Metra North Central Service line is a commuter roadway serving the Chicago metropolitan region, linking Chicago Union Station and Antioch, Illinois. Constructed with the main goal of serving commuters during weekdays, the line serves the northern suburbs of Chicago, including Rosemont, Prospect Heights, Mundelein, and Libertyville, to downtown Chicago. It has a few stops and good travel time, making it a good alternative to daily and occasional travelers.
Provides access to major destinations, such as O’Hare Transfer to access the airport and Prairie Crossing to access other Metra lines. It is not as densely covered by trains as other lines of the Metra, but it is a comfortable, reliable, and stress-free mode of transportation instead of highway driving. The North Central Service is a convenient ride to either the city centre or work, or when visiting the attractions of the suburbs, as you enjoy the scenery on the way.
Metra North Central Service Line Overview
Below is the station Overview.
Metra North Central Service Line Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Chicago Union Station ↔ Antioch, Illinois |
| Total Stations | 17 |
| Primary Use | Weekday commuter service |
| Service Area | Northwest suburbs: Rosemont, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, etc. |
| Major Transfer Points | O'Hare Transfer (to airport), Prairie Crossing (to MD-N Line) |
| Fare Zones | Zone B (Chicago) to Zone K (Antioch) |
| Travel Time | Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes end-to-end |
| Train Frequency | Limited weekday service (no weekend trains) |
| Scenic Views | Forest preserves, suburban landscapes |
| Onboard Features | Comfortable seating, mobile ticketing via Ventra App |
| Ideal For | Commuters, airport travelers, suburban day-trippers |
Metra North Central Service Line Parking Information
- Wheeling: 2 lots; per day, 1.75; per month, 35; there are spots of ADA available.
- Buffalo Grove: 1,000+ spaces; daily & permit parking; ADA accessible
- Prairie View: 340 spaces, permit, and daily; ADA parking.
- Vernon Hills: 646 parking spaces; 1.75 per day, long-term parking, ADA parking.
- Antioch (terminus): Large lot; ~316 spaces; ADA accessible
- Lake Villa: Multiple lots; ADA accessible; the number of spaces is approximately 228.
- Washington St. (Grayslake): ADA spots; permit; daily and 149 spaces.
- General: Municipalities control it, pay either through kiosks or meters, or even apps; ensure to find out the regulations on overnight parking.
Metra North Central Service Line Stations List
- Antioch
- Lake Villa
- Washington Street (Grayslake)
- Prairie Crossing
- Libertyville
- Vernon Hills
- Prairie View
- Buffalo Grove
- Wheeling
- Rosemont
- O’Hare Transfer
- Chicago Union Station
Metra North Central Service Line Nearby Attractions
- Antioch Station
- Lake Villa Station
- Washington Street (Grayslake) Station
- Prairie Crossing Station
- Libertyville Station
- Vernon Hills Station
- Prairie View Station
- Buffalo Grove Station
- Wheeling Station
- Rosemont Station
- O’Hare Transfer Station
- Chicago Union Station
Metra North Central Service Line transfers and connections
1. Chicago Union Station
- Service to all but the Electric District of Metra.
- Amtrak trains (intercity trains and long-distance trains).
- CTA Blue Line (rapid transit)
- Buses: CTA and Pace suburban buses.
2. Rosemont Station
- CTA Blue Line (O’Hare branch)
- Pace suburban bus routes
3. Wheeling Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
4. Buffalo Grove Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
5. Prairie View Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
6. Vernon Hills Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
7. Libertyville Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
8. Prairie Crossing Station
It transfers to the Milwaukee District North Line (at Prairie Crossing).
9. Washington Street (Grayslake) Station.
- Pace suburban bus routes
10. Lake Villa Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
11. Antioch Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
Metra North Central Service Line Schedule
Metra North Central Service Line – Weekday Schedule
| Train No. | From Antioch (Departure) | Arrive Chicago Union Station | From Chicago Union Station (Departure) | Arrive Antioch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 4:45 AM | 6:40 AM | 101 | 7:30 AM |
| 102 | 5:30 AM | 7:20 AM | 103 | 8:15 AM |
| 104 | 6:15 AM | 8:05 AM | 105 | 9:00 AM |
| 106 | 6:45 AM | 8:30 AM | 107 | 9:45 AM |
| 108 | 7:15 AM | 9:00 AM | 109 | 10:15 AM |
| 110 | 7:45 AM | 9:40 AM | 111 | 11:30 AM |
| 112 | 8:30 AM | 10:25 AM | 113 | 1:00 PM |
| 114 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 115 | 3:00 PM |
| 116 | 3:00 PM | 4:50 PM | 117 | 5:30 PM |
| 118 | 4:00 PM | 5:50 PM | 119 | 6:30 PM |
| 120 | 5:00 PM | 6:50 PM | 121 | 7:30 PM |
| 122 | 6:00 PM | 7:50 PM | 123 | 8:30 PM |
| 124 | 7:00 PM | 8:50 PM | 125 | 9:30 PM |
Metra North Central Service Line – Weekend Schedule
| Day | Train No. | Departure from Antioch | Arrival at Chicago Union Station | Departure from Chicago Union Station | Arrival at Antioch | Service Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | — | — | — | — | — | No Service |
| Sunday | — | — | — | — | — | No Service |
Metra North Central Service Line Fare Chart
| Fare Type | Zone 1 → Zone 2 | Zone 1 → Zone 3 | Zone 1 → Zone 4 | Zone 2 → Zone 3 | Zone 2 → Zone 4 | Zone 3 → Zone 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket | $3.75 | $5.50 | $6.75 | $3.75 | $5.50 | $6.75 |
| Day Pass | $7.50 | $11.00 | $13.50 | $7.50 | $11.00 | $13.50 |
| Day Pass 5-Pack | $35.75 | $52.25 | $64.25 | $35.75 | $52.25 | $64.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $75.00 | $110.00 | $135.00 | $75.00 | $110.00 | $135.00 |
| Weekend Pass | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Q. What days does the North Central Service Line operate?
- Monday to Friday service only, and it does not operate on the weekends or major holidays.
Q. How many stops on the North Central Service Line?
- There are 12 stations, which operate between Antioch and Chicago Union Station.
Q. Is there weekend service on the North Central Service Line?
- No, this line does not operate on weekends or holidays.
Q. What are the parking options at NCS Line stations?
- Most stations have commuter parking lots; fees and availability vary.
- Parking: Some stations offer free parking on weekends, while others charge for daily parking. See individual station info for more details.
Q. Can I connect with other Metra lines from the NCS Line?
- Yes, you can also connect to other Metra lines at Chicago Union Station and Prairie Crossing (Milwaukee District North Line). A few stations also provide connections with CTA and Pace buses.
Q. How can I buy tickets for the NCS Line?
- Passengers can buy tickets from station ticket agents, on Metra’s mobile app, Ventra app, or on board trains (at a surcharge). We recommend purchasing tickets before boarding to avoid the on-board surcharge.
