The Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line (UP-NW) is one of the major commuter rail routes connecting downtown Chicago with communities across the city’s northwest suburbs and into McHenry County. The line runs from Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago to Harvard, with a branch from Crystal Lake to McHenry.
The route serves important communities including Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Barrington, Cary, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, McHenry, and Harvard.
For commuters, students, visitors, and occasional travelers, the Metra UP-NW Line provides a direct rail connection between Chicago and many northwest suburban communities.
This guide covers the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line schedule, stations, route, fares, tickets, parking, accessibility, train tracker, service alerts, Crystal Lake and McHenry branch, transfers, and travel tips.
Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Line Name | Union Pacific Northwest Line |
| Abbreviation | UP-NW |
| Downtown Terminal | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Main Northern Terminal | Harvard |
| Branch | Crystal Lake to McHenry |
| Direction | Northwest from Chicago |
| Major Areas Served | Northwest Chicago suburbs and McHenry County |
| Major Stations | Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Barrington, Crystal Lake |
| Fare System | Zone-based |
| Ticket Options | One-Way, Day Pass, Day Pass 5-Pack, Monthly Pass |
| Mobile Tickets | Ventra app |
| Train Tracking | Metra real-time tools |
| Accessibility | Varies by station |
| Weekend Service | Available on the main line |
| Operator | Union Pacific |
| Northern Endpoint | Harvard |
| Branch Endpoint | McHenry |
Metra’s current official materials identify the Union Pacific Northwest Line as running from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Harvard, with a branch serving McHenry. Metra’s station guide lists the UP-NW stations from Ogilvie through Harvard and identifies accessibility by station.
What Is the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line?
The Union Pacific Northwest Line, commonly abbreviated as UP-NW, is a Metra commuter rail line serving Chicago’s northwest suburbs.
The main route starts at Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago and travels northwest through Chicago neighborhoods and suburban communities before reaching Harvard.
A separate branch runs from Crystal Lake to McHenry.
The line is one of the three Metra routes operated by Union Pacific under a purchase-of-service arrangement with Metra. Metra’s history materials explain that the three Union Pacific commuter lines originated from the Chicago & North Western system, which Union Pacific acquired in 1995.
Metra UP-NW Route
The main UP-NW route can be broadly summarized as:
Ogilvie Transportation Center → Chicago Northwest Side → Park Ridge → Des Plaines → Mount Prospect → Arlington Heights → Palatine → Barrington → Cary → Crystal Lake → Woodstock → Harvard
The separate branch operates:
Crystal Lake → McHenry
This makes the line particularly useful for passengers traveling between downtown Chicago and communities in Cook, Lake and McHenry counties. Metra’s system documentation describes UP-NW as extending northwest from Ogilvie to Harvard, with the McHenry branch extending from Crystal Lake.
Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line Stations
The UP-NW main line and McHenry branch serve a large number of stations.
Main UP-NW Line Stations
| # | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| 2 | Clybourn |
| 3 | Irving Park |
| 4 | Jefferson Park |
| 5 | Gladstone Park |
| 6 | Norwood Park |
| 7 | Edison Park |
| 8 | Park Ridge |
| 9 | Dee Road |
| 10 | Des Plaines |
| 11 | Cumberland |
| 12 | Mount Prospect |
| 13 | Arlington Heights |
| 14 | Arlington Park |
| 15 | Palatine |
| 16 | Barrington |
| 17 | Fox River Grove |
| 18 | Cary |
| 19 | Pingree Road |
| 20 | Crystal Lake |
| 21 | Woodstock |
| 22 | Harvard |
Metra’s official station guide lists these UP-NW stations and identifies their accessibility classifications.
McHenry Branch Stations
The McHenry branch connects:
Crystal Lake → Woodstock area → McHenry
The branch is an important part of the UP-NW service pattern for passengers traveling to or from McHenry.
Metra’s published UP-NW timetable shows separate McHenry services branching from the main route at Crystal Lake.
Ogilvie Transportation Center
Ogilvie Transportation Center is the downtown Chicago terminal for the Union Pacific Northwest Line.
It also serves:
- Union Pacific North Line
- Union Pacific West Line
Passengers arriving at Ogilvie can connect with other Chicago-area transportation services and access destinations throughout the Loop.
For UP-NW commuters, Ogilvie is the primary downtown destination for trains traveling toward Chicago.
