The "L" also referred to as "El" is a rapid transit system serving the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. This transit system is operated by Chicago Transit Authority, second largest rapid transit system in United States.

Operations of the oldest section of "L" started sometime in 1892. At present "L" consists of eight rapid lines laid out in a spoke hub distribution paradigm focusing transit towards a central loop. Since then this rapid transit system has been catering to hundreds and thousands of people.

On an average the "L" provides comfortable ride to over 658,524 people every week and this number reaches 419,258 on Saturday and nearly 315,240 on Sunday's. Chicago Subways remained on the planning board for two and a half decades until funding was available in mid 1930's.

The first passenger subway line in the world, the Metropolitan Railway was opened in 1863. Since then subways were built in number of other cities including Paris, New York and Boston.

Construction of two subway lines in Chicago was taken up in the year 1939 and was completed by 1943. Although more subways were planned, they were not taken up any further immediately since other solutions like placing rapid transit lines in expressway medians proved to be cost effective.

Clinton station featuring amazing amenities was opened in 1958. The amenities provided by this station include concession stand, public toilets, telephones, lockers, agent booths and fare counters at its corners.

Each of these stations used one color on accent trim and inlaid signage throughout the platform. Apart from the station names on the wall, number of different backlit signs directed passengers towards escalators and other necessities.

Getting around when you are new in a place can be quite hard sometimes, but not so in Chicago. The transit system is so well organized that it is very difficult to get lost. The subway is the best mode of transit in the city. If you do not want to encounter any problems, you should get a subway schedule and familiarize yourself with how the system works. You can get the schedule from travel guides, the internet and also from hotels in Chicago.

Schedules from Travel guides

it is possible to find some detailed Chicago travel guides that offer information on the different modes of travel that are available in the city. They contain all transit information, including subway schedules.

http://www.barbaradavid.com/chicago/subway.html

Schedules from Chicago Hotels

Most hotels in Chicago offer helpful travel information to their gusts. In some instances, you may even be presented with a subway schedule detailing the time of each departure and the cost of the tickets for each subway.

http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/schedules.aspx

Schedules from the Internet

Online transit companies also offer several lists of travel options for people who are traveling. This is a good place to look for subway schedules for the city of Chicago.

http://gochicago.about.com/od/gettingaroundchicago/a/cta_overview.htm

Chicago Subway System, commonly known as the L, is the second largest rapid transit system in the United States. The Chicago L serves the city of Chicago and neighboring 40 suburbs. Managed by the Chicago Transit Authority, this mass transport system is counted as the third busiest public transportation system in the nation. On any ordinary weekday, around 1.7 million rides on the CTA are availed by the people of Chicago. With the superb Subway System of Chicago commuting within the city, the congested Chicago Downtown and the suburbs has become much easier for the travelers.

http://www.transitchicago.com/

While planning your trip to the windy city of Chicago, you must collect all the required travel information about the CTA and should avail the maximum facilities to make your trip the most comfortable one.

http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/trip_planner.aspx

CTA Schedules:

Get the detailed schedules of the CTA buses from the following site:

http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/bus_schedules.aspx

Website for the detailed info regarding the schedules of all the CTA trains:

http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/allrailschedules.aspx

Fare:

CTA offers full fare and reduced fare. For the Chicago Card and/or the Transit card holders the CTA offers special fares and transfer options.

To get the Compete CTA Fare Chart logon to:

http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/fares/fullschedule.aspx

Visit the site to know the Chicago Card/Transit Card Venues:

http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/fares/wheretobuy.aspx

Most of the travelers prefer to stay at those hotels in Chicago IL located close to the Chicago Subway

Hotels Near Chicago Subway:

Four Points Sheraton Chicago

http://www.fourpointschicago.com/

Travelodge Hotel Chicago Downtown

http://www.travelodgehoteldowntown.com/

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago Downtown

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/chiwh

Renaissance Hotel Chicago

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chisr-renaissance-chicago-hotel/

Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown

http://hamptonsuiteschicago.com/

All these marvelous Chicago hotels are situated near the Downtown and other major attractions of the city, and offer easy access to the O'Hare and Midway Airports of Chicago.