The Metra Electric District Line serves as a crucial commuter rail line in the Chicago region, providing suburban service from Chicago’s Millennium Station to South Chicago (via Blue Island), Homewood, and University Park. Unlike the other Metra lines, it is entirely electrified and offers frequent and fast service throughout the day, evenings, and weekends. The line includes several stations with parking, easy access for customers with disabilities, and convenient connections to CTA buses and trains.
It has been a reliable commuter operation for daily-routine passengers, offering schedules, fares, and travel information. “Metra Electric is critically important for fast, efficient travel between Chicago’s Loop and surrounding communities.
Metra Electric District Line Overview
Below is the station Overview.
Metra Electric District Line Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Line Name | Metra Electric District (MED) Line |
| Operator | Metra |
| Track Ownership | Metra (only Metra line not owned by a freight railroad) |
| Power Source | Electric (only Metra line powered by overhead catenary system) |
| Downtown Terminal | Millennium Station – 151 S Water Street, Chicago, IL 60606 |
| Southern Termini | - University Park (Main Line) . South Chicago (93rd St) . - Blue Island (Branch) |
| Total Number of Stations | 49 (across 3 branches) |
| Line Length | Approx. 31 miles |
| Service Frequency | High-frequency service; trains run every 10–20 minutes during peak |
| Service Days | 7 days a week including weekends and holidays |
| Travel Time (End to End) | ~75 minutes from Millennium to University Park |
| Fare Zones | Zones A–H |
| Key Transfer Stations | - Millennium Station (CTA, South Shore) - Van Buren Street - Museum Campus/11th St - Kensington/115th - Harvey |
| Connections to CTA | Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Brown, Purple Lines (via downtown stations) |
| Bus Connections | Extensive CTA (city) & Pace (suburban) bus connections |
| Special Services | - Shared tracks with South Shore Line (to Indiana) - ADA accessible |
| Park & Ride Facilities | Available at many suburban stations (e.g., Harvey, Homewood, University Park) |
Metra Electric District Line Parking Information
1. University Park Station
- This station is located at 1900 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60466, and features 1,086 parking spots, including some daily-only spaces and ADA-accessible areas. The village handles parking, and one can call 708-534-6451 to find out additional information.
2. Metra Matteson Station
- This station is located at 3500 North Street, Matteson, IL, and it has 555 parking spaces, 14 handicapped parking spots, 10 bike lockers, and 3 bike racks. There is also a kiss-and-ride lane. The parking daily charge is 1.25, which one pays at the exit either in cash or by card. It should be noted that there is no overnight parking. Village of Park Forest
3. Park Forest Station.
- This station has an east side commuter parking lot of 211th Street (Lincoln Highway) with 555 spaces, 14 handicapped spaces, and bike facilities. The daily parking charge is $1.25, which is paid at the gates. Overnight parking is prohibited.
4. Tinley Park Station
- Parking is complimentary on weekends and past 10 a.m. on weekdays. In other periods, there is a daily charge for parking. One can pay through the Passport application, credit card, or in cash at the meters.
5. Mokena Station
- Public lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are charged at a rate of $2.00. The payments are possible at fare boxes or electronically in the ParkMobile application.
Metra Electric District Line Stations
- Millennium Station
- University Park
- Homewood
- Matteson
- Park Forest
- Tinley Park
- Mokena
- University Park
- McCormick Place
- Van Buren Street
Metra Electric District Line Nearby Attractions
- Millennium Park
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Grant Park
- Buckingham Fountain
- Museum Campus
- Field Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Adler Planetarium
- Soldier Field
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Jackson Park
- University of Chicago
- Smart Museum of Art
- DuSable Black History Museum
- Hyde Park Shopping District
- South Shore Cultural Center
- Rainbow Beach
- Calumet Park
- Pullman National Historical Park
- Pullman Visitor Center
- Kensington Historical Society
- Historic Roseland District
- Lake Calumet
- Harborside International Golf Center
- Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
- Governors State University
Metra Electric District Line Transfers and Connection Lines
1. Millennium Station (Downtown Chicago)
Location: 151 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Connections:
CTA Lines:
- Red Line (with access from the nearby Lake station)
- Blue Line (via Washington station)
- Queens-bound BDLNQRW (via 5 Av and Lexington Av); Forest Hills-bound MR (via Brooklyn Bridge)Green, Pink, Orange, Brown, and Purple Lines (viaAdams/Wabash and State/Lake)
- South Shore Line: Direct link to Northern Indiana (shares tracks as far as Millennium and Kensington).
- Bus: CTA The buses stop at the station on Michigan Avenue, just outside of it.
2. Van Buren Street Station
Location: 67 E Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605
Connections:
- CTA Red Line @ Jackson Station (short walk)
- CTA Blue Line at Jackson/Dearborn
- Bus: Several CTA bus lines are in the vicinity
- Switch to Millennium Station (1 stop north)
3. Museum Campus/11th Street
Location: Near Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, etc.)
