Bus 97 Schedule: CTA Skokie Route Map, Stop IDs, First/Last Times, Fare & Live Tracker
The Bus 97 schedule most often means CTA Route 97 Skokie, the Chicago Transit Authority route serving Howard, Dempster-Skokie, Oakton-Skokie, Skokie Boulevard and Westfield Old Orchard Mall.
This upgraded guide brings the official CTA route page, schedule PDF, stop ID list, Bus Tracker, fare rules, accessibility notes, destination-sign warnings and rider mistakes into one practical WordPress-friendly page.
Bus 97 Daily Check Board — Do This Before Walking to the Stop
Howard ↔ Skokie ↔ Old OrchardA useful Bus 97 schedule page should answer the next action first. For CTA Route 97, that means confirming the route, direction, stop ID, terminal sign, live tracker and fare before you leave home or shelter.
Confirm CTA #97
Searches for “97 bus” can mean many cities. This guide is for Chicago CTA Route 97 Skokie.
Choose direction
CTA Bus Tracker asks for direction. Select the right direction before selecting a stop.
Use the stop ID
The official stop list gives stop IDs, names, direction and curb location. This prevents wrong-side waiting.
Open Bus Tracker
Use CTA Bus Tracker for estimated arrivals. Refresh before walking because traffic and dispatch can change.
Read the sign
CTA warns that some trips can operate over only part of a route. Destination signs matter.
Pay correctly
Ventra/contactless fare includes transfer logic. Cash fare is different and transfers are not available with cash.
Need the next Route 97 arrival now?
📍 Open CTA Bus Tracker Route 97Quick Answer: What Is the Bus 97 Schedule?
Bus 97 Schedule refers here to CTA Route 97 Skokie. The official CTA route page lists service to Howard, Dempster-Skokie and Old Orchard Mall, with full scheduled trips in the official Route 97 PDF.
The safest method is simple: use the official PDF for planned service, then use CTA Bus Tracker for the next bus at your exact stop. The first/last bus times are terminal departure spans, so mid-route stops are reached later.
Eastbound check
Use eastbound only after confirming the stop list and destination sign. Not every nearby stop faces the right direction.
Westbound check
Use westbound for trips toward Skokie and Old Orchard patterns, but still verify whether your trip ends at Dempster-Skokie or Old Orchard.
Rail connections
Howard connects with Red, Purple and Yellow Line service. Dempster-Skokie connects with the Yellow Line.
Fare type
Route 97 uses standard CTA bus fare rules. Ventra/contactless and cash fare work differently.
💡 20-second rider rule
Before leaving, confirm Route 97, direction, stop ID, destination sign, live arrival, alert status and fare method. Add extra walking time at Howard, Dempster-Skokie and Old Orchard Mall.
Official CTA Route 97 Tools for Schedule, Map, Stops, Fares and Alerts
Use these official tools after you understand the route. This page explains Route 97 in plain language, but CTA controls the live tracker, PDF schedule, stop list, fare chart, accessibility information and alerts.
Source Verification and What Was Improved
Updated August 1, 2026. This guide uses the official CTA Route 97 page, Route 97 PDF brochure, official Route #097 stop list, CTA Bus Tracker, CTA fare chart, CTA Updates, CTA accessibility resources and CTA rider notes.
This version improves the current article by adding a clearer stop-ID workflow, embedded stop-list viewer, first/last terminal table, destination-sign warnings, priority seating notes, RTA help details, cash-transfer warning, alert signup guidance, and cleaner Yoast-safe schema.
Editorial rule: BusSchedules.org is an independent rider-help guide, not CTA. Use this article to understand Route 97 faster, then verify live arrivals, detours, stop relocations, fare rules and alerts directly with CTA before a time-sensitive ride.
CTA Route 97 Overview: Howard, Dempster-Skokie, Oakton-Skokie and Old Orchard Mall
Route 97 is a practical Skokie and north-side Chicago connector. It links CTA rail service with Skokie stops, Oakton-area stops and Old Orchard-area travel. Riders often use it for work, school, shopping, medical trips, Yellow Line transfers and Red/Purple Line connections at Howard.
