If you live in the Chicago suburbs and need to get downtown-or anywhere else in the region-Metra is the only train system that connects you directly, reliably, and without traffic. Unlike buses or ride-shares, Metra trains run on fixed tracks, stick to their schedules, and carry over 200,000 riders every weekday. This isn’t just a train. It’s the backbone of daily life for hundreds of thousands of people who work, study, or visit Chicago but call the suburbs home.
How Metra Works: The Basics
Metro Chicago’s commuter rail system, officially called Metra, operates 11 different lines. Each line is named after the direction it travels or the region it serves: BNSF, Milwaukee District North, Milwaukee District West, North Central Service, Heritage Corridor, Rock Island, SouthWest Service, Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest, Union Pacific West, and the Electric Line. These lines don’t just go into Chicago-they connect to key hubs like Ogilvie, Union Station, and LaSalle Street Station, where you can transfer to the CTA ‘L’ trains, buses, or even Amtrak.
Every line has a specific terminal in the city. For example, the Union Pacific North line ends at Ogilvie Transportation Center, while the Rock Island line drops you off at LaSalle Street Station. If you’re heading to the Loop, Union Station is your best bet-it’s the busiest and connects to nearly every line. The Electric Line, which runs between Chicago and Joliet, is the only one that uses electric-powered trains. All others use diesel locomotives.
Trains run mostly during peak hours: early morning into the city for commuters, and late afternoon back out. On weekdays, trains leave suburbs like Naperville, Evanston, or Aurora as early as 4:30 a.m. and continue until around 10 p.m. Weekends have fewer trains, but most lines still run hourly. The Electric Line is the exception-it runs every 30 minutes even on Sundays.
Key Routes and Where They Take You
Not all Metra lines are created equal. Some serve dense suburban corridors with multiple stops. Others stretch deep into rural areas with just a few stations. Here’s what matters most:
- BNSF Line: Runs from Aurora to Union Station. Stops in Naperville, Lisle, and Downers Grove. This is one of the busiest lines-over 30,000 riders daily. If you live in the western suburbs, this is your lifeline.
- Union Pacific Northwest Line: Goes from Harvard or McHenry to Ogilvie. Serves Lake County towns like Barrington and Palatine. It’s the only line that runs parallel to I-90, so if you’ve ever been stuck in traffic there, you know why this train matters.
- Milwaukee District North Line: Connects Kenosha, WI, through Evanston and Wilmette to Union Station. Great for people who live near the lakefront or work near Northwestern University.
- Rock Island Line: Starts in Joliet and ends at LaSalle Street. Passes through Summit, Blue Island, and Chicago Heights. It’s the oldest line still operating, dating back to 1852. If you’re heading to the South Side or the University of Illinois at Chicago, this is your go-to.
- SouthWest Service: Runs from Manhattan to Union Station, serving the southwest suburbs like Homewood and Beecher. Fewer trains, but cheaper fares and less crowding.
Each line has its own rhythm. The BNSF and UP-North lines are packed at 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The Heritage Corridor, which runs from Joliet to Chicago, has only four round trips a day-perfect for weekend shoppers or people with flexible hours.
Fares and How to Pay
Metra fares are based on zones. The city of Chicago is Zone 1. Suburbs are Zones 2 through 7, with higher numbers meaning farther out. A one-way ticket from Zone 1 to Zone 2 costs $6.50. From Zone 7 (like Harvard or Joliet), it’s $12.50. Monthly passes save you money if you ride five or more days a week.
You can buy tickets:
- At station ticket offices (open during rush hours)
- From ticket vending machines (most stations have them)
- Through the Metra Mobile App (this is the easiest way now)
- On board (but you’ll pay a $5 surcharge)
Using the app means no paper tickets. Just open the app, pick your origin and destination, and scan the QR code when you board. The app also shows real-time delays, platform changes, and service alerts. Over 60% of riders now use the app. Paper tickets are still accepted, but they’re being phased out slowly.
Discounts exist for seniors (65+), students (with valid ID), and people with disabilities. Children under 7 ride free with a paying adult. If you’re a regular rider, the 10-ride punch card saves 15% off single fares.
What to Expect on Board
Metra trains are not luxury. But they’re clean, functional, and surprisingly reliable. Most cars have:
- Reclining seats with armrests
- Overhead luggage racks
- Restrooms (on all trains except the Electric Line)
- Power outlets at every row
- Free Wi-Fi (slow, but usable for texts and maps)
Don’t expect food service. There are no cafes or snack carts. Bring your own coffee, breakfast, or sandwich. Many riders stop at the station café before boarding. The BNSF and UP-North lines have the most convenient food options nearby-Starbucks, Panera, and Subway are common at major stops.
Quiet cars are marked on every train. They’re usually the rear car and are meant for people who want to work, nap, or read without noise. Talking on phones, loud music, or eating smelly food is discouraged. Most people respect it.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Metra isn’t perfect. Delays happen. Weather, track work, or signal issues can push trains back by 10 to 20 minutes. Here’s how to handle it:
- Always check the app before you leave. Service alerts pop up there first. The Metra website has a live map showing delays.