Clybourn Station
Clybourn is one of the earliest stops on the UP-NW route after leaving downtown Chicago.
It is also served by the Union Pacific North Line, making it a useful location for passengers comparing the two routes.
Metra’s accessibility guide classifies Clybourn as not accessible, so passengers with accessibility requirements should verify current station conditions before traveling.
Jefferson Park and Irving Park
UP-NW serves several Chicago stations before reaching the suburbs.
Irving Park
Irving Park provides access to Chicago’s Northwest Side and surrounding neighborhoods.
Jefferson Park
Jefferson Park is another important Chicago stop and provides connections to local transportation services.
Both stations can be useful alternatives to traveling all the way to Ogilvie for passengers whose destinations are on Chicago’s Northwest Side.
Park Ridge
Park Ridge is one of the major suburban stations on UP-NW.
The station serves the Park Ridge community and provides rail access to downtown Chicago.
It is also positioned relatively early on the suburban section of the route, making it useful for commuters who live northwest of Chicago but want direct rail service to Ogilvie.
Des Plaines
Des Plaines is another important UP-NW station.
The station serves the Des Plaines area and is surrounded by residential, commercial, and transportation destinations.
Passengers should check the current train’s stopping pattern because express and local service can vary.
Mount Prospect
Mount Prospect is a major UP-NW station serving the northwest suburbs.
The station is useful for commuters traveling between Mount Prospect and downtown Chicago and is also a popular access point for surrounding communities.
Metra’s station guide classifies Mount Prospect as fully accessible.
Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights is one of the most important stations on the Union Pacific Northwest Line.
It provides access to Arlington Heights and surrounding communities and is a significant commuter station on the route.
The station is fully accessible according to Metra’s station guide.
Arlington Park
Arlington Park is a separate station near Arlington Heights.
Its location makes it useful for nearby residential areas and destinations.
The station is also listed as accessible in Metra’s station guide.
Palatine
Palatine is another major UP-NW station.
It serves a large suburban community and is an important stop for commuters traveling toward downtown Chicago.
Palatine is classified as fully accessible in Metra’s station guide.
Barrington
Barrington is located farther northwest along the UP-NW corridor.
The station serves Barrington and surrounding communities and provides direct rail access to Chicago.
Barrington is also one of the locations associated with UP-NW overnight train storage and railroad operations.
Cary
Cary is an important station between Barrington and Crystal Lake.
It provides access to the Cary community and nearby areas of McHenry County.
Metra’s accessibility guide identifies Cary as fully accessible.
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is one of the most important stations on the Union Pacific Northwest Line.
It serves as a major destination on the main route and is also the junction point for the McHenry branch.
Passengers traveling to McHenry generally use the branch service from Crystal Lake.
The station is fully accessible according to Metra’s station guide.
Woodstock
Woodstock is located between Crystal Lake and Harvard.
The station serves the historic Woodstock community and provides rail access to downtown Chicago through UP-NW.
Woodstock is classified as accessible in Metra’s station guide.
Harvard
Harvard is the northern terminus of the main UP-NW route.
Passengers traveling from Chicago toward Harvard use outbound UP-NW trains, while inbound trains travel from Harvard toward Ogilvie.
Metra’s official materials identify Harvard as the endpoint of the main Union Pacific Northwest Line.
McHenry Branch
The McHenry branch is an important feature of the UP-NW system.
Instead of continuing north toward Harvard, selected trains operate from Crystal Lake to McHenry.
The branch serves:
- Crystal Lake
- McHenry
Older Metra timetables show McHenry trains branching from the main UP-NW route at Crystal Lake. Because service patterns can change, passengers traveling to McHenry should always check the current timetable rather than assuming that every UP-NW train continues to McHenry.
Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line Schedule
The Metra UP-NW schedule depends on the day, direction, train number, stopping pattern, and destination.
Weekday commuter schedules generally provide more frequent service during peak commuting periods.
The main route and McHenry branch do not necessarily have identical service patterns.
Inbound UP-NW Trains
Inbound trains generally travel:
Harvard / Crystal Lake / McHenry → Ogilvie Transportation Center
These trains are particularly important for passengers commuting into downtown Chicago.
Outbound UP-NW Trains
Outbound trains generally travel:
Ogilvie Transportation Center → Crystal Lake / Harvard / McHenry
Passengers should verify the final destination shown on the train or timetable.
