Skokie Swift train at Howard Street Chicago in May 1964

Howard Station

Howard Station Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Howard Station is a cornerstone of Chicago’s transit network and urban history, located at the northern edge of the city in the Rogers Park neighborhood. As the only Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) station where the Red, Purple, and Yellow Lines converge, Howard serves as a vital gateway between Chicago and its northern suburbs, including Evanston and Skokie. Its strategic location, rich history dating back to the late 19th century, and blend of modern amenities make it a unique landmark for both daily commuters and visitors seeking to explore Chicago’s North Side.

This comprehensive guide covers Howard Station’s visiting hours, ticketing options via the Ventra system, architectural and historical significance, accessibility features, practical travel tips, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a commuter, or a tourist, Howard Station offers an engaging entry point to Chicago’s vibrant communities and cultural tapestry.

For the most current schedules, fares, and alerts, visitors should consult the official CTA Howard Station page, and for in-depth historical context, resources like Chicago-L.org and Rogers Park Historical Society are invaluable.

Chicago CTA train destination sign for Howard station in yellow

CTA Howard station signage with red, green, and purple colored lines

Howard 'L' train station in Chicago with platform and train

Historical Overview
Visiting Howard Station: Hours, Tickets, and Amenities
Exploring the Community and Nearby Attractions
Howard Station’s Role as a Major Transit Hub
Architectural and Operational Features
Accessibility and Safety
Visitor Tips and FAQs
Cost-Saving Strategies
References and Further Reading

Historical Overview

Origins and Evolution

Howard Station’s story is intertwined with Chicago’s rapid growth as a rail and transit city. The site first saw rail service in 1885 as part of the Chicago and Evanston Railroad, which soon became a key route for commuters and freight. By 1908, the Northwestern Elevated Railroad extended north, taking over passenger operations and laying the groundwork for Howard’s enduring status as a major transit hub. The station has continuously adapted to the city’s needs, from its elevation in 1921 (to eliminate grade crossings) to its role as a nexus for the interurban North Shore Line from 1926 to 1963 (Chicago-L.org).

Architectural and Cultural Significance

Howard’s architecture reflects a blend of early 20th-century and modern design. The main station house, rebuilt during the elevation project, features Prairie School-inspired brick and cast concrete elements. Modern renovations from 2006–2009 introduced ADA-compliant features, expanded platforms, and a new multi-use station house, while preserving historic details (Chicago-L.org). The station is recognized as a city landmark and is celebrated for its integration of public art and community identity (Rogers Park Historical Society).

Visiting Howard Station: Hours, Tickets, and Amenities

Operating Hours

Red Line trains: 24/7 service between Howard and 95th/Dan Ryan.
Purple Line and Yellow Line: Early morning to late evening (check CTA schedules for current times).
Station access: Open as long as Red Line is in operation.

Ticketing and the Ventra System

Ventra Vending Machines: Located inside the station for single rides, day passes, and reloadable Ventra Cards.
Ventra App: Allows mobile payments, pass management, and real-time tracking (Midwest Explored).
Retail Locations: Purchase or reload Ventra Cards at city retailers.
Contactless Payments: Tap-to-pay with compatible cards or devices.

Fares vary by ride type; see the CTA fare page for details.

Amenities

Elevators, escalators, and tactile warning strips for full ADA accessibility.
Customer assistance booths and digital arrival boards.
Sheltered bicycle parking and a Park’n’Ride garage (634 spaces).
Multi-bay bus terminal serving CTA and Pace routes.
Restrooms and vending machines.

Exploring the Community and Nearby Attractions

Howard Station anchors the diverse Rogers Park neighborhood, known for its multicultural energy, independent businesses, and proximity to Lake Michigan’s parks and beaches. Nearby attractions include:

Howard Street’s growing arts and dining scene.
Rogers Park Historical Society and community murals.
Loyola University Chicago (a few stops south).
Easy train access to Wrigley Field, the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Evanston’s shopping and cultural venues.
Public art installations and seasonal markets along Howard Street.

Howard Station’s Role as a Major Transit Hub

Howard Station is the only CTA station where the Red, Purple, and Yellow Lines converge, enabling seamless transfers between city and suburban rail lines (Chicago-L.org; SubwayNut). This makes it a critical link for thousands of daily commuters and visitors. Its integrated bus terminal connects multiple CTA routes, further enhancing its role as a multimodal transportation hub.

Architectural and Operational Features

Dual Island Platforms: Facilitate easy cross-platform transfers between lines.
Main Entrance: Located at 7519 N. Paulina Street, fully ADA-accessible.
Historic Elements: Prairie School architecture and remnants of the North Shore Line terminal.
Modern Upgrades: Rebuilt station house, expanded platforms, bus terminal, and Park’n’Ride facility.
Transit-Oriented Development: Integration with local retail and residential projects (Chicago-L.org).

Accessibility and Safety

Accessibility

Howard Station is fully ADA-compliant, with elevators, ramps, tactile strips, and audible announcements. The CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) continues to enhance accessibility systemwide (Daily Northwestern). Additional services, such as ASL interpretation and assistive devices, are available (City of Chicago Accessibility).

Safety

Staffed during operating hours.
Security cameras and emergency call boxes.
Well-lit platforms and waiting areas.
Tips: Remain aware of surroundings, especially at night; keep belongings secure.

Visitor Tips and FAQs

Transfers: Clear signage enables easy movement between Red, Purple, and Yellow Lines.
Parking: Park’n’Ride garage available; daily rates apply.
Bus Connections: Adjacent terminal serves multiple CTA routes.
Real-Time Updates: Use the Ventra app for arrival times and service alerts.
Peak Hours: Expect crowds on weekday mornings (7–9 AM) and evenings (4–6 PM).
Accessibility: Staff available for assistance; station is fully accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are Howard Station’s hours?
A: Open daily, 24/7 for Red Line; Purple and Yellow Line hours vary.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use Ventra vending machines, the Ventra app, or authorized retailers.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, 634-space Park’n’Ride garage on-site.

Q: Is the station ADA-accessible?
A: Yes, fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and tactile guides.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Occasionally offered by local organizations—check Rogers Park Historical Society for updates.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Unlimited Ride Passes: 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes offer the best value for multiple trips (Full Suitcase).
City Attraction Passes: Chicago Explorer and Go City passes combine transit and admission savings.
Avoid Car Rentals: Parking in the area is limited and costly (Midwest Explored).

References and Further Reading

Final Tips for Visiting Howard Station, Chicago

Howard Station is more than a transit point: it’s a living monument to Chicago’s evolution and a dynamic hub for cultural exploration. With 24/7 access, comprehensive amenities, and seamless connections to neighborhoods, attractions, and the entire CTA system, it’s an essential stop for both locals and visitors. Use the Ventra app for streamlined travel, check official resources for schedule updates, and take time to enjoy the surrounding Rogers Park community. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or discovery, Howard Station is your gateway to experiencing Chicago’s rich past and vibrant present.