Metra Union Pacific North Line Schedule: Complete 2026 Chicago Commuter Timetable And Service Guide
The Metra Union Pacific North (UP-N) Line serves as the primary commuter rail artery connecting downtown Chicago with the affluent North Shore suburbs and southeastern Wisconsin. Operating out of the Ogilvie Transportation Center (OTC) in downtown Chicago, the line stretches roughly 51.6 miles north to its terminus in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Understanding the UP-N schedule requires navigating directional rush-hour express patterns, weekend schedule variations, and the specific stopping profiles across its 27 active stations, including the modern Peterson/Ridge station in Chicago's Edgewater/West Ridge neighborhood.
Core Operating Hours and 2026 Timetable Structure
The Union Pacific North Line maintains high weekday frequency designed to accommodate standard downtown commuters, reverse-commute professionals heading to corporate campuses in Lake County, and off-peak regional travelers.
Weekday Inbound Schedule Patterns (Southbound to Ogilvie)
- Early Morning (4:30 AM – 6:30 AM): Trains initiate primarily out of Waukegan and Highland Park, operating as semi-express runs into Ogilvie Transportation Center with 20-to-30-minute headways. Early trains from Kenosha offer early-shift access to downtown.
- Morning Peak (6:30 AM – 8:45 AM): Frequencies tighten to 10-to-15-minute intervals. During this window, Metra deploys zone-express services. Specific runs originate at Lake Forest or Highland Park to provide express transit skipping lower-density intermediate stops, while localized runs handle heavy passenger volumes from Evanston and Ravenswood.
- Midday Base Service (9:00 AM – 3:30 PM): Service runs on a dependable clock-face schedule, departing Ogilvie and suburban hubs once every 60 minutes. The majority of midday runs terminate or originate in Waukegan, with select runs extending to Kenosha.
- Evening Peak & Late Night (4:00 PM – 12:30 AM): Frequent outbound dispatching dominates the early evening, while inbound return trains operate at 30-to-60-minute intervals. The final inbound train typically departs Waukegan around 10:30 PM.
Weekday Outbound Schedule Patterns (Northbound to Kenosha)
- Morning Reverse Peak (6:30 AM – 8:30 AM): Express and semi-express trains depart OTC every 20 to 30 minutes, prioritizing rapid transit to employment nodes such as Lake Forest, Highland Park, and the Great Lakes Naval Station.
- Afternoon/Evening Peak (3:45 PM – 6:45 PM): Outbound throughput reaches peak density. Metra operates targeted express trains that run non-stop from Ogilvie to Evanston (Davis Street) or Wilmette before running local, alongside dedicated express trains that run directly to Lake County stops.
- Night Operations (7:00 PM – 12:15 AM): Departures scale back to hourly schedules. The final outbound train departs OTC at approximately 12:35 AM, terminating at Waukegan.
Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday Service Schedules
Weekend schedules run on standardized, predictable clock-face intervals. Most weekend trains operate between Chicago and Waukegan, with selected runs providing service north across the state line into Kenosha.
- Saturday Timetable: Trains depart roughly every 60 to 90 minutes from 6:00 AM until midnight. Service balances early morning city access with late-night returns for dining and entertainment.
- Sunday & Major Holiday Timetable: Service operates at reduced two-hour headways, typically starting around 7:00 AM and concluding outbound journeys by 10:30 PM.
2026 Station Directory, Fare Zones, and Run Times
Metra utilizes a consolidated four-zone fare structure that groups stations by their distance from downtown Chicago. The table below outlines major time points, zone classifications, and key transfer points along the Union Pacific North Line.