Express Service
The UP-NW corridor includes sections where express trains can operate.
Metra’s station guide notes that between Clybourn and Palatine, the line has three tracks and the middle track is generally used for express trains during non-rush periods; during peak periods, track usage can vary.
This means two UP-NW trains can have different travel times even when they use the same overall route.
Metra UP-NW Weekend Schedule
The main UP-NW route provides weekend service.
Weekend service patterns can differ from weekday schedules, and the McHenry branch may have a different service pattern from the Harvard main line.
When planning a Saturday or Sunday journey, check:
- Departure time
- Destination
- Station stops
- McHenry branch service
- Construction notices
- Special schedules
Do not rely on a weekday timetable for weekend travel.
Metra UP-NW Holiday Schedule
Metra may operate special schedules on holidays.
Holiday service can differ from a normal weekday or weekend schedule.
Before traveling on:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Independence Day
- Other major holidays
check Metra’s current holiday schedule and service alerts.
Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line Fares
Metra uses a four-zone fare system.
The price of a UP-NW ticket depends on the zones covered by the trip.
Generally:
- Zone 1 covers downtown Chicago.
- Zones farther from downtown cover increasingly distant suburban stations.
The exact fare should be checked using Metra’s current fare information because fare policies and prices can change.
Common Metra Ticket Types
| Ticket | Best For |
|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket | One continuous journey |
| Day Pass | Multiple trips in one day |
| Day Pass 5-Pack | Occasional multi-day travel |
| Monthly Pass | Frequent commuting |
| Reduced Fare | Eligible passengers |
Metra’s current ticketing system also supports mobile ticket purchases through the Ventra app.
Metra UP-NW One-Way Ticket
A One-Way Ticket is suitable when you need to make one continuous trip.
It can be purchased for travel between the applicable fare zones.
This ticket is useful for:
- Occasional commuters
- Visitors
- Students
- One-time travelers
- Passengers testing the UP-NW route
Passengers making several Metra journeys on the same day should compare the cost of individual One-Way Tickets with the applicable Day Pass.
Metra UP-NW Day Pass
A Day Pass can be useful when you expect to make multiple trips during the same day.
For example, a visitor traveling from the suburbs to Chicago and then returning later may want to compare:
Two One-Way Tickets vs. one Day Pass
The better option depends on the zones and current fare.
Metra UP-NW Monthly Pass
A Monthly Pass is designed for frequent riders.
It can be useful for commuters who travel between the same general fare zones multiple times each week.
Before purchasing a Monthly Pass, compare the current monthly price with your expected number of weekly journeys.
How to Buy a Metra UP-NW Ticket
Passengers can use several ticketing methods.
Ventra App
The Ventra app allows passengers to purchase Metra mobile tickets.
This is particularly convenient for passengers who want to buy their ticket before arriving at the station.
Station Ticket Vending Machines
Ticket vending machines are available at many Metra stations.
However, ticketing facilities differ by location, so check your specific station before traveling.
Onboard Purchase
Passengers can purchase tickets onboard under Metra’s applicable rules.
When a station provides a ticket-purchasing option, buying before boarding is generally recommended.
Metra UP-NW Train Tracker
The Metra UP-NW train tracker can help passengers monitor train status and current service information.
A tracker is useful when you need to:
- Check whether a train is approaching.
- Monitor delays.
- Confirm train status.
- Coordinate a pickup.
- Check service during bad weather.
- Plan a connection.
For the most reliable information, use Metra’s official real-time tools.
Metra UP-NW Service Alerts
Service alerts are important for UP-NW passengers because train operations can be affected by:
- Track maintenance
- Construction
- Signal problems
- Weather
- Equipment issues
- Special events
- Schedule adjustments
- Unexpected delays
Check alerts before leaving home, especially if you are traveling to an appointment, flight, event, or other time-sensitive destination.
Metra UP-NW Parking
Parking varies by station.
Several suburban UP-NW stations provide commuter parking, while others have more limited parking or different local arrangements.
Before driving to a station, check:
- Daily parking rates
- Permit requirements
- Parking lot location
- Payment method
- ADA parking
- Overnight restrictions
- Weekend parking rules
Do not assume that parking rules are identical at every UP-NW station.
Metra UP-NW Accessibility
Accessibility varies from station to station.
