expand passenger capacity and adjust schedules on most lines to accommodate the increase in ridership anticipated during the four-day event. CTA will add service on rail lines, and various bus routes provide connections from the Chicago Union Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center Metra stations and Grant Park.

To help Metra riders locate CTA buses at Union and Ogilvie stations, CTA and Metra will place sign boards directing riders to the appropriate CTA bus route. Buses serving those routes will also have signs in their windows indicating they serve the Lollapalooza site in Grant Park.

From Union Station: Take the #126 Jackson.
From Ogilvie Transportation Center: Take the #J14 Jeffery Jump.

This year, Metra is offering a two-day Lollapalooza train pass valid for unlimited travel on trains on Thursday, August 1, and Friday, August 2. This special pass, which is only $10 if purchased prior to August 1 and $15 August 1-2, is available at all ticket windows, including all downtown and outlying stations, and on the free Ventra App, available in the App Store or Google Play. Music fans are strongly encouraged to travel on Metra after 9:30 a.m., when more capacity is available.

For travel Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, festival-goers can purchase Metra’s $10 Weekend Pass, which is good for unlimited travel on Metra lines all weekend.

CTA riders can purchase a 3-day or 7-day unlimited-ride pass, a great option for those attending Lollapalooza for multiple days, or attending Lollapalooza after-show concerts. CTA riders can also use Apple Pay, Android Pay or Samsung Pay, or any contactless credit or debit card, for pay-as-you-go rides ($2.25 for bus, $2.50 for train).

Plan your trip today using our Trip Planner with real-time travel information. Have fun and stay safe!

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