Getting to Oktoberfest with the Cubs: Transportation, Parking and Public Transit Guide
A Wrigleyville festival weekend lives or dies by how you get there. Show up smart and the day flows. Show up driving with no plan, and you spend half your afternoon hunting for parking. Last year's Oktoberfest with the Cubs at The Toyota Camry Lot next to Wrigley Field drew big crowds, and the transportation lessons from that weekend apply to any future Cubs event. Here is how to get there, what to skip, and what works best depending on where you are coming from.
Public Transit Is Almost Always the Move
Public transit is the easiest, cheapest, and least stressful way to get to the ballpark and Gallagher Way. The neighborhood is built around it.
The CTA Red Line
The CTA Red Line stops right at the Addison station, which sits next to the ballpark. Walking from the platform to the Toyota Camry Lot takes about five minutes. The Red Line runs 24 hours a day, with frequent service during festival hours. A one-way trip from downtown costs around $2.50 and takes 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day.
CTA Buses
Two main CTA bus lines also drop you at the corner of Clark and Addison. Bus 152 runs along Addison Street, and Bus 22 runs along Clark Street. Both stop within steps of the festival entrance. Buses are slower than the Red Line but useful if you are coming from a neighborhood without easy train access.
From the Airports
From O'Hare, take the CTA Blue Line toward Forest Park, then transfer at Belmont, Lake, or another connecting stop to the Red Line northbound. Plan for roughly 60 to 75 minutes total. From Midway, take the Orange Line toward The Loop, transfer to the Red Line at Roosevelt, and head north to Addison. Plan for roughly 50 to 65 minutes total.
Rideshare and Taxis
Rideshare works well, especially if you are coming with a group. There are dedicated pickup and drop-off areas on gamedays and for events to keep the crowd flow smooth.
Pickup and Drop-off Zones
Rideshare pickup zones near the ballpark are usually on Addison Street between Broadway and Halsted, and on Irving Park Road between Clark Street and Seminary Avenue. Drivers know these spots well, so the wait times are usually reasonable even when the festival is busy.
Cost Expectations
Rideshare costs to Wrigleyville vary based on time of day, surge pricing, and your starting point. A few rough ballparks based on last year:
- From downtown, expect $15 to $25 one way without surge
- From O'Hare, expect $30 to $45 one way without surge
- From Midway, expect $25 to $40 one way without surge
Festival weekends often trigger surge pricing in the evening, so leaving by 9 or 10 p.m. on Saturday is usually cheaper than 11 p.m.
When to Choose Rideshare Over Transit
Rideshare wins when you are in a group of three or four people, since splitting the fare can match a transit fare per person. Rideshare also wins late at night when the Red Line is technically running but the experience is less pleasant. For solo travelers or pairs going during the day, the Red Line is usually the better call.
Divvy and Biking
Chicago's Divvy bike-share system is one of the most underrated ways to get to Wrigleyville during good weather.
How Divvy Works
Divvy bikes are available at docking stations throughout the city. Rent one with the Divvy app or a transit card, ride to Wrigleyville, and dock at a station near the ballpark. A single ride pass is around $4.50 for 30 minutes. Day passes are around $18.
Where to Dock Near the Ballpark
A few Divvy stations sit within blocks of the ballpark. The closest are on Clark Street and Addison Street, depending on which direction you are coming from. Riding from the lakefront trail is one of the most beautiful approaches to Wrigleyville on a clear September day.
The Bike Valet Option
The Cubs offer a free bike valet service on gamedays in the alley near the Addison Red Line stop on Addison Street. Helmets and bicycle locks can be stored under your seat at the ballpark. Personal motorized scooters can also be checked at the bike valet. Hours vary by event, so confirm in advance.
Driving and Parking
Driving is the toughest option, but sometimes it is the only option, especially for families coming from the suburbs.
What to Expect
Most neighborhood streets near the Wrigley Field campus have permit-only parking for residents, which is strictly enforced. For drivers, the best approach is to plan ahead and pre-book a spot through SpotHero or use the Cubs' parking options listed on the official parking page.
The Remote Parking Lot
For Cubs games, the free remote parking lot is now located at 4650 N. Clarendon Ave. with a free shuttle to and from Wrigley Field. The shuttle drop-off and pickup point is on Irving Park Road between Clark Street and Seminary Avenue. This lot operates for night and weekend games. Whether it runs during Oktoberfest or other non-game events is not guaranteed, so check the official event page or the Cubs parking page before planning around it.
Tips That Worked Last Year
A few smart moves from people who actually drove last year:
- Skip the closest lots, since neighborhood lots two or three blocks away cost noticeably less
- Use a parking app to pre-book your spot, since walking up to a lot and paying cash is usually the most expensive option
- Avoid driving on Saturday afternoon, since traffic into Wrigleyville is its slowest then
Picking the Right Option
Picking the right transportation option depends on where you are coming from, what time you are arriving, and how many people are in your group. A quick guide:
- For solo travelers or pairs, take the Red Line to Addison
- For groups of three or four, rideshare can match transit pricing per person
- For a beautiful day and good weather, Divvy is fun and easy
- For families with kids and gear, driving plus the remote lot works if you plan ahead
Plan Your Smart Arrival
A smooth arrival sets the tone for the rest of the weekend. Whatever your transportation pick, Oktoberfest with the Cubs at the Toyota Camry Lot is easy to reach with a little planning. While you are in the neighborhood, a Wrigley Field tour is a great add-on, and you can grab gear at the Cubs Team Store or the Cubs online shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest CTA stop to Wrigley Field?
The CTA Red Line stops at the Addison station, which is right next to the ballpark.
Is parking available near Oktoberfest with the Cubs?
Neighborhood lots and pre-booked spots through SpotHero are available near the Wrigley Field campus. The Cubs' free remote lot at 4650 N. Clarendon Ave. operates for games but may not run during non-game events. Check the Cubs parking page before your visit.
Can I take Divvy bikes to Wrigleyville?
Yes. Several Divvy stations sit within blocks of the ballpark, and the Cubs offer a free bike valet service on gamedays.
How long does the Red Line take from downtown to Wrigley Field?
The trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Are rideshare pickup zones marked near Wrigley Field?
Yes. For games and events at Wrigley Field, designated rideshare pickup zones run on Addison Street between Broadway and Halsted, and on Irving Park Road between Clark Street and Seminary Avenue.
What is the easiest way to get from O'Hare to Wrigley Field?
Take the CTA Blue Line to a connecting stop, then transfer to the Red Line northbound to Addison. The full trip takes about 60 to 75 minutes.