Metra’s station guide classifies stations as:
- A — Fully Accessible
- P — Partially Accessible
- N — Not Accessible
For UP-NW, the guide lists Ogilvie Transportation Center, Irving Park, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, Edison Park, Park Ridge, Dee Road, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Arlington Park, Palatine, Barrington, Fox River Grove, Pingree Road, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, McHenry and Harvard as accessible, while Clybourn and Gladstone Park are listed as not accessible in that guide.
Because station conditions and accessibility infrastructure can change, passengers with mobility requirements should verify current station information before traveling.
UP-NW Platform Information
Platform arrangements can vary by station and operating period.
Metra’s station guide notes that during non-rush periods:
- Inbound trains toward Chicago generally board from north platforms.
- Outbound trains generally use south platforms.
- Between Clybourn and Palatine, the middle track is commonly associated with express service.
- During peak periods, track usage can change.
Passengers should always follow the station signs and listen for announcements rather than relying only on a general platform rule.
UP-NW Connections in Chicago
The main downtown terminal is Ogilvie Transportation Center.
From Ogilvie, passengers can access the Chicago Loop and connect with other forms of transportation.
The line also has several Chicago stations that can be more convenient for passengers traveling to the Northwest Side.
Potential connections include:
- CTA services
- Local buses
- Pace services at selected suburban stations
- Taxi services
- Rideshare
- Walking connections
Connection options vary by station.
Metra UP-NW vs UP-N
The Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific North lines both operate from Ogilvie, but they serve different geographic corridors.
| Feature | UP-NW | UP-N |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Terminal | Ogilvie | Ogilvie |
| Direction | Northwest | North |
| Main Endpoint | Harvard | Kenosha |
| Branch | McHenry | None |
| Major Communities | Arlington Heights, Palatine, Barrington, Crystal Lake | Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park |
| Wisconsin Service | No | Yes, Kenosha |
| Major Corridor | Northwest suburbs | North Shore |
Choose the line based on your origin, destination, current schedule, and required stops.
Metra UP-NW vs Milwaukee District North
UP-NW and Milwaukee District North both serve communities north and northwest of Chicago, but they use different routes and downtown terminals.
| Feature | UP-NW | Milwaukee District North |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Terminal | Ogilvie | Chicago Union Station |
| Main Direction | Northwest | North/Northwest |
| Main Endpoint | Harvard | Fox Lake |
| Branch | McHenry | None |
| Major Areas | Park Ridge, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Crystal Lake | Glenview, Northbrook, Libertyville |
| Operator | Union Pacific | Metra/NIRCRC |
The most useful route depends on the station closest to your origin and destination.
Popular UP-NW Stations
Ogilvie Transportation Center
Best for passengers traveling to downtown Chicago.
Park Ridge
A major northwest suburban commuter station.
Des Plaines
Useful for passengers traveling between Chicago and Des Plaines.
Mount Prospect
A major suburban station serving Mount Prospect.
Arlington Heights
One of the busiest and most recognizable communities on the UP-NW corridor.
Palatine
An important commuter station serving Palatine and surrounding areas.
Barrington
A key station farther northwest.
Crystal Lake
An important station and the junction for McHenry branch service.
Woodstock
A northern main-line station serving the Woodstock area.
Harvard
The northern endpoint of the main UP-NW route.
McHenry
The endpoint of the branch from Crystal Lake.
Is Metra UP-NW Good for Commuting to Chicago?
For people who live or work near UP-NW stations, the line provides a direct rail connection to downtown Chicago.
Potential advantages include:
- Direct service to Ogilvie
- Numerous suburban stations
- Service to major northwest communities
- Crystal Lake access
- Harvard service
- McHenry branch
- Mobile ticketing
- Train tracking
- Multiple fare products
The most suitable transportation option depends on your specific origin, destination, travel time, schedule, parking needs, and transfer requirements.
Traveling on UP-NW With Children
Families should review Metra’s current child and family fare rules before purchasing tickets.
The applicable fare depends on factors such as:
- Child’s age
- Number of children
- Accompanying adult
- Ticket type
- Travel zones
For family trips, compare the applicable child fare with available ticket products before purchasing.
Bicycles on Metra UP-NW
Metra has rules governing bicycle transportation on its trains.
Bike availability can depend on:
- Train type
- Time of day
- Capacity
- Rush periods
- Special events
- Current Metra bicycle policy
Passengers traveling with bicycles should check Metra’s current rules before starting their trip.
