Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood isn’t just diverse and dynamic—it’s a truly vibrant gem, recently voted one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world by TimeOut. This bustling neighborhood beautifully blends historic charm with a thriving modern energy, boasting a rich Polish-American heritage alongside a growing arts and culinary scene. A huge part of its appeal is its incredible connectivity to the rest of the city. Thanks to a robust network of trains and buses, navigating Avondale and commuting throughout Chicago is both straightforward and convenient. Here’s your essential guide to mastering public transportation in this vibrant, must-see neighborhood.
Riding the ‘L’ Train: The Blue Line
The CTA Blue Line is the primary rail artery for Avondale, providing 24/7 service and a direct link to both downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. The main stations serving the Avondale community are:
- Belmont: Located at Belmont and Kimball Avenues, this station is a major hub for the neighborhood. It offers access to the heart of Avondale’s commercial district along Belmont Avenue.
- Addison: Situated at Addison Street and the Kennedy Expressway, this stop serves the northern part of Avondale. It’s a key access point for residents and visitors in that area.
A significant advantage of the Blue Line is its round-the-clock operation, which is a major benefit for late-night commuters or travelers heading to an early-morning flight from O’Hare.
Connecting with CTA Buses
Avondale is crisscrossed by several crucial CTA bus routes that provide extensive east-west and north-south travel options, connecting residents to other neighborhoods and train lines.
- #77 Belmont: This is one of the most important bus routes in the area, running east and west along Belmont Avenue. It connects directly with the Blue Line at the Belmont station and continues east to Lakeview, where it links with the Red and Brown Line trains.
- #152 Addison: Similar to the Belmont bus, this route travels east and west along Addison Street. It provides a direct connection to the Blue Line at the Addison station and runs all the way to the lakefront.
- #56 Milwaukee: This bus travels diagonally along Milwaukee Avenue, mirroring the path of the Blue Line through Avondale and Logan Square. It offers a great alternative for local stops between train stations.
- #76 Diversey: Serving the southern edge of the neighborhood, the Diversey bus runs east-west, connecting Avondale to Lincoln Park and Logan Square.
Travel Time to Downtown Chicago
One of Avondale’s most attractive features is its quick and easy commute to the Loop. From the Belmont or Addison Blue Line stations, a trip to downtown Chicago typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. This reliable and fast connection makes Avondale an excellent choice for those who work or frequently visit the city center but prefer to live in a neighborhood with a distinct local feel.
Tips for Navigating Avondale Transit
- Get a Ventra Card: To seamlessly pay for fares on both ‘L’ trains and buses, use a Ventra card or the Ventra mobile app. You can add funds for individual rides or purchase daily or monthly passes for more frequent travel.
- Use a Transit App: Real-time tracking apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, or the CTA’s official Ventra app are invaluable. They show you exactly when the next train or bus will arrive, helping you plan your journey efficiently.
- Take Advantage of Transfers: Your fare includes up to two transfers to other CTA buses or trains within a two-hour window. This makes it affordable to combine a bus and train ride to reach your final destination.
- Know Your Routes: The Blue Line is your direct path to downtown and O’Hare. Use the east-west bus routes like the #77 Belmont and #152 Addison to connect to other North Side neighborhoods like Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
Navigating Avondale with public transit is not just a practical choice; it’s an integral part of experiencing the neighborhood. It connects you effortlessly to the bustling city core while allowing you to enjoy the unique charm and community spirit that defines Avondale.
