The Metra Union Pacific North Line is a commuter rail line in the Chicago metropolitan area that operates from downtown Chicago, Illinois, to Kenosha, Wisconsin. The line provides crucial access to daily commuters coming in and out of the city. It is serviced by a combination of express and local trains, making it equally great for tourists commuting near or far. Union Pacific North Line, not to mention their scenic route through Chicago along the Lake Michigan shore, which makes commuting neat.
It passes through multiple residential and commercial areas at stations serving Evanston, Skokie, and Wilmette, and has been integral to the regional economy since its completion. You can work around it during off-peak hours.4) Trains come often (even on non-rush hour times), which makes getting to/from work/leisure easier. This line has the latest facilities, such as barrier-free stations and services on board, assuring a comfortable journey.
Metra Union Pacific North Line Overview
Below is the station Overview.
Metra Union Pacific North Line Key Highlights
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center to Kenosha, Wisconsin |
| Number of Stops | 27 stops including Evanston, Wilmette, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Waukegan |
| Service Frequency | Every 20–30 minutes during weekday rush hours; hourly off-peak; weekends hourly to every 90 mins |
| Scenic Route | Views along Lake Michigan shoreline and North Shore |
| Parking | Available at most suburban stations (daily, permit, free); downtown parking near Ogilvie |
| Accessibility | Majority of stations and trains wheelchair accessible |
| Ticketing Options | Ventra app, ticket machines, onboard purchase, ticket agents at select stations |
| Nearby Attractions | Chicago Botanic Garden, Six Flags Great America, Waukegan Harbor, Kenosha museums, and more |
| Fare System | Zone-based fares; single rides, 10-ride passes, monthly passes available |
Metra Union Pacific North Line Parking Information
1. Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Parking: Parking at Ogilvie is available off-site in area garages, as Metra does not operate a dedicated parking facility.
- Spaces: A collection of parking garages can be found around the station, offering both long-term and daily parking.
- Payment: Public parking garages in the area have pay stations or accept mobile app payment. The prices are, however, subject to variation depending on place and time.
- ADA Access: Garages offer ADA accessible parking.
2. Evanston Main Street Station
- Parking: The Evanston Main Street Station has lots of daily parking.
- Spaces: About 86 daily-use spaces are currently available.
- Payment: Parking is SP+ Parking, and payment is available via the Parkmobile app (Zone 231).
- ADA ACCESS: This station provides parking spaces for passengers with disabilities.
Notes: Evanston lots tend to be easy to get in and out of, but earlier is still better on peak travel days. Monthly permits are also available.
3. Highland Park Station
- Parking: Highland Park Station has permit and daily parking available.
- Spaces: 271 total, with 23 set for permit parking and the rest available daily.
- Charging/payment: Cheap daily rates for off-street parking, paid monthly passes, or a pay daily option.
- ADA Accessible: Yes – There are several accessible parking spaces.
Notes: Highland Park parking lots are popular and fill during the morning rush. Permits: Contact the City of Highland Park at 847‑432‑0800.
4. Lake Forest Station
- Parking: Lake Forest has 260 parking stalls for daily and permit use.
- Spaces: Varies $3 is for daily parking (Mon-Sat, 6 AM-6 PM), Monthly permits are available at $60.00, and Annual permits cost $700.
- Payment: Parkmobile is a frequently used option; fees can be paid by app.
- gs and weekends.
5. Zion Station
- Parking: Zion Station has parking for daily use.
- Spaces: About 98 spaces total.
- Payment: Parking payments can be made by phone using mobile apps.
- ADA Accessible: ADA Parking is available in the parking lot located at Zion Station.
Notes: The City of Zion runs the lot, and parking tends to be full during commuting hours.
General Parking Information:
- Payment Options: Pay stations and mobile applications (such as Parkmobile and Passport Parking) are accepted at most Metra parking lots that charge a daily fee, including most along the Union Pacific North Line.
- ADA Accommodation: Some stations have accommodations that are ADA-compliant for all passengers.
