Metra Chicago Union Station Guide: Schedules, Lines & Services

Metra Chicago Union Station is a major rail hub in the metropolitan area of Chicagoland, which serves as the meeting point for multiple lines operated by Metra and is Amtrak’s largest station. Situated in the heart of downtown, this classic station services commuters with destinations both suburban and urban throughout the region. 11 lines operate out of Metra Chicago Union Station, allowing daily service for thousands of commuters, workers, visitors, and students.

Metra Chicago Union Station
IG: @metrarail

Its plate-glass walls showcase indoor theatre and gallery space, while the adjacent garden plaza reflects the quintessentially Wash… Union Station’s stately Beaux Arts architecture looks as beautiful today as when it opened in 1908. It also has quick access to other modes of transportation, including buses as well as the CTA’s “L” train system. A critical link in the city’s transit system, carrying more than 80,000 passengers each day, Metra Chicago Union Station is a key driver of economic development and growth throughout the region. Due to its location and historical significance, it is not only the busiest train station in Chicago, but also functions as a city landmark.

Metra Chicago Union Station Overview

Below is the station Overview.

Metra Chicago Union Station Address

225 South Canal Street
Chicago, IL 60606

Metra Chicago Union Station Parking Information

Chicago Union Station provides a variety of parking options for biking and riding. The station includes daily and monthly parking for commuters driving into the city. The following are the primary lots:

1. Union Station Parking Garage

  • The multilevel garage is adjacent to the station at 500 W Jackson Blvd and provides easy access to Metra platforms. It is primarily for daily parking, but monthly passes are also available.

2. Surface Lot

  • There is a surface lot at 150 W. Adams Street that includes additional parking for daily use. It’s a little further from the station, but easily walkable.

3. Parking Rates

  • There are different rates for parking depending on location and duration. Daily parking rates at the garage are generally $20-30, and just a bit less for the surface lot. Monthly rates are provided for commuters of this station.
  • You should arrive early for a parking spot since it can get pretty packed at certain times of the day. Private lots and garages are also in the area if Union Station’s own parking is full.

Metra Chicago Union Station Nearby Attractions

  1. Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
  2. Millennium Park
  3. Chicago Riverwalk
  4. The Art Institute of Chicago
  5. The Chicago Theatre
  6. Grant Park
  7. The Magnificent Mile
  8. Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower
  9. Museum Campus
  10. Chinatown

Metra Chicago Union Station Schedule

Chicago Union Station Weekday Schedule

LineDeparture Time (AM)Arrival Time (AM)Departure Time (PM)Arrival Time (PM)
BNSF Railway Line
Aurora (Peak)5:10 AM6:40 AM4:15 PM5:45 PM
Naperville (Peak)5:35 AM6:25 AM4:40 PM5:30 PM
Downers Grove (Peak)6:00 AM6:30 AM5:00 PM5:30 PM
Union Pacific Lines
UP-Northwest (Peak)5:20 AM6:00 AM4:25 PM5:05 PM
UP-West (Peak)5:50 AM6:35 AM4:50 PM5:35 PM
UP-North (Peak)6:00 AM6:40 AM5:10 PM5:50 PM
Southwest Service
Orland Park (Peak)5:25 AM6:10 AM4:20 PM5:05 PM
Palos Park (Peak)5:55 AM6:40 AM5:10 PM5:55 PM
Rock Island Line
Blue Island (Peak)5:15 AM6:05 AM4:35 PM5:25 PM
Joliet (Peak)5:40 AM6:30 AM4:55 PM5:45 PM
Metra Electric
South Chicago (Peak)5:25 AM6:00 AM4:30 PM5:05 PM
University Park (Peak)6:00 AM6:45 AM5:00 PM5:45 PM

