The Metra Southwest Service Line is an important transit line serving downtown Chicago and the southwest suburbs. From its northern to southern terminus at LaSalle Street Station and Manhattan, respectively, it serves some city neighborhoods as well as a variety of suburban communities, including Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Orland Park, and Mokena (with New Lenox service being provided via the Rock Island District).
It’s a very convenient line for commuters, and its express and local trains provide options to suit specific travel requirements. There are regular links at peak hours and one per hour at off-peak times.
The Metra Southwest Service Line has multiple parking options at its stations, such as daily, permit, and accessible spots. Riders can buy tickets at ticket vending machines, the Ventra app, or onboard from conductors. The Southwest Service Line is a convenient route for customers heading to work or out on the town.
Metra Southwest Service Line Overview
Below is the station Overview.
Metra Southwest Service Line Key Highlights
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Runs from LaSalle Street Station (Chicago) to Manhattan, Illinois |
| Number of Stations | 13 |
| Service Type | Commuter rail |
| Operating Days | Weekdays only (Monday to Friday) |
| Train Frequency | Limited service, mostly during peak hours |
| Travel Time | Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Chicago to Manhattan |
| Connections | Transfers available to other Metra lines at LaSalle Street Station |
| Accessibility | Stations and trains are ADA accessible |
| Parking | Available at several suburban stations |
| Fare System | Zone-based fares |
| Ticket Purchase Options | Ventra app, station ticket agents, onboard (with surcharge) |
Metra Southwest Service Line Parking Information
1. LaSalle Street Station (Chicago)
- Parking: Paid parking is also available near Union Station, the beginning of the Southwest Service Line.
- What you’ll pay: Parking garages, lots, and street parking surrounding the station.
- Payment: With apps like SpotHero, ParkMobile, and Passport Parking.
2. Oak Lawn Station
- Parking: Large parking lot available.
- Spaces: Daily-use and permit-only spaces.
- ADA Access: ADA-compliant spaces available.
3. Palos Heights Station
- Parking: Large lot with parking by permit only and long-term spaces.
- Spaces: 101 total, including ADA parking.
- Payment: Pay at ticket vending machines or use ParkMobile.
4. Orland Park Station
- Parking: Multiple lots by the station with daily-use and permit parking, as well as A.D.A.-accessible spots.
- Spaces: More than 300 spaces in total.
- Payment: Available via ParkMobile or at the ticket vending machines.
5. Mokena Station
- Parking: Plenty of spaces in daily-use and permit lots.
- ADA: Several ADA-compliant spaces provided.
- Payment: ParkMobile app and ticket machines.
6. New Lenox Station
- Parking: Daily and permit parking are available.
- ADA Access: ADA-accessible spaces available.
- Parking: Available through ParkMobile and ticket vending machines.
General Parking Information:
- Daily Fee Parking: Usually between $1 and $2 per day at station lots.
- Permit Parking: Some stations have permit-only spaces for commuters.
- Parking Information: ADA parking: Yes. Each Southwest Service station is equipped with ADA accessible parking.
- Methods of Payment: In most stations, ParkMobile, Passport Parking apps, and ticket vending machines are accepted.
Metra Southwest Service Line Stations
- LaSalle Street Station (Chicago)
- Blue Island
- Harvey
- Hazel Crest
- Homewood
- Flossmoor
- Chicago Heights
- Glenwood
- Thornton
- South Chicago Heights
- Peotone
- Manteno
- Manhattan
Metra Southwest Service Line Nearby Attractions
- Chicago Union Station:
- Sedgwick
- Chicago Ridge Station:
- Oak Lawn
- Worth Station
- Palos Hills
- Orland Park
- Manhattan
Metra Southwest Service Line Transfers and Connections
1. LaSalle Street Station (Chicago)
Transfer to:
- Metra Rock Island District Line.
- Blue Line (nearest station is Clinton Station)
- CTA bus routes
- Pace suburban bus services
2. Blue Island Station
Transfer to:
- Metra Rock Island District line(Blue Island branch).
- Pace bus services
3. Harvey Station
Transfer to:
- District line (Metra Electric line) (Harvey Station).
- Pace bus services
4. Hazel Crest Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
5. Homewood Station
Transfer to:
- Homewood Station (Metra Electric District Line).
- Pace bus services
6. Flossmoor Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
7. Chicago Heights Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
8. Glenwood Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
9. Thornton Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
10. South Chicago Heights Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
Metra Southwest Service Line Schedule
Metra Southwest Service Line Weekdays Schedule
| Departure from Chicago (LaSalle St.) | Arrival at Destination | Stops | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5:00 AM | 5:55 AM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| 2 | 5:30 AM | 6:25 AM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| 3 | 6:00 AM | 6:55 AM (Joliet) | Oak Lawn, Mokena, Tinley Park |
| 4 | 6:30 AM | 7:25 AM (Joliet) | Orland Park, Mokena, Tinley Park |
| 5 | 7:00 AM | 7:55 AM (Kankakee) | Oak Lawn, Tinley Park, Joliet |
| 6 | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM (Joliet) | Orland Park, Mokena, Tinley Park |
| 7 | 8:30 AM | 9:30 AM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park |
| 8 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM (Joliet) | Tinley Park, Mokena |
| 9 | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM (New Lenox) | Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| 10 | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM (Joliet) | Oak Lawn, Mokena, Tinley Park |
Metra Southwest Service Line Weekends Schedule
| Train # | Departure from Chicago (LaSalle St.) | Arrival at Destination | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6:00 AM | 7:00 AM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| 2 | 7:30 AM | 8:30 AM (New Lenox) | Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| 3 | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM (Joliet) | Oak Lawn, Mokena, Tinley Park |
| 4 | 9:30 AM | 10:30 AM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park |
| 5 | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM (Joliet) | Mokena, Tinley Park |
| 6 | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM (Joliet) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park |
| 7 | 12:30 PM | 1:30 PM (New Lenox) | Tinley Park, Mokena |
| 8 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park |
| 9 | 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM (Joliet) | Tinley Park, Mokena |
| 10 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park |
Q. What Are the Key Stops on Metra’s Rock Island District Line?
- Some of the important Metra Rock Island District Line stations#Primary stations are LaSalle Street Station (Chicago), Joliet, Tinley Park, Mokena, and Kankakee.
Q. What are the Peak Hours for the Rock Island District Line?
- The busiest periods are generally the morning and evening rush hours. From Chicago, it leaves in the morning from 5:00 to 8:30 AM. Peak hours in the evening are from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Q. Is the Metra Rock Island District Line ADA accessible?
- Yes, all stations on the RI have ADA compliance for handicapped riders.
Q. How do I purchase a Metra Rock Island District Line ticket?
- You can buy tickets on the Ventra app or at ticket vending machines in stations, but not from gate agents. We advise you to use the mobile ticketing for easy access.
Q. How frequent are trains on weekends?
- Weekends The Rock Island District Line runs less often the Rock Island District Line, but there are still several trains between Chicago (LaSalle Street) and stops such as Joliet, Tinley Park. Trains are generally operated every hour or 90 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Q. What is the location of the terminal at the Metra Southwest Service Line in Chicago?
- The Metra Southwest Service Line terminal is located at LaSalle Street Station, 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606.