| Station Name | Zone | Travel Time to OTC (Express) | Travel Time to OTC (Local) | Connecting Transit & Key Landmarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogilvie Trans. Center (OTC) | Zone 1 | Baseline (0 min) | Baseline (0 min) | CTA Green, Pink lines (Clinton); Union Station (Amtrak) |
| Clybourn | Zone 1 | 8–10 min | 10–12 min | Metra UP-NW Line transfer; Lincoln Park |
| Ravenswood | Zone 1 | 14–16 min | 18–20 min | CTA Brown Line (Damen); Marianos; Lawrence Ave corridor |
| Peterson/Ridge | Zone 1 | 18–20 min | 23–25 min | CTA Bus Routes 84, 155; Edgewater / West Ridge |
| Main St. (Evanston) | Zone 2 | 22–24 min | 28–30 min | CTA Purple Line (Main); South Evanston retail |
| Davis St. (Evanston) | Zone 2 | 25–27 min | 32–35 min | CTA Purple Line (Davis); Northwestern University campus |
| Central St. (Evanston) | Zone 2 | 29–31 min | 38–40 min | Ryan Field; North Evanston Medical District |
| Wilmette | Zone 2 | 33–36 min | 43–45 min | Village Center; Access to Baha'i House of Worship |
| Winnetka | Zone 2 | 37–40 min | 48–50 min | Green Bay Trail; Downtown Winnetka |
| Glencoe | Zone 2 | 41–44 min | 53–55 min | Chicago Botanic Garden access |
| Braeside | Zone 3 | 45–47 min | 58–60 min | Ravinia Festival southern entrance / Botanic access |
| Ravinia Park (Seasonal) | Zone 3 | 48–50 min | 61–63 min | Direct drop-off at Ravinia Festival concert pavilion |
| Highland Park | Zone 3 | 49–52 min | 64–67 min | Central Business District; Lake County transport |
| Lake Forest | Zone 3 | 55–58 min | 73–76 min | Historic District; Lake Forest College shuttle connections |
| Great Lakes | Zone 3 | 63–66 min | 82–85 min | Naval Station Great Lakes (Recruit Training Command) |
| Waukegan | Zone 4 | 70–75 min | 90–95 min | Pace Bus Transfer Hub; Lake County Government Center |
| Zion | Zone 4 | 80–85 min | 102–105 min | Illinois Beach State Park |
| Winthrop Harbor | Zone 4 | 85–90 min | 108–110 min | Northpoint Marina |
| Kenosha, WI | Zone 4 | 95–100 min | 118–122 min | Kenosha Streetcar system; Southeast Wisconsin transit |
Metra Milwaukee District North Line Schedule Weekend Weekday Fares Stations
Express Service Dynamics: Peak Commuting Strategies
The UP-N schedule employs distinct express stopping patterns during morning and evening rush hours. Riders must check individual train numbers on the current schedule to verify bypass stops.
Morning Inbound Express Variations
- The Lake County Flyer: Originating in Waukegan or Kenosha, these trains run semi-express through Zion, North Chicago, and Great Lakes, make targeted stops at Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, and Highland Park, and then run express directly into Ogilvie, bypassing smaller intermediate North Shore stations entirely.
- The Evanston Express: Designed for high-volume inner-ring commuting, these runs start at Wilmette or Winnetka, hit all three Evanston stations (Central, Davis, Main), and then bypass Clybourn to reach Ogilvie rapidly.
Ravinia Festival Special Event Operations
During the summer concert season at Ravinia Festival, Metra adds dedicated stops at the Ravinia Park Station. Specialized non-stop return express trains are positioned at the venue platform to ferry concertgoers directly back to Evanston, Ravenswood, and downtown Chicago immediately following major performances.
Crucial Commuter Boarding Note
Not all inbound trains halt at Clybourn, Peterson/Ridge, or Ravenswood during peak hours. Riders must ensure their specific train number lists their target inner-city station on the active timetable, as multiple express trains bypass Zone 1 stops entirely to maintain schedules for suburban passengers.
Ticketing, Fare Structure, and Digital Tools
Metra operates a standardized zone-based ticketing system across all rail lines. Fares are calculated strictly based on the boarding station zone and the destination station zone.
Available Fare Types
- One-Way Ticket: Standard single trip pass valid for boarding on the purchased zones. Best for infrequent travelers.
- Day Pass: Offers unlimited rides across selected zones for the entire calendar day. Often priced at approximately two times the cost of a one-way trip, making it economical for same-day round trips.
- Day Pass 5-Pack: Available exclusively on the Ventra mobile app, providing five flexible Day Passes that can be activated on demand within a 14-day window.
- Monthly Pass: Provides unlimited rides across selected zones for the calendar month. Monthly pass holders can also purchase a Regional Connect Pass, which gives unlimited travel on CTA buses and trains and Pace buses.
Purchasing Options
- The Ventra Mobile App: The fastest and most convenient method. Allows digital purchasing of one-way, day, and monthly passes directly using a smartphone. Tickets must be activated immediately prior to boarding and displayed to the conductor.
- Station Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Located at major UP-N stops including Ogilvie, Ravenswood, Davis Street, and Waukegan. Machines accept major credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
- Onboard Purchase: Conductors sell one-way tickets on the train. A supplemental surcharge applies if boarding at a station equipped with an active, functional ticket vending machine or open ticket office.
Route Alternatives: Metra UP-N vs. Other Transit Modes
When traveling between Chicago and the northern suburbs, commuters can evaluate several transportation options.
