Loop Elevated

Loop Elevated refers to the elevated tracks for the CTA 'L' trains that form a loop in Downtown Chicago. It's often simply called "The Loop." These tracks are iconic for Chicago and are the origin of the term 'L.' The Loop was first built in the 1890s to serve various privately owned elevated rail systems, allowing them to effectively reach downtown. The elevated tracks run over Lake Street, Wabash Street, Van Buren Street, and Wells Street. Until the 1940s, all 'L' trains used these elevated tracks to serve downtown. Chicago later built two subway lines in downtown and rerouted some lines to the new subway tracks, but trains on those lines are still referred to as the 'L.'

The Loop used to have three stations per side, accessible only by wooden stairs. Over the decades, some stations were consolidated and completely rebuilt with modern ADA features like elevators, while others largely retained the same layout with minimal upgrades.

Route and stations

State/Lake

Clark/Lake

Washington/Wells

Harold Washington Library

Map

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Lines serving the Loop

The following lines operate on the Loop:

Brown Line Kimball - The Loop

Green Line Harlem/Lake - Downtown Chicago - Ashland/63rd, Cottage Grove

Orange Line The Loop - Midway

Pink Line 54th/Cermak - The Loop

Purple Line Linden - Howard - (Peak hours) The Loop

Orange, Pink, and Purple Line trains, coming from outer terminals, operate in the loop in a clockwise direction and then return to their outer terminals. Brown Line trains from Kimball operate in the loop in a counter-clockwise direction before returning to Kimball. Green Line trains operate in both directions on the Lake and Wabash portions of the Loop. All Loop stations have side platforms. Riders should check the line color at the stairway or elevator before going up to the platform, as some stations lack a passageway between platforms inside the paid area.

Transferring trains in the Loop

To transfer between the Orange, Pink, or Purple Lines in the same direction within the Loop, use the Loop station where your first train arrives. Stay on the same platform and wait for the transferring train.

To transfer from the Brown Line to the Orange and Pink Lines, use Washington/Wells Station. For transfers from the Orange and Pink Lines to the Brown Line, use Clark/Lake Station. These transfers require switching platforms at a Loop Station, as it's not possible to transfer elsewhere. These stations also feature elevators and passageways between platforms. To transfer from the Brown Line to the Green Line (in any direction) for those who need elevators, use Washington/Wabash Station. For transfers from the Green Line (from any direction) to the Brown Line, use Clark/Lake Station.

Clark/Lake Station serves as the transfer point for trains on the Loop and the Blue Line, especially for those needing elevators or during inclement weather. An out-of-system transfer is required between the Red Line and lines serving the Loop, unless transferring at stations outside the Loop. Harold Washington Library Station is the transfer point for those needing elevator access, while State/Lake Station is available for those who can navigate stairs.

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Loop Elevated

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Route and stations

Map

Lines serving the Loop

Transferring trains in the Loop

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