Chicago Union Station Weekend Schedule

LineDeparture Time (AM)Arrival Time (AM)Departure Time (PM)Arrival Time (PM)
BNSF Railway Line
Aurora (Weekend)7:40 AM9:10 AM3:50 PM5:20 PM
Naperville (Weekend)8:00 AM9:25 AM4:15 PM5:45 PM
Downers Grove (Weekend)8:15 AM9:40 AM4:35 PM6:00 PM
Union Pacific Lines
UP-Northwest (Weekend)7:55 AM9:05 AM4:45 PM5:55 PM
UP-West (Weekend)8:25 AM9:50 AM5:10 PM6:35 PM
UP-North (Weekend)8:45 AM10:00 AM5:30 PM7:00 PM
Southwest Service
Orland Park (Weekend)8:10 AM9:35 AM4:25 PM5:55 PM
Palos Park (Weekend)8:40 AM10:05 AM4:50 PM6:10 PM
Rock Island Line
Blue Island (Weekend)7:50 AM9:15 AM4:40 PM6:00 PM
Joliet (Weekend)8:05 AM9:30 AM5:05 PM6:25 PM
Metra Electric
South Chicago (Weekend)8:20 AM9:40 AM4:40 PM5:50 PM
University Park (Weekend)9:00 AM10:25 AM5:40 PM7:10 PM

Deerfield to chicago Union station Schedule

Departure TimeArrival Time at Union StationTravel TimeDay Type
5:36 AM6:17 AM41 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:06 AM6:47 AM41 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:36 AM7:17 AM41 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:06 AM7:47 AM41 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:36 AM8:17 AM41 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:06 AM8:47 AM41 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:36 AM9:17 AM41 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
9:06 AM9:47 AM41 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
4:06 PM4:47 PM41 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
4:36 PM5:17 PM41 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:06 PM5:47 PM41 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:36 PM6:17 PM41 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:06 PM6:47 PM41 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:36 PM7:17 PM41 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
7:06 PM7:47 PM41 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
7:36 AM8:17 AM41 minutesWeekend AM
8:36 AM9:17 AM41 minutesWeekend AM
9:36 AM10:17 AM41 minutesWeekend AM
10:36 AM11:17 AM41 minutesWeekend AM
11:36 AM12:17 PM41 minutesWeekend AM
12:36 PM1:17 PM41 minutesWeekend PM
1:36 PM2:17 PM41 minutesWeekend PM
2:36 PM3:17 PM41 minutesWeekend PM
3:36 PM4:17 PM41 minutesWeekend PM

Fox lake to chicago Union station Schedule

Departure TimeArrival Time at Union StationTravel TimeDay Type
4:55 AM6:35 AM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
5:25 AM7:05 AM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
5:55 AM7:35 AM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:25 AM8:05 AM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:55 AM8:35 AM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:25 AM9:05 AM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:55 AM9:35 AM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
3:25 PM5:05 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
4:00 PM5:40 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
4:35 PM6:15 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:10 PM6:50 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:40 PM7:20 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:10 PM7:50 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:40 PM8:20 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:30 AM8:10 AM1 hour 40 minutesWeekend AM
8:00 AM9:40 AM1 hour 40 minutesWeekend AM
9:30 AM11:10 AM1 hour 40 minutesWeekend AM
11:00 AM12:40 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekend AM
12:30 PM2:10 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekend PM
2:00 PM3:40 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekend PM
3:30 PM5:10 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekend PM
5:00 PM6:40 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekend PM
6:30 PM8:10 PM1 hour 40 minutesWeekend PM

Joliet to chicago Union station Schedule

Departure TimeArrival Time at Union StationTravel TimeDay Type
4:42 AM5:51 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
5:12 AM6:21 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
5:42 AM6:51 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:12 AM7:21 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:42 AM7:51 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:12 AM8:21 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:42 AM8:51 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:12 AM9:21 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
3:12 PM4:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
3:42 PM4:51 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
4:12 PM5:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
4:42 PM5:51 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:12 PM6:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:42 PM6:51 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:12 PM7:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:42 PM7:51 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
7:12 PM8:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
8:12 PM9:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:12 AM7:21 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend AM
6:42 AM7:51 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend AM
7:12 AM8:21 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend AM
7:42 AM8:51 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend AM
8:12 AM9:21 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend AM
8:42 AM9:51 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend AM
9:12 AM10:21 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend AM
9:42 AM10:51 AM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend AM
3:12 PM4:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend PM
3:42 PM4:51 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend PM
4:12 PM5:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend PM
4:42 PM5:51 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend PM
5:12 PM6:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend PM
5:42 PM6:51 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend PM
6:12 PM7:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend PM
6:42 PM7:51 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend PM
7:12 PM8:21 PM1 hour 9 minutesWeekend PM

