The Chicago Train Line Tourists May Want To Completely Avoid For Safety Reasons

Chicago is a playground for city-loving tourists, from its famous Millennium Park to the sky-high 360 observation deck. Unfortunately, there are also some dangerous destinations to steer clear of in Chicago. One of them, according to some locals, is a specific train line.

The Red Line, a rapid transit line in the city, has earned a reputation as a not-so-safe way to get around. According to CBS News Chicago, the Red Line's stops within the South Loop see more violent attacks than any other part of the city's transit system. Some stations along the Red Line that often see violent crime include Roosevelt, Grand, Jackson, Sox-35th, and 95th/Dan Ryan, and are reported more frequently than before the pandemic.

Crime doesn't just happen on the platforms or inside the turnstiles. Violence sometimes erupts in the train cars too. In October 2024, a man was injured during a shooting on a Red Line train. Just days earlier, several people were beaten and robbed on a southbound train on the route. Similar incidents take place semi-regularly on the notorious line, prompting many Chicago residents to change their commuting habits or swear off the Red Line altogether. As a tourist in the city, you may want to do the same.

The Red Line stretches between Howard Station in the north and 95th/Dan Ryan Station in the south, passing through the downtown area. As a tourist, the route may come up in your itinerary if you want to visit Chicago bucket list spots such as Willis Tower, Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, Wrigley Field, or many other attractions located in the city center. However, it's not the only way to get around.

Depending on your travel plans, you may be able to easily swap the Red Line with another train route. Chicago has a total of eight lines, so there's often another option at a station nearby. There are also plenty of buses — 129 routes, to be exact — and you may find them safer than the sketchy train stations and crowded train cars. Like many other big cities, Chicago also offers taxi services and even water taxis. Keep in mind, however, that Chicago is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., so you may not need to rely on a vehicle at all.

If you do take the Red Line, or any of Chicago's other trains, remain vigilant and keep your belongings close to your body. Try to avoid using your phone, which could be grabbed by a thief. Consider not riding the train late at night, but if you must, move to the first car near the train operator. If you feel unsafe during your ride, listen to your gut and get off the train at the next station.