Metra Tickets are valid for one-way, round-trip, or monthly travel on all Metra commuter services. This guide provides information on how to purchase tickets using digital methods via the Metra Mobile app, station kiosks, or directly on the train. Fares are distance-based, and options include single-ride, 10-ride, and monthly passes, tailored to your individual commuter needs.
Senior, student, and child discounts are available. Knowing your fare zone will assist you in choosing the correct ticket for your journey. This all-encompassing fare guide allows you to plan your travel with ease – and for less – to make the most of your daily or occasional Metra ride.
Metra Tickets
Types of Metra Tickets
- Single-ride tickets: Good for a single trip between two fare zones; best for infrequent riders.
- 10-ride tickets: Slightly cheaper for the occasional, but not everyday, commuter; good for multiple trips.
- Monthly pass: Unlimited rides for a month within chosen zones; the best option for daily commuters.
- Weekend passes: A pass for unlimited use on the weekends, a perfect choice for recreation and travel outside of rush hour.
- Special passes: Lower rates for the elderly, students, and children to ensure cheaper travel for everyone.
Metra Fare Structure & Zones
| Zone | Description | Approximate Fare | Example Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A | Downtown Chicago & closest areas | $4 | Union Station to Ogilvie Station |
| Zone B | Nearby suburbs | $5 - $6 | Chicago to Oak Park |
| Zone C | Mid-range suburbs | $6 - $7 | Chicago to Elmhurst |
| Zone D | Further suburbs | $7 - $8 | Chicago to Naperville |
| Zone E | Outer suburbs | $8 - $9 | Chicago to Joliet |
| Zone F | Farther outer suburbs | $9 - $10 | Chicago to Antioch |
| Zone G+ | Most distant suburbs | $10+ | Chicago to Harvard |
How to Buy Metra Tickets
1. Metra Mobile App (Ventra)
- The most convenient way to buy Metra tickets is anytime, anywhere. Now with a redesigned home screen for quick access to your passes. Available in the App Store and Google Play, it’s easy to install and requires no additional registration.
- Riders can buy all ticket types, such as one-way tickets, 10-ride passes, monthly passes, and weekend passes.
- Tickets will be saved in the app and must be activated before boarding. Conductors just swipe the mobile ticket during your ride.
Features of the Metra App
- The app has different features, such as trip planning, schedules, service alerts, and zone fare lookup.
Steps to Buy Tickets on the Metra App
- App Download: Get the “Ventra or Metra Mobile” app in the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign Up: Join with your preferred email and payment method.
- Choose Your Ticket: Opt for a one-way ticket, 10-ride ticket, monthly pass, or weekend pass.
- Add Details of the Trip: Just type in your arrival and departure stations.
- Zone & Price Confirm: The app will compute the fare based on your chosen zones.
- Checkout: Purchase your dream phone and proceed to checkout.
- Activate Before Boarding: Select “Activate” to validate your ticket before boarding.
- Show to Conductor: If requested, show your mobile ticket for scanning by the conductor.
2. Station Ticket Vending Machines / TCVMs.
- Most large Metra stations have ticket vending machines. These self-service kiosks offer single-ride, 10-ride, and monthly tickets, which can be purchased with cash, as well as a credit or debit card. They’re printing paper tickets that are good to go immediately. These machines are very convenient for travellers who wish to receive a physical ticket and avoid long queues or limited service hours at reservation counters.
3. Onboard Ticket Purchase (Conductors)
- If the station where you board doesn’t have an open ticket office or vending machine, it’s best to purchase a ticket from the conductor once you get on the train. But onboard purchases are cash only, and adding a $5 charge — unless your departure station doesn’t have ticket-selling capabilities. Ideally, you want to avoid additional charges by buying your ticket before boarding.
4. Retail Locations (Where Available)
- In some cases, Metra teams up with local merchants, like convenience stores or drugstores, near stations to sell tickets at those locations. Some of these ticket options are available on each line and at each location, so it’s best to check with your closest station or Metra’s website, if retail ticketing is something you can take advantage of (wherever you live).
Metra Discounts & Special Fares
Metra also provides some reduced fares for eligible customers in order to keep ridership up. These fares support seniors, students, children, veterans, and people with disabilities, so all will have access to public transportation.
Eligibility Criteria
- Seniors (65 and over): Qualify for reduced fares with a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Reduced Fare Permit.
- Person with Disabilities: RTA Eligible Reduced Fare Certification Card required.
- Students (K–12): Discounted fare on school days with a valid student ID or a district-issued permit.
- Kids (Ages 7-11): Half Fare, Kids 6 and under ride for free with an adult paying fare.
- Military and Veterans: Active duty military members ride for free with a valid ID; some veterans may be eligible for discounts.
How to Obtain Discounts
- Apply for the RTA Reduced Fare Permit online or via mail for seniors and disabled riders.
- Students should obtain the required permits through their school.
- Military personnel need to present a valid military ID for fare benefits.
Group & Bulk Discounts
- Groups of 25 or more can get discounts if ordered in advance from Metra’s group sales.
- If you are an employer or organization, you would have the option to purchase passes in bulk at negotiated rates.
