What You’ll Spend on Transit in Arlington Heights
Wondering about public transportation costs in Arlington Heights? In this midsize Chicago suburb, expect to pay around $2.25 for a standard one-way bus fare in 2025. A 30-day bus pass in Arlington Heights typically costs $90. Prices can vary slightly based on route and distance, but in cities like Arlington Heights, a monthly transit pass typically runs between $60–$100 depending on coverage.
Of course, your total spend depends on how often you ride. A weekday commuter relying on transit for work will shell out more than an occasional weekend rider. We’ll break down some common scenarios and help you compare transit costs to alternatives like driving and ridesharing.
Transit Options Available
Arlington Heights offers a few different public transportation modes to help you get around town and to nearby suburbs and Chicago:
- Pace suburban bus routes with service to local destinations and connections to CTA and Metra
- Metra Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW) commuter rail line with service between Harvard and Ogilvie Station in downtown Chicago
- Metra North Central Service (NCS) connecting Antioch and Union Station in Chicago
The Pace bus is your go-to for getting around Arlington Heights proper, with routes along major corridors like Rand Road, Arlington Heights Road, and Dundee Road. Metra trains are handy for longer trips into the city and surrounding ‘burbs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Let’s look at what you might spend per month based on a few common commuting profiles:
| Commuter Type | Monthly Transit Costs |
|---|---|
| 5-day weekly rider (20 round trips) | $90 |
| Weekend-only user (8 round trips) | $36 |
| Heavy daily commuter (40 round trips) | $180 |
🏆 Winner: In Arlington Heights, a Pace 30-day pass for $90 offers the best value for most regular commuters. If you’re riding at least 5 days a week, a pass beats out paying per ride.
Is Public Transit Worth It in Arlington Heights?
Affordability is relative, so let’s size up transit against other ways of getting around Arlington Heights. The average commute time by bus is around 35 minutes, compared to 25 minutes driving solo. Of course, that doesn’t account for traffic, which can easily double drive times during peak hours.
Parking is a mixed bag. You’ll find free parking in residential areas and smaller business districts, but expect to pay in busier commercial areas and near the Metra stations. Driving also means budgeting for gas, maintenance, and the dreaded Chicago vehicle sticker. Sample monthly budgets for Arlington Heights peg transportation costs at $200+, not including car payments.
So is transit a slam dunk? Not necessarily. Bus and train frequency is solid on major routes during commute hours, but service can slow down a lot on nights and weekends. And while Arlington Heights has some walkable pockets, many errands still require wheels. Public transit works best for commuters living and working near bus lines or the Metra, but gets trickier for those in more car-dependent areas.
Ways to Save on Transit
Even with the savings of monthly passes, public transportation costs can add up. A few ways to ease the squeeze:
- Youth, student, senior and Medicare discounts on Pace and Metra
- Pace Reduced Fare and Ride Free programs for qualifying low-income riders
- Pre-tax commuter benefits through employers, letting you pay for transit with tax-free dollars
- Opting for a Pace vanpool for longer commutes, splitting costs with fellow riders
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get around Arlington Heights?
Walking and biking are the most affordable, but not always practical. For motorized transport, the bus is generally cheapest, especially with a pass.
Are there monthly transit passes in Arlington Heights?
Yes, Pace and Metra both offer 30-day unlimited ride passes. A Pace pass runs $90 and a Metra pass ranges from $116-$239 as of 2025, depending on distance.
Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
It can be, especially if you live and work near bus routes or the Metra. Always check schedules, as frequency varies. Aim to arrive early in case of delays.
What discounts are available for low-income transit riders in Arlington Heights?
Pace offers Reduced Fare passes for $45/month and Ride Free permits for seniors and people with disabilities who meet income requirements. Applications are available online or by mail.
Getting Around Smarter in Arlington Heights
Public transportation in Arlington Heights has its pros and cons. The bus is affordable, especially with a pass, and Metra opens up access to Chicago and the wider suburbs. But depending on where you live and how often you ride, transit may or may not beat the speed and convenience of driving.
The savviest commuters evaluate all the options and do the math on monthly costs. A little comparison shopping can steer you towards the best way of getting from A to B without breaking the bank.