- Parking Policies Permit: offered at stations like Highland Park; most stations have daily parking. The rules are a bit confusing; some stations do allow you to park overnight in a designated space.
- Rush Hour: Parking is in high demand during morning rush hour. For better parking availability, consider arriving at the station early or using an alternate station if the one you normally use is full.
Metra Union Pacific North Line Nearby Attractions
- Green Bay Trail
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Kenosha Museums & Lakefront Attractions
- Six Flags Great America
- Waukegan Harbor & Genesee Theatre
- Chiwaukee Prairie
- Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets
- Great Lakes
- Winthrop Harbor
- Hubbard Woods
- Winnetka
- Indian Hill (Winnetka)
- Kenilworth
- Wilmette
Metra Union Pacific North Line Stations List
- Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Clybourn
- Ravenswood
- Peterson/Ridge
- Rogers Park
- Evanston Main Street
- Evanston Davis Street
- Evanston Central Street
- Wilmette
- Kenilworth
- Indian Hill
- Winnetka
- Hubbard Woods
- Glencoe
- Braeside
- Ravinia
- Ravinia Park
- Highland Park
- Highwood
- Fort Sheridan
- Lake Forest
- Lake Bluff
- Great Lakes
- North Chicago
- Waukegan
- Zion
- Winthrop Harbor
- Kenosha
Metra Union Pacific North Line Transfers and Connections
1. Ogilvie Road Transportation Center (Chicago)
- Primary station of the UP-N train.
Transfers to:
Other Metra trains:
- Milwaukee District West, North Central Service, Heritage Corridor.
- CTA services: Blue Line (at the nearby station of Clinton), various routes of CTA buses.
- Amtrak services
2. Clybourn Station
- Thereafter, proximity to the CTA Red Line (neighboring stations) and local buses.
3. Evanston Main Street Station.
Transfers to:
- CTA Purple Line (Evanston Main), which offers high-speed transit service to downtown Chicago and the north suburbs.
- Pace bus offering service to the Evanston locality.
4. Wilmette Station
- Linkages to the local Pace bus systems.
5. Highland Park Station:
- Has access to Pace bus services, which serve the northern suburbs.
6. Lake Forest Station
- There are Pace bus connections.
7. Waukegan Station
Transfers to:
- Pace abuse
- Amtrak (at long-haul Waukegan station)
8. Kenosha Station (Wisconsin)
- Access to regional transport and local buses in Kenosha.
Metra Union Pacific North Line Fares and Passes Information
Metra Union Pacific North Line Weekday Fares and Passes
| Ticket / Pass Type | Zones Covered | Full Fare Price | Reduced Fare Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One‑Way Ticket | Zone 1‑2 | $3.75 | $1.75 |
| Zone 1‑3 | $5.50 | $2.75 | |
| Zone 1‑4 | $6.75 | $3.25 | |
| Day Pass (Unlimited rides within zones) | Zone 1‑2 | $7.50 | $3.50 |
| Zone 1‑3 | $11.00 | $5.50 | |
| Zone 1‑4 | $13.50 | $6.50 | |
| Day Pass 5‑Pack (App only) | Zone 1‑2 | $35.75 | $17.50 |
| Zone 1‑3 | $52.25 | $26.00 | |
| Zone 1‑4 | $64.25 | $32.00 | |
| Monthly Pass | Zone 1‑2 | $75.00 | $37.50 |
| Zone 1‑3 | $110.00 | $55.00 | |
| Zone 1‑4 | $135.00 | $67.50 |
Metra Union Pacific North Line Weekend / Holiday Fares & Passes
| Ticket / Pass Type | Zones Covered | Full Fare Price | Reduced Fare Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One‑Way Ticket | Zone 1‑2 | $3.75 | $1.75 |
| Zone 1‑3 | $5.50 | $2.75 | |
| Zone 1‑4 | $6.75 | $3.25 | |
| Weekend Pass (Unlimited rides for Saturday & Sunday) | Zone 1‑2 | $7.50 | $3.50 |
| Zone 1‑3 | $11.00 | $5.50 | |
| Zone 1‑4 | $13.50 | $6.50 |
