CTA Expands Beach Bus Service for Summer 2026
CTA expands weekend bus service to four Chicago beaches starting March 29, 2026
CTA Adds Beach Bus Service for 2026 Season
Chicago beachgoers will have easier access to lakefront destinations this summer as the CTA expands weekend bus service to four popular beaches. The Chicago Transit Authority announced enhanced service starting Sunday, March 29, 2026, running through mid-August with buses operating from approximately 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM on weekends and holidays. Routes #35, #63, #72, and #78 will connect riders to 31st Street, 63rd Street, North Avenue, and Montrose beaches.
Seasonal Service Targets Peak Beach Season
The seasonal expansion addresses summer demand for lakefront access, a key recreational resource for Chicago residents and visitors. Transit agencies typically boost service to beaches and parks during warm-weather months to reduce parking congestion and provide car-free access to popular destinations. The CTA's beach routes have historically operated during summer months, with the agency adjusting schedules based on ridership patterns and weather conditions. Officials said the consistent 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM operating window across all four routes simplifies planning for beachgoers.
Four Routes Serve Major Beach Destinations
Route #35 31st/35th will serve 31st Street Beach on the South Side, while Route #63 63rd connects riders to 63rd Street Beach. On the North Side, Route #72 North provides service to North Avenue Beach, one of Chicago's busiest lakefront destinations, and Route #78 Montrose serves Montrose Beach. The enhanced service operates on weekends and holidays throughout the peak beach season, with buses running at consistent intervals during the 12.5-hour service window. Customers can use regular CTA fares and Ventra cards on all beach routes, with no special pricing or surcharges.
Service Runs March Through Mid-August
The expanded beach service launches Sunday, March 29, 2026, and continues through mid-August 2026, aligning with Chicago's traditional beach season. Officials said the service times remain consistent across all four routes to simplify scheduling for riders planning beach trips. The CTA didn't specify exact end dates for individual routes or whether service adjustments might occur based on weather or ridership levels during the season.
Enhanced Access to Lakefront Recreation
The service expansion aims to improve convenience for residents and visitors accessing Chicago's lakefront recreational areas, officials said. Riders planning beach trips can check schedules and track buses in real time. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for CTA beach routes, helping riders coordinate connections and monitor bus arrivals throughout the summer season.
