Your Ultimate Guide to Train Lines into Downtown Chicago from the Western Suburbs (2026)

Your Ultimate Guide to Train Lines into Downtown Chicago from the Western Suburbs (2026)

Commuting into downtown Chicago from the western suburbs has never been easier — thanks to Metra’s extensive commuter rail system. Whether you’re heading to a 9–5 job, enjoying a weekend in the Loop, or simply discovering the city, riding the train combines comfort, reliability, and scenic views into one smooth journey. Below we’ll walk you through all the key train lines serving Western Chicagoland, with planning tips to make your commute stress‑free.


What Is Metra?

Metra

Metra is the primary commuter rail network serving Chicago and its suburbs, with 11 rail lines and 243 stations across nearly 500 route miles — making it one of the largest commuter rail systems in the U.S.


Most western suburban trains lead directly into Chicago’s downtown terminals — primarily Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center.


Top Train Lines from the Western Suburbs to Downtown

Here are the major lines that western commuters use to reach downtown Chicago:


1. BNSF Railway Line — Union Station

If you live in the central or far western suburbs like Aurora, Naperville, Downers Grove, La Grange, or Brookfield, this is the line you want. It’s one of Metra’s busiest and most frequent lines, offering many trains during peak hours.

Commute Highlights

  • Route: Aurora → Union Station (Chicago)

  • Typical Commute Time: 25–55 min (varies by station and express trains)

  • Suburbs Served: Aurora, Naperville, Lisle, Downers Grove, La Grange, Brookfield, Riverside, Berwyn, Harlem Ave/Cicero

Why It’s Great: Frequent rush‑hour service, express options, and loads of parking at suburban stations make this ideal for daily commuters.

Quick Tip: Some express trains skip key stops to shave 10–15 minutes off travel time, so check the timetable for your station.


2. Union Pacific West Line (UP‑W) — Ogilvie Transportation Center

Serving suburbs along the historic Chicago & North Western corridor, this line is perfect for commuters in Elmhurst, Wheaton, Villa Park, West Chicago, Geneva, and surrounding towns.

Commute Highlights

  • Route: Elburn/West Chicago → Ogilvie Transportation Center (Chicago)

  • Typical Commute Time: ~30–50 min

  • Suburbs Served: Elmhurst, Villa Park, Wheaton, Winfield, West Chicago, Geneva

Why It’s Great: Multiple stations in major suburbs with strong park‑and‑ride setups and often shorter travel times into Ogilvie.

Elmhurst, for example, is one of the busiest stations on the line and offers express and local service into the city.


3. Milwaukee District West Line (MD‑W) — Union Station

This line serves the northwest suburbs and provides convenient access to Union Station. If you’re coming from Elgin, Bartlett, or intermediate towns, MD‑W is a solid choice.

Commute Highlights

  • Route: Elgin/Big Timber Road → Union Station

  • Typical Commute Time: ~60–90 min (depending on station & service)

  • Suburbs Served: Elgin, Bartlett, Roselle, Itasca, Bensenville

Why It’s Great: Offers weekday service with good coverage across older industrial and residential suburbs.

Heads‑up: MD‑W schedules are more concentrated on weekdays with less frequent off‑peak service. Always check the Metra schedule before traveling.


Key Downtown Terminals

Once you board, downtown arrival points matter:

Union Station

The most central hub for western trains — BNSF, MD‑W, Heritage Corridor, South West Service, and North Central Service — and perfect for accessing the Loop, Willis Tower, and Amtrak connections.

Ogilvie Transportation Center

Main terminal for the UP Lines (North, Northwest, West) — ideal for downtown offices and entertainment districts.

Tips to Maximize Your Commute

  • Plan With Schedules

    Metra’s online schedules (PDF and interactive) let you view real‑time times, inbound/outbound service, and weekend options.

  • Park & Ride vs Walk‑Up

    Most station lots offer daily rates and permit programs. If you live close to the station, walking or biking can save time and money.

  • Ticket Options

    Purchase one‑way, round‑trip, multi‑ride, or monthly passes via the Metra app, machine kiosks at stations, or online — which can save frequent riders money.

Why Train Commuting Rocks

  • Avoid traffic congestion

  • Relax, read, or get work done onboard

  • Environmentally friendly

  • Direct connection to Chicago’s job centers and entertainment districts

With the right line and schedule, you might even find your new favorite suburban community with perfect downtown access — all without the stress of driving.

Stay Connected

Ranked as a top 1% team in the Chicagoland market, Cory Tanzer and the Cory Tanzer Group specialize in the Chicago, North Shore, and Western Suburbs real estate market. With deep local market expertise and a proven track record, Cory and his team help clients buy and sell with clarity, confidence, and results.