Belmont Avenue Elevated Train Station with a train car underneath the passenger transfer bridge in Chicago

Belmont Station

Belmont Station Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: The Significance of Belmont Station

Belmont Station, situated in Chicago’s lively Lakeview neighborhood, is a cornerstone of the city’s transit network. Serving the Red, Brown, and Purple Lines of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) ‘L’ system, this elevated station not only connects commuters across the city but also stands as a testament to over a century of urban growth and innovation. Since its opening in 1900 as part of the Northwestern Elevated Railroad, Belmont has undergone major modernization projects—including the Brown Line Capacity Expansion and Red/Purple Modernization—to enhance accessibility, capacity, and efficiency (CTA official history, Streetsblog Chicago).

The station’s strategic location at Belmont Avenue and Sheffield Avenue positions it as a gateway to a wealth of Chicago attractions. With direct access to bus routes, bikeshare stations, and a pedestrian-friendly environment, Belmont Station is deeply integrated into the city’s urban fabric (Chicago bike maps). Neighborhood highlights such as Wrigley Field, Belmont Harbor, and the Lakefront Trail are all within easy reach, making the station a hub for both everyday commuters and visitors seeking to explore Chicago’s North Side (Choose Chicago: Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest, Windy City Times).

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Belmont Station’s visiting hours, ticketing options, architectural features, transit connections, accessibility, neighborhood attractions, and practical travel tips. Whether you’re a Chicagoan, tourist, or architecture enthusiast, you’ll find everything you need to navigate and appreciate one of the city’s most vital and historic transit landmarks (Ventra Chicago, Moovit: Belmont station).

Welders removing old train tracks during Belmont El construction on September 15, 2007

Chicago Transit Authority trains at Belmont Avenue Station in 1966

Vintage two-car Chicago 'L' train approaching Belmont Avenue Station in 1966 with early model doors and windows

Chicago Transit Authority 6-car Jackson Park - Howard B train approaching Belmont Avenue station during Saturday evening rush hour on April 9, 1966

CTA Ravenswood L train approaching Belmont Ave. station on outer of 4-track mainline on April 9, 1966

CTA northbound B train arriving at Belmont Avenue station

Chicago elevated train at Belmont station

Introduction and Historical Overview
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Station Layout and Architectural Features
Accessibility and Amenities
Transit Connectivity (CTA Lines and Bus Routes)
Neighborhood Integration and Nearby Attractions
Preservation, Modernization, and Sustainability
Travel Tips and Safety
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Call to Action
References

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Operating Hours:
Belmont Station is open daily, with service hours typically from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. to match CTA train schedules. The Red Line operates 24/7, while the Brown and Purple Lines offer frequent service during most of the day. For the most current schedules and any service alerts, consult the CTA schedules.

Ticketing Options:

Tickets and passes are purchased via the Ventra system, which supports contactless cards and mobile payments (Ventra Chicago).
Options include single-ride tickets, 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day unlimited passes.
Ventra vending machines are located inside the station, and the Ventra app allows for easy mobile fare management.
Transfers between buses and trains are discounted when using Ventra.

Station Layout and Architectural Features

Structure and Design:
Belmont Station features two wide island platforms and four tracks. The inner tracks serve the Red Line, while the outer tracks are for the Brown and Purple Lines. The station’s open design leverages steel, glass, and brick elements to maximize natural light and safety. Canopies and windbreaks protect passengers from the elements without sacrificing visibility.

Modernization:
A major renovation completed in 2009 expanded platforms to accommodate eight-car trains, improved accessibility, and enhanced passenger flow. The recent Red/Purple Modernization Project introduced the Red/Purple Bypass (Belmont Flyover), allowing Brown Line trains to cross above Red and Purple tracks—reducing delays and boosting efficiency (Streetsblog Chicago).

Preservation and Sustainability:
Historic structural elements and signage have been preserved, while energy-efficient lighting, digital information boards, and security systems reflect the CTA’s sustainability and modernization goals (CTA sustainability).

Accessibility and Amenities

Belmont Station is fully ADA-compliant:

Elevators and ramps provide step-free access to platforms.
Tactile warning strips and wide turnstiles assist passengers with disabilities (CTA accessibility).
Real-time digital displays show train arrivals and service alerts (CTA Train Tracker).
Customer assistance booths and security cameras ensure a safe environment.
Bicycle racks and nearby Divvy bikeshare stations support active transportation (Chicago Department of Transportation).
There are no public restrooms within the station, but nearby businesses may offer facilities to customers.

