Getting There
United Center, Chicago, IL
Data updated: 2025-26 NBA Season
Driving
Directions
From the Loop: Take Madison Street west for about 2 miles. From the north: Take I-90/94 to the Madison Street exit. From the south: Take I-90/94 to the Damen Avenue exit, head north to Madison.
Details
From the west: Take I-290 to the Damen Avenue exit, head north to Madison. Follow signs to the United Center.
Public Transit
Directions
CTA bus #20 (Madison) stops near United Center. Blue Line to Illinois Medical District station is a 10-minute walk.
Details
From downtown, #19 and #50 buses also serve the area. Metra commuter rail from suburbs to Union Station, then CTA bus.
Rideshare
Directions
Uber/Lyft drop-off is on Madison Street near the main entrance. Post-game pickup takes 10-15 minutes.
Details
Walk east toward Ogden Avenue for a faster pickup spot.
Travel
Overview
The United Center is on Chicago's Near West Side at 1901 W. Madison Street, about 2 miles west of the Loop. It's not on the El train loop, which makes transit slightly less convenient than some downtown arenas. The CTA #20 bus along Madison Street is the best public transit option. Driving is easy thanks to the large surface lots. Rideshare from the Loop or hotels is the most popular option for visitors.
Community
Intelligence
Crowdsourced logistics and veteran shortcuts from the fan community. Every tip is voted on by fellow game-day veterans.
“The CTA #20 bus on Madison is the easiest transit option, runs from the Loop to the arena door.”
“Rideshare from downtown hotels is the most popular option for visitors ($12-18, 10-15 minutes).”
“If driving, surface lot parking is easy and relatively affordable ($25-30).”
“Post-game, walk east toward the West Loop for rideshare pickup, fewer people, faster matching.”
“The arena is not on the El loop. Don't expect a train stop at the door like some downtown arenas.”
“In winter, take a rideshare. Walking from the Blue Line in a Chicago January is miserable.”