- Don’t rely on Google Maps for arrival times. It often shows outdated data. Use Metra’s official app or website.
- Plan extra time. If you have a meeting at 9 a.m., aim to be on the 7:45 train, not the 8:15. Rush hour trains are packed, and boarding takes longer.
- Know your station’s platform. Some stations have multiple platforms. The app tells you which one your train leaves from.
On cold winter days, platforms can be icy. Wear boots. In summer, trains get hot. Bring a light jacket. The air conditioning is hit-or-miss.
Connecting to Other Transit
Metra doesn’t stop at the city edge. It drops you right into Chicago’s transit network. At Union Station, you can catch the Red Line, Blue Line, and Orange Line. Ogilvie connects to the Brown, Purple, and Pink Lines. LaSalle Street has the Green and Orange Lines.
If you’re heading to O’Hare Airport, take the Metra to Union Station, then hop on the Blue Line. It’s cheaper and faster than a taxi. Same for Midway-take the Rock Island Line to 63rd Street, then transfer to the Orange Line.
Some Metra stations even have bike racks or bike-sharing docks. Naperville, Evanston, and Aurora all have Divvy stations nearby. You can bike to the station, ride the train, then bike to your final destination.
When Metra Isn’t the Best Choice
Metra is great-but not always the right tool. If you’re traveling between suburbs (say, from Schaumburg to Wheaton), a Metra train might require a transfer in Chicago. In that case, driving or taking a Pace bus might be faster.
Also, if you’re going somewhere after 8 p.m., options shrink. Most lines stop running by 10 p.m., with the last train leaving downtown around 11:30 p.m. For late-night trips, ride-shares or cabs are your only option.
And if you’re carrying bulky items-like a couch or a stroller with groceries-Metra can be tricky. The trains aren’t designed for heavy loads. Stations have stairs. Elevators are rare. If you need to haul big stuff, plan ahead or consider a delivery service.
What’s Changing in 2026
This year, Metra is rolling out new trains on the BNSF and Milwaukee District lines. These are the first modern commuter cars since 2007. They have better lighting, smoother rides, and real-time digital displays showing the next stop and delays. The new trains also have USB charging ports built into each seat.
Metra is also testing a pilot program that lets riders pay with contactless credit cards at turnstiles-no app needed. If it works, it’ll expand to all lines by 2027. They’re also adding more parking at outlying stations to cut down on street congestion.
One big change: the Electric Line is getting a new timetable. Starting in March 2026, trains will run every 20 minutes on weekdays, not 30. That’s a game-changer for people commuting from Joliet.
Final Tips
Metra isn’t glamorous. But it’s dependable. If you ride it regularly, you’ll learn its quirks. The 8:03 a.m. BNSF train from Naperville is always full. The 5:17 p.m. UP-North train from Barrington has the best seats. The 9:45 p.m. Rock Island train is nearly empty-perfect for a quiet ride home.
Download the app. Know your zone. Bring a snack. And don’t forget: Metra is the only transit system in Chicago that actually gets you from your driveway to your office without a single traffic light.
What are the busiest Metra lines?
The BNSF Line and the Union Pacific North Line are the busiest, each carrying over 30,000 riders daily. They serve major suburban hubs like Naperville, Downers Grove, and Barrington, and connect directly to downtown Chicago’s main stations. These lines have the most frequent service and the highest ridership, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Can I use my Ventra card on Metra?
No, Ventra cards are only for CTA buses and trains, not Metra. Metra has its own fare system. You can buy tickets with cash, at vending machines, through the Metra Mobile App, or with contactless credit cards (in pilot testing). If you have a Ventra card, you can still use it to transfer from Metra to the ‘L’ at Union Station or Ogilvie, but you’ll need a separate Metra ticket to board the train.
Do Metra trains have Wi-Fi and charging ports?
Yes, most Metra trains have free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every row. The Wi-Fi is slow and best for checking maps or texts, not streaming. All newer trains (BNSF and Milwaukee District lines) have USB ports built into seat backs. Older trains only have standard outlets. Don’t count on Wi-Fi for video calls-it’s unreliable during rush hour.
Are Metra trains safe at night?
Yes. Metra trains are monitored by transit police and have security cameras on board. Late-night trains (after 8 p.m.) are less crowded but still safe. The cars are well-lit, and conductors make regular rounds. If you feel uncomfortable, sit near the conductor’s car or call Metra’s non-emergency number for assistance. Most riders report feeling secure, especially on the main lines like BNSF and UP-North.
How do I know which platform my train leaves from?
Use the Metra Mobile App-it shows real-time platform assignments. Station signs also display the next train’s destination and platform number. At larger stations like Union Station and Ogilvie, platforms are labeled clearly. At smaller stations, check with station staff or ask a conductor. Platforms can change due to track work, so always double-check right before boarding.