Public Transportation Costs in Des Plaines

What You’ll Spend on Transit in Des Plaines

Wondering about public transportation costs in Des Plaines? In this midsize Chicago suburb, a standard one-way bus fare runs about $2.25 as of 2025. A 30-day bus pass in Des Plaines typically costs around $75. In cities like Des Plaines, a monthly transit pass usually ranges from $60–$100 depending on the level of coverage.

Of course, your total transit spending depends on how often you ride. A five-day-a-week commuter will shell out more than an occasional weekend rider. We’ll break down the numbers for common Des Plaines commuting scenarios shortly.

Transit Options Available

Des Plaines offers a few different public transit modes to help you get around town and into the city:

• Pace suburban bus routes throughout Des Plaines and nearby suburbs
• Metra commuter rail service into downtown Chicago
• Pace Express buses providing express service to major destinations

The backbone of the Des Plaines transit system is the network of Pace buses that criss-cross the suburb. Commuters can also hop on the Metra Union Pacific Northwest line for a quick 25-minute ride into Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center.

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Let’s compare the monthly transit costs for a few typical Des Plaines commuters:

🏆 Winner: In Des Plaines, a Pace bus pass offers the best value for most commuters. Metra passes are worthwhile for daily downtown commuters.

Is Public Transit Worth It in Des Plaines?

Des Plaines offers a solid public transportation system, but is it a better deal than driving? Let’s compare the costs:

Assume a Des Plaines resident commutes 5 miles each way to work:

• Driving: 10 miles round trip at the IRS mileage rate of $0.65/mile = $6.50 per day or $143 per month (22 workdays)
• Transit: $2.25 each way = $4.50 per day or $75 per month (Pace 30-day pass)

The average bus commute time in Des Plaines is around 35 minutes. In Des Plaines, public transit is often cheaper than driving, but total travel time depends on your route. Buses run frequently in the morning and evening rush hours.

Ways to Save on Transit

Looking to trim your Des Plaines transit costs? Here are a few money-saving tips:

• Seniors age 65+ and people with disabilities can ride Pace buses for half price.
• Students at many local colleges can purchase discounted Pace and Metra passes.
• Consider using pre-tax commuter benefits through your employer to pay for transit passes.

Opting for a monthly pass instead of paying per ride is almost always cheaper if you commute regularly. A Pace 30-day pass offers unlimited rides for the price of about 33 one-way fares.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get around Des Plaines?
Walking is free, but among transit options, Pace buses offer the lowest regular fares at $2.25 per ride or $75 for a 30-day pass.

Are there monthly transit passes in Des Plaines?
Yes, both Pace and Metra offer 30-day unlimited ride passes. A Pace pass costs $75, while Metra monthly fares vary by distance traveled.

Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
Des Plaines has a robust bus system with frequent rush hour service. Metra trains also run regularly in the mornings and evenings. However, transit commutes may take longer than driving depending on your route.

What discounts are available for low-income transit riders in Des Plaines?
Pace and Metra both offer reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders. Low-income students may also qualify for discounted passes through their schools.

Getting Around Smarter in Des Plaines

Public transportation in Des Plaines is generally affordable and practical, especially if you commute by bus. A monthly Pace pass costs about half as much as driving to work. However, transit may not be as speedy as driving depending on your specific route.

Interested in the bigger picture cost of living in this Chicago suburb? Check out our guide on how much it costs to live in Des Plaines each month.