Tips for Riding the Metra UP-NW Line
1. Check the Current Timetable
Never assume that an older UP-NW schedule is still valid.
2. Confirm the Destination
Make sure your train is going to Harvard, Crystal Lake, or McHenry, depending on your journey.
3. Check the Station Stops
Express and local trains can have different stopping patterns.
4. Check Service Alerts
Look for construction, delays, and temporary schedule changes.
5. Buy Your Ticket Early
Use Ventra or a station ticket machine when available.
6. Verify Parking
Check the station-specific parking rules before driving.
7. Check Accessibility
Verify the accessibility status of your origin and destination stations if required.
8. Allow Extra Time
Arrive early enough to find the correct platform and board comfortably.
9. Watch for McHenry Branch Service
Not every UP-NW train operates to McHenry.
10. Use the Train Tracker
Check real-time information before and during your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line
What is the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line?
The Union Pacific Northwest Line, or UP-NW, is a Metra commuter rail route connecting Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago with Harvard, with a branch from Crystal Lake to McHenry.
Where does the UP-NW Line start?
The line starts at Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago.
Where does the UP-NW Line end?
The main line ends at Harvard, Illinois. A separate branch connects Crystal Lake with McHenry.
Does Metra UP-NW go to Arlington Heights?
Yes. Arlington Heights is one of the major stations on the Union Pacific Northwest Line.
Does UP-NW go to Crystal Lake?
Yes. Crystal Lake is a major station on the UP-NW main route and the connection point for McHenry branch service.
Does UP-NW go to McHenry?
Yes. The McHenry branch operates from Crystal Lake to McHenry.
Does UP-NW go to Harvard?
Yes. Harvard is the northern terminal of the main UP-NW route.
What stations are on the Metra UP-NW Line?
Major stations include Ogilvie, Clybourn, Irving Park, Jefferson Park, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Barrington, Cary, Crystal Lake, Woodstock and Harvard, plus the McHenry branch.
What downtown station does UP-NW use?
UP-NW uses Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago.
Does Metra UP-NW run on weekends?
The main UP-NW route has weekend service. However, weekend service patterns can differ from weekday operations, so passengers should check the current timetable.
Can I track a UP-NW train?
Yes. Metra provides real-time train and service information.
Can I buy a UP-NW ticket through the Ventra app?
Yes. Metra mobile tickets can be purchased through the Ventra app.
Is the Metra UP-NW Line accessible?
Accessibility varies by station. Many UP-NW stations are classified as fully accessible, while some have partial or no accessibility in Metra’s published station guide.
Is Clybourn accessible?
Metra’s station guide classifies Clybourn as not accessible. Passengers who require an accessible station should verify current information before traveling.
Which Metra line goes to Arlington Heights?
The Union Pacific Northwest Line serves Arlington Heights.
Which Metra line goes to Crystal Lake?
The Union Pacific Northwest Line serves Crystal Lake.
Which Metra line goes to Harvard?
The Union Pacific Northwest Line serves Harvard.
Which Metra line goes to McHenry?
The Union Pacific Northwest Line’s McHenry branch serves McHenry.
Is UP-NW the same as UP-N?
No. UP-NW serves the northwest suburbs, including Arlington Heights, Palatine, Crystal Lake and Harvard, while UP-N serves the North Shore corridor toward Kenosha.
Final Thoughts
The Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line is a major commuter rail route connecting downtown Chicago with communities throughout the northwest suburbs and McHenry County.
From Ogilvie Transportation Center, the main route travels through Chicago’s Northwest Side and communities such as Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Barrington, Cary, Crystal Lake, Woodstock and Harvard. The McHenry branch provides additional service between Crystal Lake and McHenry.
For daily commuters, occasional riders, students, families and visitors, understanding the UP-NW route, stations, schedule, fares, tickets, parking, accessibility and train-tracking options makes trip planning easier.
Because Metra service can change, travelers should check the current UP-NW timetable, train tracker, fare information and service alerts immediately before departure. This is especially important for weekend travel, holiday travel, express trains and McHenry branch trips.
The Union Pacific Northwest Line remains an important rail connection between downtown Chicago and communities such as Arlington Heights, Palatine, Barrington, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Harvard and McHenry, making it a key part of Chicago’s regional commuter transportation network.