When did the Grand (Blue) station open?

Grand on the Blue Line opened in 1951 with the Milwaukee-Dearborn subway. The station closed in 1992 due to low ridership and the CTA's budget crisis, then reopened in 1999 after area growth made it viable again.

Is Grand (Blue) ADA accessible?

No. Grand is not currently accessible. The CTA's All Stations Accessibility Program aims to bring the full system to accessibility over about 20 years, but a specific timeline for Grand has not been published.

What's near Grand (Blue) in the West Loop?

The Hoxton hotel sits two blocks west, and the eastern end of Fulton Market is a 5–10 minute walk. Soho House Chicago is about a 10-minute walk south on Green Street.

How do I get from Grand (Blue) to O'Hare?

Blue Line trains from Grand run northwest to O'Hare Airport in about 25–30 minutes.

Is the Grand (Blue) station the same as Grand (Red)?

No — these are two different stations. Grand (Red) is at Grand and State, on the Loop side of the river. Grand (Blue) is at Milwaukee, Grand, and Halsted in the West Loop.

How is Grand (Blue) different from Chicago (Blue)?

Chicago (Blue) is one stop north and serves River West / River North / Cabrini Green-area destinations. Grand (Blue) is the closer stop for River West / eastern Fulton Market trips.

CTA L station

Grand

Blue

Grand is the CTA Blue Line stop 0.2 mi from the Fulton Market sub-area of the West Loop.

Within walking distance: Ogilvie (0.7 mi).

Quick facts

Year opened: 1951 — Opened with the Milwaukee-Dearborn subway
Rebuilt: 1999 — Closed in 1992 due to low ridership and the CTA's budget crisis; reopened in 1999 after area population growth.
Lines: Blue
Accessibility: Not ADA-accessible
2024 ridership: 664,029 entries · -23% vs 2019
Full name: Grand (Blue Line)

Grand (Blue) sits at the northern edge of the West Loop on Milwaukee Avenue, where Milwaukee, Grand, and Halsted meet. It is the closest CTA L stop to the River West sub-area and the eastern end of Fulton Market, with River North immediately east across the river.

One of the only CTA stations to close for a stretch of years and then reopen — the 1992–1999 closure ran seven years.

Ridership trend. 2024 ridership is down 23% from the 2019 pre-pandemic peak — a steady recovery year-over-year as the surrounding River West / River North corridor rebuilt foot traffic.

Planned changes

Not currently in the CTA All Stations Accessibility Program for elevator addition. ASAP funding rounds prioritize Belmont, Irving Park, and Pulaski for the next phase.

Best restaurants Curated picks across the West Loop West Loop hotels Compare by sub-area + L access Parking guide If you're driving in instead

Common questions

When did the Grand (Blue) station open?: Grand on the Blue Line opened in 1951 with the Milwaukee-Dearborn subway. The station closed in 1992 due to low ridership and the CTA's budget crisis, then reopened in 1999 after area growth made it viable again.
Is Grand (Blue) ADA accessible?: No. Grand is not currently accessible. The CTA's All Stations Accessibility Program aims to bring the full system to accessibility over about 20 years, but a specific timeline for Grand has not been published.
What's near Grand (Blue) in the West Loop?: The Hoxton hotel sits two blocks west, and the eastern end of Fulton Market is a 5–10 minute walk. Soho House Chicago is about a 10-minute walk south on Green Street.
How do I get from Grand (Blue) to O'Hare?: Blue Line trains from Grand run northwest to O'Hare Airport in about 25–30 minutes.
Is the Grand (Blue) station the same as Grand (Red)?: No — these are two different stations. Grand (Red) is at Grand and State, on the Loop side of the river. Grand (Blue) is at Milwaukee, Grand, and Halsted in the West Loop.
How is Grand (Blue) different from Chicago (Blue)?: Chicago (Blue) is one stop north and serves River West / River North / Cabrini Green-area destinations. Grand (Blue) is the closer stop for River West / eastern Fulton Market trips.

Sources

Nearby hotels

Within ½ mile of the station, sorted by walking distance.

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Nearby restaurants

Food & drink within walking distance — sorted by distance. For a curated dinner, see Best restaurants in the West Loop →.