Public Transportation in Edgewater and Beyond: A Commuter’s Guide
Located on Chicago’s north side, Edgewater is a diverse neighborhood rich with culture and history. The community in Edgewater is unmatched; with its welcoming atmosphere and some of the best shops and restaurants in the city, it is a frequently visited neighborhood and is becoming an increasingly popular spot to move to, The area offers quick access to public transportation that can take you anywhere in the city, as well as close beach access and a fun neighborhood to explore. Whether you want to travel within your area or access the rest of the city, this guide will help you navigate all the transportation options in Edgewater and beyond.
The CTA
Edgewater is served by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Nicknamed for the elevated sections, the L can take you to most places in the city with ease.
The Red Line
The primary line that takes residents and visitors through Edgewater, the Red Line runs north and south connecting the furthest north neighborhood Rogers Park all the way down to 95th at the Dan Ryan. Operating 24/7, this is one of the most reliable forms of transportation in the city. With frequently running trains, you can expect only a 5-10 min wait between cars. There are 3 main stations in Edgewater they all offer different advantages.
Granville
Located at Granville and Broadway, this station was opened as North Edgewater in 1908. According to Wikipedia, “The current station dates to 1980 when an escalator and elevator were added, making this the first Chicago ‘L’ station to feature an elevator for accessibility.” Thorndale has a 36 Broadway bus connection as well.
Thorndale
The middle Edgewater stop, Thorndale has four tracks passing through the station, but only a single island platform in the center of the tracks. Purple Line express service uses the outside tracks but doesn’t stop here. Thorndale connects at the 36 Broadway and 84 Peterson busses.
Bryn Mawr
In the heart of Edgewater, the Bryn Mawr station serves the majority of the Edgewater community. Centrally located and stil in the middle of a modernization project, this is the neighborhood favorite. Stepping out of the Bryn Mawr station puts you smack dab in the middle of the Bryn Mawr commercial corridor, and some of the neighborhood’s best shops, yummiest restaurants, and prettiest architecture. Bus connections are the 36 Broadway, 84 Peterson and 92 Foster.
The Bus
Another crucial part of Chicago’s public transportation network is the bus, which is beloved and the preferred method for navigating and exploring Chicago for residents and visitors alike. It provides flexibility for its riders, with stops every few blocks and potentially closer drop-off locations to their final destinations. See local bus routes in Edgewater and which one can get you where.
Bus 147 (Outer DuSable Lake Shore Express)
Running along Sheridan Road, the 147 is the quickest way to get downtown, taking DuSable Lake Shore Drive to get there. Enjoy a scenic view of the lake while you travel downtown, with minimal stops along the way.
Bus 151 (Sheridan)
Also running along Sheridan Road, this bus serves southern Edgewater and goes south to Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, and the Loop. With more stops, it’s slower than the express bus but offers more hop-on hop-off options.
Bus 36 (Broadway)
Connecting Edgewater with Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Downtown all in one, the 36 bus travels along Broadway and is a good option for people traveling within Edgewater.
The Metra
You can also access the Metra from the CTA, a great option for people looking to get to the northern, western, and southern suburbs or beyond. If you need to go west or south, take the L downtown and hop on the Metra from Union Station, which gives you options for hundreds of suburbs with easy access. If you want to go north, taking a quick bus ride to the Pacific North line of the Metra will get you there. Ravenswood is home to the closest Metra stations and can take you to Evanston, Winnetka, and even Kenosha, WI. Who needs a car!?
Utilizing the CTA, Metra and Ventra apps can help with trip planning, buying tickets, and more. You’ll never have to use a paper ticket again if you use your apps, and you can get into the stations with contactless payments! Of course, you can always invest in a Ventra card that can be used on the CTA, some Metra lines, and buses. It’s Chicago’s all-in-one card and will help you get place-to-place with ease – it can also connect to your bank and reload automatically or at stations with cash.
Before heading out, make sure to check the apps for any updates on what potential delays and service issues the CTA could be facing that day. The most updated info can always be found the the Transit Chicago website and will help you plan your commute and ensure you get where you’re going in a timely fashion.