Howard Terminal
Use Howard for Red, Purple and Yellow Line connections. Add walking time for rail platforms and elevator checks.
Dempster-Skokie
Dempster-Skokie is a key Yellow Line connection point and a common Route 97 terminal pattern.
Old Orchard Mall
Some Route 97 trips serve Old Orchard Mall. Read the destination sign so you do not board a shorter trip by mistake.
⚠️ Destination-sign warning
CTA’s PDF warns riders to pay close attention to destination signs and announcements because added service or some trips may operate only over part of the route.
Bus 97 First and Last Bus Times: Official CTA Service Span
CTA’s route page explains that first/last spans show when buses leave the terminal of origin. Mid-route stops are reached later, so a rider at Oakton, Dodge, Skokie Boulevard or Howard & California should still check Bus Tracker.
| Official service segment | Weekday | Saturday | Sunday | Best rider action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dempster-Skokie east to Howard | 4:55 AM – 10:35 PM | 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM | 7:00 AM – 10:25 PM | Check stop-level time if boarding after Dempster-Skokie. |
| Howard west to Dempster-Skokie | 5:15 AM – 10:45 PM | 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM | 6:35 AM – 10:35 PM | Confirm whether your trip ends at Dempster-Skokie or continues farther. |
| Old Orchard Mall east to Howard | 6:25 AM – 10:30 PM | 7:10 AM – 10:20 PM | 7:20 AM – 10:20 PM | Use the Old Orchard stop location carefully. |
| Howard west to Old Orchard Mall | 5:55 AM – 10:45 PM | 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM | 6:35 AM – 9:35 PM | Late evening trips need a destination-sign check. |
⏱️ First/last bus shortcut
Route 97 is not an all-night bus. For early morning, late evening, weekend or holiday trips, open the official PDF and refresh CTA Bus Tracker before leaving.
How to Read the Official Route 97 PDF Without Missing the Bus
The official schedule brochure is useful, but it is easy to read it the wrong way. The PDF shows scheduled trips and major timepoints, while the stop list and Bus Tracker help you with your exact boarding point.
Use PDF for planning
Use the brochure to understand weekday, Saturday and Sunday service patterns.
Use stop list for boarding
Use the stop list when you need stop ID, direction and curb location.
Use tracker for now
Use CTA Bus Tracker when you are leaving soon or already waiting outside.
Use alerts for changes
Use CTA alerts and CTA Updates when weather, construction, reroutes or temporary stop changes may affect the ride.
Bus 97 Stops and Route Map: Stop IDs, Direction and Curb Location
The official Route #097 stop list is one of the most useful sources because it gives stop ID number, stop name, direction of travel and location. That is more helpful than a plain map pin when two stops are near each other.
Eastbound planning stops
Examples from the official stop list include Oakton & McCormick, Oakton & Niles Avenue, Oakton & Skokie Blvd, Howard & California/Dodge and Howard-area stops.
Westbound planning stops
Westbound stop examples include 2310 W Oakton, Dempster & Niles Center, Golf Road & Skokie Blvd and Old Orchard Mall stop locations.
Terminal stop examples
The official stop list includes Old Orchard Mall – Bloomingdales, Old Orchard Mall – Macys, Paulina & Howard Terminal and Skokie Yellow Line Station.
🚏 Stop-side checklist
- Route number: confirm the stop sign lists 97.
- Direction: choose the correct direction in CTA Bus Tracker.
- Stop ID: use the official stop ID when possible.
- Curb location: check whether the stop is northside, southside, northeast corner, southwest corner or terminal.
- Destination: verify Howard, Dempster-Skokie or Old Orchard Mall on the bus sign.
Need a larger orientation map?
🗺️ Open Map / Directions⚠️ Map warning
The embedded map is for orientation only. For final boarding, use CTA’s official Route 97 page, official stop list and CTA Bus Tracker.
Bus 97 Live Tracker: How to Use CTA Bus Tracker Without Guessing
CTA Bus Tracker is the best same-day tool for Route 97 arrivals. The PDF tells you the planned pattern; the tracker helps you see estimated arrivals by direction and stop.