Metra UP-N vs. CTA Purple Line / Red Line
- Speed: Metra UP-N is significantly faster over medium and long distances. Travel from Davis Street (Evanston) to downtown Chicago takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes on Metra, compared to 45 to 55 minutes via the CTA Purple Line Express or Red Line.
- Frequency & Local Access: The CTA provides continuous 8-to-12-minute frequency throughout the day and serves far more granular urban neighborhoods. Metra UP-N operates on fixed, wider timetables (every 30 to 60 minutes) but offers superior speed, seating comfort, and onboard workspace.
- Fare Integration: While separate tickets were historically required, the Regional Connect Pass now allows seamless digital transfers between Metra monthly passes and CTA turnstiles.
Metra UP-N vs. Driving via the Edens Expressway (I-94)
- Travel Predictability: Driving the Edens Corridor during weekday rush hours regularly introduces severe traffic delays, extending travel times between Highland Park and the Loop past 75 to 90 minutes. Metra trains operate on dedicated track infrastructure, providing reliable 45-to-50-minute delivery.
- Productivity: Commuters on the UP-N can use personal laptops, read, or use the Quiet Cars, making it an efficient option for corporate professionals.
Operational Amenities and Rider Policies
Navigating the UP-N is straightforward if commuters adhere to standard operating policies established by Metra and Union Pacific Railroad personnel.
Onboard Rules and Fleet Standards
- Quiet Car Operations: Designated Quiet Cars operate on all weekday morning and evening rush-hour trains. Cell phone conversations, loud audio devices, and audible conversations are strictly prohibited inside the designated car (typically the second car from the locomotive on inbound runs, or second from the cab car on outbound runs).
- Bicycle and E-Scooter Accommodations: Metra permits standard bicycles and foldable electric scooters across all UP-N trains on a first-come, first-served basis. Dedicated bike cars or multi-use areas feature fold-down seating configurations and tie-down straps. Liquid-fuel vehicles and non-UL-certified lithium-ion mobility devices are prohibited.
- Accessibility (ADA Compliance): Most active stations on the UP-N feature accessible ramps or mechanical elevators, alongside level boarding platforms or wayside lifts. The Peterson/Ridge, Ravenswood, Davis Street, and Ogilvie stations provide full barrier-free accessibility.
- Luggage and Service Animals: Service animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities are welcome on all equipment without restriction. Small pets inside enclosed carriers are permitted on off-peak and weekend runs, provided they do not occupy passenger seats.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Metra UP-N Schedule
How often does the Metra UP-N train run on weekends?
The Metra UP-N line operates approximately every 60 to 90 minutes on Saturdays and every two hours on Sundays.
Weekend trains provide comprehensive local service between Chicago Ogilvie Transportation Center and Waukegan, with selected trains extending service across the state line to Kenosha. Passengers should consult the specific weekend timetable to confirm whether their target train continues past Waukegan.
Can I travel all the way to Kenosha on every UP-N train?
No, Kenosha is not served by every outbound train run.
While almost all UP-N schedules run through Highland Park and Waukegan, Kenosha service is limited to roughly 9 to 11 weekday runs and selected weekend runs. Trains terminating at Waukegan require commuters continuing to Kenosha to wait for designated extended runs or utilize local regional shuttle services.
Which station in Evanston offers the easiest connection to the CTA 'L'?
The Davis Street station in downtown Evanston provides the most direct and convenient transfer to the CTA Purple Line.
The Metra Davis Street elevated station sits immediately adjacent to the CTA Davis 'L' station, allowing passengers to switch between commuter rail and rapid transit within a two-minute walking transfer. Main Street also offers an easy transfer to the CTA Purple Line Main station, located less than a block away.
What happens if I board the Metra UP-N without a pre-purchased ticket?
You can buy a one-way ticket directly from the conductor on board using cash or card, but a cash/card surcharge will be added if you boarded at a station with an operational ticket vending machine.
To avoid the extra fee, purchase your digital ticket via the Ventra mobile application before stepping onto the railcar.
What are the Quiet Car rules on peak-hour UP-N trains?
Quiet Cars require all passengers to silence electronic devices, refrain from phone calls, and keep conversations to an absolute minimum in hushed whispers.
On the UP-N line, Quiet Cars are active on all weekday trains arriving in Chicago before 9:00 AM and departing Chicago between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM. They are identifiable by overhead exterior signage and onboard window decals.
Plan your commute smoothly by confirming daily departures on the official Ventra app or by reviewing real-time platform departure monitors at Ogilvie Transportation Center before boarding. Arrive at suburban platforms at least seven minutes prior to scheduled departure times to ensure safe boarding.