Metra Weekday Fares Details
| Zone | Single-Ride Ticket | 10-Ride Ticket | Monthly Pass | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A | $4.00 | $36.00 | $100.00 | Downtown Chicago & closest suburbs |
| Zone B | $5.00 | $45.00 | $130.00 | Nearby suburbs |
| Zone C | $6.00 | $54.00 | $160.00 | Mid-range suburbs |
| Zone D | $7.00 | $63.00 | $190.00 | Further suburbs |
| Zone E | $8.00 | $72.00 | $220.00 | Outer suburbs |
| Zone F | $9.00 | $81.00 | $250.00 | Farther outer suburbs |
| Zone G+ | $10.00 | $90.00 | $280.00 | Most distant suburbs |
Metra Weekends’ Fare Details
| Zone | Single-Ride Ticket | Weekend Pass | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A | $4.00 | $10.00 | Downtown Chicago & closest suburbs |
| Zone B | $5.00 | $12.50 | Nearby suburbs |
| Zone C | $6.00 | $15.00 | Mid-range suburbs |
| Zone D | $7.00 | $17.50 | Further suburbs |
| Zone E | $8.00 | $20.00 | Outer suburbs |
| Zone F | $9.00 | $22.50 | Farther outer suburbs |
| Zone G+ | $10.00 | $25.00 | Most distant suburbs |
Payment Methods Accepted
1. Credit and Debit Cards
- Used at lots of places, including the Metra Mobile App, station kiosks, and retail locations.
- We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
2. Cash
- Available at station ticket vending machines and on-board trains when purchasing tickets from conductors.
- Please bring exact cash or close to your purchase for onboard transactions, as Conductors may not be able to provide change.
3. Mobile Payments
- Available in the Metra Mobile App to purchase on iPhone and Google Pay, as well as other mobile payment services.
- Facilitates payment for purchase in a quick, touchless way, convenient and safer.
4. Ventra Cards (Where Applicable)
- Although Ventra cards are primarily used for CTA transit, they may be accepted in certain Metra station retail locations as a form of payment to purchase tickets.
Metra Train Tickets for Kids, Women, Men & Seniors
| Category | Age / Eligibility | Ticket Type | Discount | Purchase Options | Notes / Special Rules | Fare Charges (One-Way by Zone)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids | 7–11 years old | Single Ride | 50% off | Station, Vending Machine, App | Children under 7 ride free with adult (max 3) | Zone 1–2: $1.88, Zone 1–3: $2.75, Zone 1–4: $3.38 |
| 10-Ride | 50% off | Station, Vending Machine, App | Valid for 90 days | Same discount on full fare | ||
| Monthly Pass | 50% off | Station, App | Unlimited rides monthly | Based on selected zone | ||
| Women | Adult females | All Ticket Types | None | Station, Vending Machine, App | Same fares as adult men | Full fare by zone |
| Men | Adult males | All Ticket Types | None | Station, Vending Machine, App | Standard adult fares | Full fare by zone |
| Adults | 12–64 years old | Single Ride | None | Station, Vending Machine, App | Standard adult fare | Zone 1–2: $3.75, Zone 1–3: $5.50, Zone 1–4: $6.75 |
| 10-Ride | None | Station, Vending Machine, App | Valid 90 days | Same as single ride | ||
| Monthly Pass | None | Station, App | Unlimited rides monthly | Zone 2-1: $75, Zone 3-1: $110, Zone 4-1: $135 | ||
| Seniors | 65+ years old | Single Ride | 50% off | Station, Vending Machine, App | ID required | Half of adult fare |
| 10-Ride | 50% off | Station, Vending Machine, App | Can be shared between trips | Half of adult fare | ||
| Monthly Pass | 50% off | Station, App | Unlimited rides monthly | Half of adult monthly pass | ||
| Disabled/Veterans | All ages | Single Ride | 50% off | Station, Vending Machine, App | Proper ID or reduced fare permit required | Half of adult fare |
| 10-Ride | 50% off | Station, Vending Machine, App | — | Half of adult fare | ||
| Monthly Pass | 50% off | Station, App | — | Half of adult monthly pass | ||
| Kids under 7 | 0–6 years old | Free Ride | 100% | — | Up to 3 children free per paying adult | Free |
Q. How can I buy Metra tickets?
- Metra tickets can be purchased in advance through the Metra Mobile App, at a ticket window (agent service fees may apply) located at all downtown stations and outlying stations, or on the train from a conductor (your cost may be higher if buying your ticket on board the train while it is stationary at a station with an open ticket window).
Q. What types of Metra tickets are available?
- Metra sells single-ride tickets, 10-ride tickets, monthly passes, weekend passes, and limited discounted tickets for seniors, students, children, and veterans.
Q. How does Metra’s zone-based fare system work?
- Metra categorizes its service by fares, which are determined by distance. The cost of a ticket goes up with the number of zones you travel through.
Q. Can seniors and students get a discount?
- Yes, seniors, students, people with disabilities, military personnel, and children are eligible for discounted fares or special tickets once they meet the eligibility requirements and submit proper ID/permit.
Q. Are Metra Mobile App tickets valid on all trains?
- Yes, digital tickets you have purchased and activated in the Metra Mobile App are good for your travel on all Metra trains and must be presented to conductors for scanning while traveling.