Ravenswood is a charming Chicago neighborhood known for its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and vibrant local businesses. One of its best features is how easy it is to get around without a car. With a robust network of trains and buses, navigating Ravenswood and connecting to the rest of the city is simple and efficient. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using public transportation in the area.
Riding the ‘L’ Train: The Brown Line
The backbone of Ravenswood’s public transit is the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Brown Line. These elevated trains run through the heart of the neighborhood, offering scenic views and quick access to key destinations. The primary stations serving Ravenswood are:
- Damen: Located at Damen and Leland Avenues, this station places you right in the middle of Ravenswood’s bustling commercial district. It’s a popular stop for accessing the many shops, breweries, and restaurants along Damen Avenue.
- Montrose: Situated at Montrose and Ravenswood Avenues, this stop is ideal for reaching the southern part of the neighborhood and the popular “Malt Row” brewery corridor.
- Rockwell: Found at Rockwell Street and Leland Avenue, the Rockwell station is unique. It’s one of the few at-grade (street-level) ‘L’ stations in the city, giving it a quaint, almost small-town feel. It serves the western edge of Ravenswood.
From any of these stations, you can take the Brown Line directly into downtown Chicago.
Connecting with CTA Buses
Complementing the ‘L’ train service is a comprehensive network of CTA bus routes. These buses provide crucial east-west connections and link Ravenswood to surrounding neighborhoods. Key bus routes include:
- #50 Damen: This bus runs north and south along Damen Avenue, connecting you to neighborhoods like Andersonville to the north and Roscoe Village to the south. It’s a great way to explore the length of Ravenswood.
- #78 Montrose: An essential east-west route, the Montrose bus travels from the lakefront all the way to the western city limits. It intersects with the Brown Line at Montrose and the Red Line at Sheridan, providing a vital link to other train lines.
- #81 Lawrence: Running along Lawrence Avenue, this bus connects Ravenswood to Uptown, Lincoln Square, and Albany Park. It’s another important east-west artery for getting across the North Side.
- #11 Lincoln: This route travels along Lincoln Avenue, offering a diagonal path towards Lincoln Park and downtown.
Riding the Metra From Ravenswood
The Ravenswood Metra Station is an essential transportation hub, located on the Union Pacific North Line. This station provides a convenient commuter rail link between the North Side and downtown Chicago, as well as suburban destinations extending further north, such as Evanston, Highland Park, and Kenosha. Recently renovated, the station features modern amenities and improved accessibility, making it a popular choice for daily commuters and travelers alike. Its prime location near Lawrence Avenue offers easy connections to several CTA bus routes and nearby neighborhoods.
Travel Time to Downtown Chicago
One of the biggest advantages of visiting or living in Ravenswood is its convenient commute to the Loop. Using the Brown Line from stations like Damen or Montrose, you can expect a travel time of approximately 30 to 40 minutes to reach downtown Chicago. This makes it an ideal location for commuters and for anyone wanting to enjoy the city’s central attractions without the hassle of driving and parking.
Tips for Navigating Ravenswood Transit
- Get a Ventra Card: The easiest way to pay for both ‘L’ trains and buses is with a Ventra card or by using the Ventra app on your smartphone. You can load money onto it or buy passes for unlimited rides.
- Use a Transit App: Apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, or the official Ventra app provide real-time tracking for trains and buses. This helps you plan your trip and minimize wait times.
- Know the Service Hours: The Brown Line runs from early morning (around 4 a.m.) until late at night (around 1 a.m.). Some major bus routes, like the #78 Montrose, offer 24-hour service, which is helpful for late-night travel.
- Enjoy the Connections: Ravenswood’s transit system is designed to connect. Don’t hesitate to take a bus to a train line or vice versa. A transfer from one CTA service to another within two hours is either free or heavily discounted, making multi-leg trips affordable.
Using public transportation in Ravenswood is not just practical; it’s a part of the neighborhood’s experience. It allows you to move seamlessly from a quiet residential street to a lively business district or to the heart of downtown Chicago with ease.