Metra Union Pacific North Line Schedule
Metra Union Pacific North Line Weekday Schedule
| Station | First Inbound (AM) | Last Inbound (PM) | First Outbound (AM) | Last Outbound (PM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogilvie Station | 5:00 AM | 11:00 PM | 5:30 AM | 11:30 PM |
| Clybourn | 5:05 AM | 11:05 PM | 5:35 AM | 11:35 PM |
| Ravenswood | 5:10 AM | 11:10 PM | 5:40 AM | 11:40 PM |
| Evanston Main St | 5:20 AM | 11:20 PM | 5:50 AM | 11:50 PM |
| Wilmette | 5:30 AM | 11:30 PM | 6:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Highland Park | 5:45 AM | 11:45 PM | 6:15 AM | 12:15 AM |
| Lake Forest | 5:55 AM | 11:55 PM | 6:25 AM | 12:25 AM |
| Waukegan | 6:15 AM | 12:15 AM | 6:45 AM | 12:45 AM |
| Kenosha | 6:35 AM | 12:35 AM | 7:05 AM | 1:05 AM |
Metra Union Pacific North Line Weekend Schedule
| Station | First Inbound (AM) | Last Inbound (PM) | First Outbound (AM) | Last Outbound (PM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogilvie Station | 8:00 AM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 AM | 8:30 PM |
| Clybourn | 8:05 AM | 8:05 PM | 8:35 AM | 8:35 PM |
| Ravenswood | 8:10 AM | 8:10 PM | 8:40 AM | 8:40 PM |
| Evanston Main St | 8:20 AM | 8:20 PM | 8:50 AM | 8:50 PM |
| Wilmette | 8:30 AM | 8:30 PM | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Highland Park | 8:45 AM | 8:45 PM | 9:15 AM | 9:15 PM |
| Lake Forest | 8:55 AM | 8:55 PM | 9:25 AM | 9:25 PM |
| Waukegan | 9:15 AM | 9:15 PM | 9:45 AM | 9:45 PM |
| Kenosha | 9:35 AM | 9:35 PM | 10:05 AM | 10:05 PM |
Q. What time does the Metra Union Pacific North Line start operating?
- Monday–Friday: There is normally service from about 5:00 AM until 11:30 PM for trains going both toward and away from the city.
- Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. (hourly).
- Special Schedules: On holidays and for events such as the Ravinia Festival, train schedules are subject to change. Monitor Metra’s website for updates.
Q. Where can I park at Union Pacific North Line train stations?
- Daily and permit parking is also available at most Metra stations along the UP-N line. ADA parking is also available at many stations.
- How to Pay: Mobile payment apps like Parkmobile and Passport Parking are accepted at most stations, along with pay stations for daily parking.
Q. How can I buy Metra tickets?
- Mobile App: You’ll be able to buy tickets through the Metra Ventra app (iOS and Android).
- Ticket Machines: Offer single-ride or 10-ride passes at most stations.
- Ticket Agents: Ticket agents are available at some stations, especially larger terminals such as the Ogilvie Transportation Center.
Q. Where can I find the Union Pacific North Line train schedule?
- Schedules for weekdays, weekends, and special events are available at the Metra website. The Metra app itself also posts revised, real-time changes to the schedule.
- Don’t forget to check for holiday schedules and service breaks.
Q. Is the Metra Union Pacific North Line wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, the majority of stations on the Union Pacific North Line are wheelchair lift/ramp accessible and have wide ticket gates.
- Trains offer spaces for wheelchairs, and the seating in trains has special bathrooms for passengers with disabilities.
Q. Where is the address of the terminal at Metra Union Pacific North Line in Chicago?
- The Address of the Metra Union Pacific North Line is served by the terminal in Ogilvie Transportation Center, 500 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60661.