Select Route 97
Open CTA Bus Tracker and choose Route 97. Avoid old screenshots and unofficial copied PDFs.
Choose direction
The tracker gives direction choices. Pick the correct direction before choosing a stop.
Pick exact stop
Use the stop name or stop ID from the official list. Nearby corners can serve different directions.
Refresh before leaving
Arrival estimates can change with traffic, detours, construction, weather, boarding delays and dispatch changes.
Ready to check the live Route 97 direction and stop list?
⏱️ Open CTA Bus Tracker💡 Tracker mismatch rule
If a third-party app, a saved screenshot and CTA Bus Tracker disagree, use CTA’s official route page, Bus Tracker and alerts as your final source.
Bus 97 Fare and Ventra: CTA Bus Fare, Cash Fare, Transfers and Passes
Route 97 uses standard CTA bus fare rules. The most important rider detail is the difference between Ventra/contactless payment and cash fare, because transfer rules are not the same.
| Fare topic | Official CTA rule | Rider mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Ventra/contactless bus fare | $2.25 full fare when deducted from Ventra Transit Account or pay-as-you-go contactless payment. | Using a different card/device after boarding and losing transfer tracking. |
| Cash bus fare | $2.50 full fare when paying cash/coins directly at the farebox. | Expecting a free transfer after paying cash. CTA says transfers are not available with cash fare. |
| Transfers | Up to two additional rides within two hours are free when paid properly. | Mixing Ventra, phone wallet and cash during the same trip. |
| Passes | CTA/Pace passes may help frequent riders depending on trip count. | Buying a pass without comparing daily or weekly riding needs. |
| Reduced/student fares | Reduced and student fares require eligibility. | Assuming reduced fare without the correct permit or program eligibility. |
Need the official fare chart before boarding?
💳 Open CTA Fare Information⚠️ Cash transfer warning
Cash fare can get you on the bus, but it does not include transfers. Use Ventra or eligible contactless payment when you need transfer value.
CTA Alerts, Updates and Help: Reroutes, Stop Moves, Weather and Travel Questions
Route 97 can be affected by weather, road work, events, construction, temporary stop changes and dispatch changes. The official PDF tells riders to use CTA Updates for planned and unplanned service changes, and it gives the RTA Travel Information Center phone number for more travel help.
CTA Updates
Use CTA Updates for text or email alerts about planned service changes and unplanned reroutes.
RTA travel help
CTA’s PDF lists the RTA Travel Information Center at 312-836-7000 for travel information.
Ventra app help
Use the Ventra app for fare value, passes and travel information when your trip connects with CTA, Pace or Metra.
Want route alerts instead of checking manually every time?
🔔 Open CTA UpdatesAccessibility, Priority Seating and Senior Rider Help for Bus 97
CTA says all CTA buses are accessible. The Route 97 PDF also reminds riders that federal law requires priority seating for seniors and people with disabilities, and riders should yield those seats when needed or asked.
- Accessible buses: CTA Route 97 uses accessible CTA buses.
- Priority seating: yield designated seats for seniors and riders with disabilities.
- Boarding help: ask the operator for ramp, kneeling or securement help when needed.
- Stop announcements: CTA buses announce route and destination when doors open.
- Rail transfers: check elevator/accessibility status if transferring at Howard or Dempster-Skokie.
- Feedback: CTA’s PDF directs riders to CTA Customer Service / feedback for accessibility concerns at stops.
Need official CTA accessibility information?
♿ Open CTA AccessibilityOfficial Bus 97 PDF Viewer: CTA Route Map and Timetable Inside This Article
The official CTA Route 97 PDF is embedded below so riders can verify the route map, schedule tables, direction notes, holiday notes, bike notes, priority seating notes and destination-sign warnings without leaving this article.
Official CTA Route 97 Schedule PDF
Use this for the official #97 Skokie route map, weekday schedule, Saturday/Sunday schedule, rider notes and service details.
Official Route 97 Stop List
Use the official stop list for stop IDs, stop names, direction and curb location when exact boarding matters.
