The invention provides a chimeric CNS targeting polypeptide having a BBB-receptor binding domain and a payload polypeptide domain. The chimeric CNS targeting polypeptide can have a BBB-receptor binding domain consisting of a receptor binding domain from ApoB, ApoE, aprotinin, lipoprotein lipase, PAI-1, pseudomonas exotoxin A, transferrin, α2-macroglobulin, insulin-like growth factor, insulin, or a functional fragment thereof. Nucleic acids encoding a chimeric CNS targeting polypeptide are also provided. Further provided is a method of delivering a polypeptide to the CNS of an individual. The method consists of administering to the individual an effective amount of a chimeric CNS targeting polypeptide, said chimeric CNS targeting polypeptide comprising a BBB-receptor binding domain and a payload polypeptide domain. The method also can deliver a polypeptide to the lysosomes of CNS cells.