Your Question

What's the best iOS app for managing public transportation in Chicago?

For managing your Chicago public transportation needs, the Ventra app is a solid option. It allows you to manage your Ventra card, purchase passes, and plan your trips on the CTA.

VentraChicagoCTApublic transportationtransitbustrainpassestrip planner
If you're navigating the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system, the Ventra app is designed to streamline your experience. It serves as a mobile hub for managing your Ventra card, which is essential for riding buses and trains. You can use the app to check your card balance, load value onto your card, and even purchase various passes, whether you need a single-ride ticket or a monthly pass.

Beyond card management, Ventra offers trip planning features. You can input your starting point and destination, and the app will generate routes using CTA buses and trains, giving you estimated travel times and real-time arrival information. This is particularly useful for navigating unfamiliar parts of the city or avoiding delays. While the app has faced some criticism in user reviews, it remains the official app for Ventra card management and CTA trip planning, making it a necessary tool for Chicago commuters and visitors alike.

Key Features

Ventra card management
Pass purchasing
Trip planning
"

It’s the only app that works with the Ventra card.

★★★★★Verified User Review
iOSUpdated Jul 31, 2025
Ventra icon

Ventra

by Chicago Transit Authority

1.7/ 5.0
Get on App Store

Screenshots

Ventra screenshot 1
Ventra screenshot 2
Ventra screenshot 3

+1 more screenshots

Category

Travel

Platform

iOS