Grayslake to chicago Union station Schedule

Departure TimeArrival Time at Union StationTravel TimeDay Type
5:38 AM7:05 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:08 AM7:35 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:38 AM8:05 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:08 AM8:35 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:38 AM9:05 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:08 AM9:35 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:38 AM10:05 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
4:08 PM5:35 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
4:38 PM6:05 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:08 PM6:35 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:38 PM7:05 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:08 PM7:35 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:38 PM8:05 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
7:08 PM8:35 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
8:12 PM9:39 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:08 AM7:35 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend AM
6:38 AM8:05 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend AM
7:08 AM8:35 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend AM
7:38 AM9:05 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend AM
8:08 AM9:35 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend AM
8:38 AM10:05 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend AM
9:08 AM10:35 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend AM
9:42 AM11:09 AM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend AM
4:08 PM5:35 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend PM
4:38 PM6:05 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend PM
5:08 PM6:35 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend PM
5:38 PM7:05 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend PM
6:08 PM7:35 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend PM
6:38 PM8:05 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend PM
7:08 PM8:35 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend PM
8:12 PM9:39 PM1 hour 27 minutesWeekend PM

Hanover park to chicago Union station Schedule

Departure TimeArrival Time at Union StationTravel TimeDay Type
5:31 AM6:25 AM54 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:01 AM6:55 AM54 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:31 AM7:25 AM54 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:01 AM7:55 AM54 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:31 AM8:25 AM54 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:01 AM8:55 AM54 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:31 AM9:25 AM54 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
4:01 PM4:55 PM54 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
4:31 PM5:25 PM54 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:01 PM5:55 PM54 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:31 PM6:25 PM54 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:01 PM6:55 PM54 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:31 PM7:25 PM54 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
7:01 PM7:55 PM54 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:31 AM7:25 AM54 minutesWeekend AM
7:01 AM7:55 AM54 minutesWeekend AM
7:31 AM8:25 AM54 minutesWeekend AM
8:01 AM8:55 AM54 minutesWeekend AM
8:31 AM9:25 AM54 minutesWeekend AM
9:01 AM9:55 AM54 minutesWeekend AM
9:31 AM10:25 AM54 minutesWeekend AM
9:42 AM10:36 AM54 minutesWeekend AM
4:31 PM5:25 PM54 minutesWeekend PM
5:01 PM5:55 PM54 minutesWeekend PM
5:31 PM6:25 PM54 minutesWeekend PM
6:01 PM6:55 PM54 minutesWeekend PM
6:31 PM7:25 PM54 minutesWeekend PM
7:01 PM7:55 PM54 minutesWeekend PM

Naperville to chicago Union station Schedule

Departure TimeArrival Time at Union StationTravel TimeDay Type
5:10 AM5:45 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
5:40 AM6:15 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:10 AM6:45 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:40 AM7:15 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:10 AM7:45 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:40 AM8:15 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:10 AM8:45 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:40 AM9:15 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
4:10 PM4:45 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
4:40 PM5:15 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:10 PM5:45 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:40 PM6:15 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:10 PM6:45 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:40 PM7:15 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
7:10 PM7:45 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:10 AM6:45 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
6:40 AM7:15 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
7:10 AM7:45 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
7:40 AM8:15 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
8:10 AM8:45 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
8:40 AM9:15 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
9:10 AM9:45 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
9:40 AM10:15 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
4:10 PM4:45 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
4:40 PM5:15 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
5:10 PM5:45 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
5:40 PM6:15 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
6:10 PM6:45 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
6:40 PM7:15 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
7:10 PM7:45 PM35 minutesWeekend PM

Chicago Union Station to Aurora Schedule

Departure TimeArrival Time at AuroraTravel TimeDay Type
5:05 AM5:53 AM48 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
5:35 AM6:23 AM48 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:05 AM6:53 AM48 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:35 AM7:23 AM48 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:05 AM7:53 AM48 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:35 AM8:23 AM48 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:05 AM8:53 AM48 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:35 AM9:23 AM48 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
4:05 PM4:53 PM48 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
4:35 PM5:23 PM48 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:05 PM5:53 PM48 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:35 PM6:23 PM48 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:05 PM6:53 PM48 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:35 PM7:23 PM48 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
7:05 PM7:53 PM48 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:05 AM6:53 AM48 minutesWeekend AM
6:35 AM7:23 AM48 minutesWeekend AM
7:05 AM7:53 AM48 minutesWeekend AM
7:35 AM8:23 AM48 minutesWeekend AM
8:05 AM8:53 AM48 minutesWeekend AM
8:35 AM9:23 AM48 minutesWeekend AM
4:05 PM4:53 PM48 minutesWeekend PM
4:35 PM5:23 PM48 minutesWeekend PM
5:05 PM5:53 PM48 minutesWeekend PM
5:35 PM6:23 PM48 minutesWeekend PM
6:05 PM6:53 PM48 minutesWeekend PM
6:35 PM7:23 PM48 minutesWeekend PM
7:05 PM7:53 PM48 minutesWeekend PM