Connections:
- Short walk to Roosevelt CTA Station (Red, Green, Orange Lines)
- Nearest local CTA bus stops to the Museum Campus and Soldier Field
4. 55th–56th–57th Street Station (Hyde Park)
Location: Hyde Park, University of Chicago area
Connections:
- CTA Bus: The 2, 6, 15, and dozens more.
- Pace: Some limited service to suburban satellites
- South Shore Line: The station is served by some South Shore trains.
5. Kensington/115th Street Station
Location: Far South Side, Roseland neighborhood
Connections:
- South Shore Line: Trains approach from the MED line + go into Indiana
- CTA Bus: Several bus lines, including Pullman, West Pullman, and Blue Island routes
- Connection points with the Metra Electric Main Branch and Blue Island Branch.
6. Harvey Station
Location: Harvey, IL
Connections:
- Pace Bus Terminal: Harvey Transportation Center — connecting riders to dozens of south suburban Pace bus routes
- Transfer Point (closest station) to Rock Island District Line / Joliet (served by Pace bus)
7. University Park Station (Southern End of Main Branch)
Location: University Park, IL
Connections:
- Pace Bus: Limited service serving the far southern suburbs
- Park and Ride: Huge parking lots for commuters
Metra Electric District Line Schedule
Metra Electric District Line Weekday Schedule
| Departure Time | From | To | Approximate Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:40 AM | Millennium Station | University Park | 1 hr 10 min | Rush Hour (every 15-30 minutes) |
| 6:05 AM | Millennium Station | Homewood | 45 min | Rush Hour |
| 6:30 AM | Millennium Station | Flossmoor | 40 min | Rush Hour |
| 7:00 AM | Millennium Station | 95th Street | 35 min | Rush Hour |
| 7:45 AM | Millennium Station | 63rd Street | 30 min | Midday (every 30 min) |
| 9:00 AM | Millennium Station | 59th Street/Cottage Grove | 25 min | Midday |
| 12:30 PM | Millennium Station | Homewood | 45 min | Midday (every 45 min) |
| 3:00 PM | Millennium Station | University Park | 1 hr | Afternoon Rush |
| 5:00 PM | Millennium Station | Millennium Station | 35 min | Evening Rush (every 30 min) |
Metra Electric District Line Weekend Schedule
| Departure Time | From | To | Approximate Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Millennium Station | University Park | 1 hr 10 min | Weekend Morning (every 30-45 minutes) |
| 9:00 AM | Millennium Station | Homewood | 45 min | Weekend Morning |
| 10:30 AM | Millennium Station | Flossmoor | 40 min | Weekend |
| 12:00 PM | Millennium Station | 95th Street | 35 min | Weekend Midday |
| 1:30 PM | Millennium Station | 63rd Street | 30 min | Weekend |
| 3:00 PM | Millennium Station | 59th Street/Cottage Grove | 25 min | Weekend Afternoon |
| 5:00 PM | Millennium Station | Homewood | 45 min | Weekend Evening |
| 6:30 PM | Millennium Station | Flossmoor | 40 min | Weekend Evening |
Q. Where does the Metra Electric District Line go?
The Metra Electric District Line runs directly from Millennium Station to University Park, with two additional branches:
- Main Line: University Park ↔ Millennium Station
- Blue Island Avenue Branch: Dedicated from the Kensington path to Blue Island
- South Chicago Branch – branches off near 67th St to South Chicago (93rd St)
- It covers the South Side of Chicago and the southern suburbs.
Q. Can I use my Ventra card or CTA pass on Metra Electric?
- You can purchase Metra tickets through the Ventra app using a Ventra account, but CTA passes (like a 1-Day, 7-Day, or 30-Day) do not work on Metra trains.
- Monthly Metra pass holders can buy a Link-Up Pass (an additional $30) to transfer to CTA and Pace during weekday rush hours.
Q. Is the Metra Electric Line running weekends and holidays?
- Yes, it is 7 days a week, weekends and holidays, but:
- Service weakens on weekends (typically hourly).
- On major holidays, most train lines operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Be sure to consult Metra’s website or its app for holiday or event-related modifications.
Q. What types of tickets are there, and how much do they cost?
There are several types of Metra Electric tickets:
- One-Way Ticket: Valid for one trip.
- 10-Ride Ticket: Discounted bulk purchase.
Unlimited Ride Passes:
- Day Pass: $6 (City Zone), $10 or $12 (longer routes)
- Monthly Pass: Unlimited rides in specified zones.
Fair Transit South Cook Pilot (Discount Fares):
Its Electric Line (and the Rock Island Line) receives among the lowest fares from city passengers.
Buy tickets via:
- Ventra App (recommended)
- Station ticket machines
- On board (cash only; higher fare if purchasing at the station)
Q. What is the address of the downtown terminal of the Metra Electric District Line?
The Metra Electric District Line downtown terminal is located at 151 South Water Street, Chicago, IL 60606 in the United States.