📄 Official CTA Route 97 schedule PDF
If the PDF viewer does not load on your phone, open the official CTA PDF directly.
📄 Open Official Route 97 PDFOfficial Bus 97 Stop List Viewer: Stop IDs, Direction and Curb Location
This is the most important new improvement. A schedule time helps only after you know the exact stop. CTA’s official stop list shows stop ID, stop name, direction of travel and location, so it is useful for wrong-side-of-street problems.
Need the stop list in a separate tab?
🚏 Open Official Route 97 Stop ListCommon Bus 97 Schedule Mistakes That Waste Time
Searching only “97 bus”
Many agencies use route 97. Add CTA, Skokie, Howard, Dempster-Skokie or Old Orchard to clarify.
Wrong direction
Direction controls the stop list. Select direction before selecting a stop in Bus Tracker.
Ignoring destination sign
Some trips may not go to the farthest terminal. Always read the sign before boarding.
Using a screenshot
Tracker screenshots age quickly. Refresh the live page before walking to the stop.
Cash transfer mistake
Cash fare does not include transfers. Use Ventra/contactless for transfer value.
No transfer buffer
Howard and Dempster-Skokie transfers need walking time, especially in bad weather or with accessibility needs.
Bus 97 Schedule FAQs
What is Bus 97 Schedule?
For this article, Bus 97 Schedule means CTA Route 97 Skokie, the Chicago Transit Authority route serving Howard, Dempster-Skokie, Skokie Boulevard and Old Orchard Mall.
Where can I find the official CTA Route 97 schedule?
Use the official CTA Route 97 page or the official CTA Route 97 PDF schedule brochure embedded in this article.
How do I track Bus 97 live?
Open CTA Bus Tracker, select Route 97, choose the direction, then select your exact stop or stop ID.
Does Route 97 go to Howard?
Yes. CTA lists Route 97 service to Howard, where riders can connect with Red, Purple and Yellow Line service.
Does Route 97 go to Dempster-Skokie?
Yes. Route 97 serves Dempster-Skokie. Check the direction and destination sign before boarding.
Does Route 97 go to Old Orchard Mall?
Yes. CTA lists Old Orchard Mall service, but riders should confirm the destination sign because some trips may not serve the farthest terminal.
How much is CTA Bus 97 fare?
CTA lists regular bus fare at $2.25 with Ventra/contactless and $2.50 when paying cash on the bus. Cash fare does not include transfers.
Are transfers free on CTA Route 97?
CTA lists up to two additional rides within two hours as free transfers when paid properly with Ventra or eligible contactless payment.
Is CTA Route 97 accessible?
Yes. CTA says all CTA buses are accessible. Check rail station accessibility if your Route 97 trip connects with the Red, Purple or Yellow Line.
Can I bring a bike on Bus 97?
CTA says bicycle racks are installed on the front of all CTA buses. Check CTA bike rules before travel if your trip also uses rail.
Does Bus 97 run overnight?
No. CTA’s posted first/last service spans show Route 97 runs from early morning to late evening, not 24 hours.
Does Bus 97 use Sunday schedule on holidays?
CTA says Sunday schedules apply on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, or observed dates.
Why does my Route 97 bus not go all the way to Old Orchard or Howard?
CTA warns that some service can operate over only part of a route or end before the farthest terminal depending on service needs or time of day. Read the destination sign.
Is BusSchedules.org the official Route 97 operator?
No. BusSchedules.org is an independent guide. Always verify exact live times, stops, fare rules and alerts directly with CTA before travel.
Final Rider Summary: Best Way to Use the Bus 97 Schedule
The best way to use the Bus 97 schedule is to start with the official CTA Route 97 page or PDF, choose the correct direction, then use CTA Bus Tracker and the official stop list for your exact stop ID and curb location.
For the safest ride, check the embedded PDF, confirm the destination sign, use the stop ID viewer, refresh Bus Tracker before walking, use Ventra/contactless if you need transfers, and build extra time for Howard, Dempster-Skokie, Old Orchard Mall and rail connections.
Official CTA Route 97 page · Official Route 97 PDF · CTA Bus Tracker Route 97