 Naperville to Chicago Union Station Schedule

Departure TimeArrival Time at Union StationTravel TimeDay Type
5:10 AM5:45 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
5:40 AM6:15 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:10 AM6:45 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
6:40 AM7:15 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:10 AM7:45 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
7:40 AM8:15 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:10 AM8:45 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
8:40 AM9:15 AM35 minutesWeekday AM (Peak)
4:10 PM4:45 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
4:40 PM5:15 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:10 PM5:45 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
5:40 PM6:15 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:10 PM6:45 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:40 PM7:15 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
7:10 PM7:45 PM35 minutesWeekday PM (Peak)
6:10 AM6:45 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
6:40 AM7:15 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
7:10 AM7:45 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
7:40 AM8:15 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
8:10 AM8:45 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
8:40 AM9:15 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
9:10 AM9:45 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
9:40 AM10:15 AM35 minutesWeekend AM
4:10 PM4:45 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
4:40 PM5:15 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
5:10 PM5:45 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
5:40 PM6:15 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
6:10 PM6:45 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
6:40 PM7:15 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
7:10 PM7:45 PM35 minutesWeekend PM
Metra Chicago Union Station
IG: @gkrailphoto

Q. When does Metra Chicago Union Station open?

Chicago Union Station is open 7 days a week from early morning to late evening. The station is open all day, although each line runs on its own schedule. Weekday rush hours are busy; on weekends, services are more sporadic, but typically every 1-2 hours.

Q. How do I purchase a ticket from the Metra Chicago Union Station counter?

  • There are a variety of options for buying Metra tickets:
  • Ticket Kiosk: Available at various locations in Union Station, accepts cash, credit, and debit cards.
  • Metra Mobile App: Purchase tickets and plan your commute with an easy-to-use app that eliminates the need for paper tickets.
  • On board: You can purchase tickets from the conductor as well, but passengers are advised to buy tickets in advance to prevent delays.
  • Ticket Windows: You will find manned ticket booths at Union Station where you can buy tickets during normal hours.

Q. Where can I park near Metra Chicago Union Station?

Some of the parking options that are available at Union Station include the following:

  • Union Station Parking Garage: Situated at 500 W. Jackson Blvd., it’s an expansive parking garage that is attached to the station on multiple levels.
  • Surface Lot 150 W. Adams Street: Additional parking is available close to the station, here.
  • Nearby Private Lots: In addition to USI parking, there are other surface and garage lots close by in case Union Station’s facilities are full. Rates vary by location.

Q. How frequently is the train from Metra Chicago Union Station?

From the campgrounds, but also from downtown and south Boulder, hiking in to catch a train (refugees!) depends on who you are, what day it is, etc Generally, the trains come at different intervals depending on their color:

  • Weekdays (Rush Hours): For rush hour, most lines operate every 15-30 minutes on trains.
  • Weekdays (midafternoon): Normal service provided, except trains operate less frequently; about every 30-60 minutes.
  • Weekends: Service runs less frequently on weekends, with most trains servicing the line hourly.
  • If you need the exact times, please visit the Metra Website or use their mobile app for current scheduling.

From Chicago Union Station, Most of the major downtown attractions in Chicago are all near one another, so plan and you can walk them all (it is a walking city):

  • Millennium Park (15-minute walk)
  • Willis Tower (10-minute walk)
  • The Art Institute of Chicago (15-20 min. walking)
  • Chicago Riverwalk (10-minute walk)
  • Magnificent Mile (20-minute walk)

Then again, Chicago Union Station is well connected by bus and the Blue Line, easing travel to neighborhoods farther afield.

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