Transit Connectivity

CTA Rail Lines

Red Line: Chicago’s busiest ‘L’ line, operating 24/7 and connecting the North, South Sides, and downtown Loop. Belmont is a key stop for access to Wrigley Field, the Magnificent Mile, and more (Moovit: Belmont station).
Brown Line: Connects northwest neighborhoods to the Loop. Late-night service operates as a shuttle between Belmont and Kimball (Wikipedia: Belmont station (CTA North Side Main Line)).
Purple Line Express: Provides expedited service from northern suburbs to downtown during weekday rush hours, stopping at Belmont for easy transfers.
Blue Line (Belmont/Kimball): Not directly connected to the Lakeview Belmont station, but the Blue Line’s Belmont station in Avondale offers rapid service to O’Hare and the Loop (Wikipedia: Belmont station (CTA Blue Line)).

Bus Routes

Belmont Station is served by several major CTA bus routes:

#22 Clark: North-south route connecting Lakeview to Lincoln Park and downtown.
#77 Belmont: East-west across Belmont Avenue, linking to the lakefront and western neighborhoods.
#8 Halsted: Serving Boystown, Lincoln Park, and points south.
#151 Sheridan: North Side lakefront neighborhoods to downtown (Moovit: Belmont station).

Bus stops are adjacent to station entrances, and all-door boarding is available on select routes (Streetsblog Chicago).

Cycling and Bikeshare

Divvy bikeshare stations are conveniently located near Belmont, and the neighborhood features dedicated bike lanes for safe cycling (Chicago bike maps). Over 250 new Divvy stations are planned by 2025, ensuring reliable access.

Regional and Airport Connections

Metra and Amtrak: Not directly served, but accessible via Red Line connections to downtown stations (Directionally Challenged Traveler).
O’Hare International Airport: Red Line south to Jackson, transfer to Blue Line to O’Hare (about 50–60 minutes).
Midway International Airport: Red Line south to Roosevelt, transfer to Orange Line to Midway (about 45–55 minutes).

Neighborhood Integration and Nearby Attractions

Belmont Station anchors Lakeview, one of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods:

Wrigley Field: Home of the Chicago Cubs, just north at Addison.
Belmont Harbor: Lakeside recreation, boating, and city views.
Lakefront Trail: Ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying Lake Michigan.
Northalsted/Boystown: Vibrant LGBTQ+ district with nightlife, dining, and cultural events.
Vic Theatre: Historic venue for concerts and performances.
Local Dining: From classic deep-dish pizza to global cuisine (Timeout Chicago: Where to Eat).

Belmont Station is a gathering point for major events like the Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest and Chicago Pride Parade, reflecting Lakeview’s inclusive spirit (Choose Chicago: Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest, Windy City Times).

Preservation, Modernization, and Sustainability

Ongoing upgrades at Belmont Station ensure it remains a model of modern urban transit. The Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Project has delivered new track structures and future improvements will further enhance accessibility and rider experience (Mass Transit Magazine). Sustainability initiatives include energy-efficient lighting and eco-friendly design elements.

Travel Tips and Safety

Best Times to Travel: Mid-mornings and early afternoons are less crowded.
Safety: The station is well-lit, monitored by security cameras, and staffed during operating hours.
Etiquette: Let passengers exit before boarding, keep the volume down, and offer seats to those in need.
Lost and Found: Contact CTA Customer Service at 1-888-YOUR-CTA or use the CTA Lost & Found.
Weather: Dress appropriately for Chicago’s changing climate; platforms are sheltered but exposed to the elements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Belmont Station’s hours?
A: The station is generally open from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., with the Red Line offering 24/7 service.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Use Ventra vending machines or the Ventra app for contactless payment options.

Q: Is the station accessible?
A: Yes. Belmont Station is fully ADA-compliant with elevators, wide gates, and tactile paving.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Wrigley Field, Belmont Harbor, Lakefront Trail, Northalsted, Vic Theatre, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Q: Are there public restrooms?
A: No public restrooms are inside the station, but many nearby businesses offer facilities for customers.

Q: How do I get to the airports?
A: Transfer to the Blue Line for O’Hare (via Jackson) or Orange Line for Midway (via Roosevelt).

Summary and Call to Action

Belmont Station stands as a model of accessible, efficient, and community-oriented transit, bridging Chicago’s historic past with its innovative future. Major upgrades have enhanced capacity and passenger experience, while the station’s location provides seamless access to transit, cycling, and some of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhoods and events (Mass Transit Magazine).

Plan your visit with confidence using the Ventra system, and make the most of Lakeview’s cultural offerings. For real-time updates, route planning, and insider tips, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media.