The Metra Rock Island District Line, commonly called the Rock Island Line, is a commuter rail route connecting LaSalle Street Station in downtown Chicago with Joliet. The line serves neighborhoods on Chicago’s South Side as well as communities across southern Cook County and Will County.
The route also includes the Beverly Branch, which serves several South Side Chicago neighborhoods before connecting with the Rock Island main line at Blue Island. Metra identifies the Rock Island route as the RI line in its schedules and rider information.
Whether you are a daily commuter, occasional traveler, student, or visitor, understanding the Rock Island Line stations, train schedules, fares, parking, transfers, and service information can make planning your trip easier.
Metra Rock Island Line at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Metra Line | Rock Island (RI) |
| Route | Chicago LaSalle Street to Joliet |
| Direction | Southwest from Chicago |
| Downtown Terminal | LaSalle Street Station |
| Southern Terminal | Joliet |
| Branch | Beverly Branch |
| Major connection | Blue Island-Vermont Street |
| Areas Served | Chicago, southern Cook County and Will County |
| Train Information | Metra schedules and Metra Tracker |
| Ticket Options | One-way tickets, Day Passes, Monthly Passes and other eligible products |
The Rock Island Line extends approximately 40 miles from LaSalle Street Station to Joliet. Metra documentation identifies 24 intermediate stations along the route, while the Beverly Branch provides additional service through Chicago’s Beverly and Morgan Park areas.
What Is the Metra Rock Island District Line?
The Rock Island District Line is one of Metra’s commuter rail routes serving the Chicago metropolitan region. It follows a historic railroad corridor that has provided passenger service between Chicago and Joliet for well over a century.
Today, the line provides a direct rail connection between downtown Chicago and communities to the southwest. Its downtown terminal is LaSalle Street Station, while trains serving the main route continue to Joliet.
The route is particularly useful for passengers traveling between Chicago’s South Side, southern Cook County, and communities such as Blue Island, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Mokena, New Lenox, and Joliet.
Metra Rock Island Line Stations
The Rock Island Line includes stations from downtown Chicago to Joliet, with additional stops on the Beverly Branch.
Main Rock Island Route
Major stations and stops include:
- LaSalle Street
- 35th Street–Lou Jones
- Blue Island–Vermont Street
- Robbins
- Midlothian
- Oak Forest
- Tinley Park
- Tinley Park–80th Avenue
- Hickory Creek–Mokena
- Mokena–Front Street
- New Lenox
- Joliet
The route also includes several Chicago South Side stops associated with the Beverly Branch. Metra’s station guide lists locations including Gresham, 95th Street–Longwood, 103rd Street–Washington Heights, Brainerd, Beverly Hills, Morgan Park and other stations.
Because not every train necessarily makes every stop, passengers should check the current schedule for their specific departure.
Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line
One feature that makes the Rock Island route different from many Metra lines is its Beverly Branch.
The branch serves communities on Chicago’s South Side west of the main Rock Island route before reconnecting with the line at Blue Island. Stations associated with this corridor include:
- Gresham
- 95th Street–Longwood
- 103rd Street–Washington Heights
- Brainerd
- 91st Street–Beverly Hills
- 95th Street–Beverly Hills
- 99th Street–Beverly Hills
- 103rd Street–Beverly Hills
- 107th Street–Beverly Hills
- 111th Street–Morgan Park
- 115th Street–Morgan Park
- 119th Street
- 123rd Street
- Prairie Street
- Blue Island–Vermont Street
Metra notes that Blue Island–Vermont Street is a transfer point for accessing Metra Electric trains.
LaSalle Street Station: The Chicago Terminal
LaSalle Street Station is the downtown Chicago terminal for Rock Island trains. It is an important starting and ending point for passengers traveling between the city center and communities along the Rock Island corridor.
Metra’s station guide identifies LaSalle Street as the main hub for Rock Island District trains traveling toward Joliet and the Beverly Subdistrict.
For a trip beginning downtown, passengers should confirm their train’s departure information before heading to the station because platform assignments can change.
Joliet Station and Connections
Joliet is the southern endpoint of the Rock Island Line. It is also an important regional transportation hub.
Metra’s system information identifies Joliet as a station shared by the Rock Island Line and Heritage Corridor, while Amtrak also serves the station. This makes Joliet useful for passengers connecting between different rail services.
If you are transferring at Joliet, allow enough time between services and check each operator’s current schedule separately.
Metra Rock Island Line Schedule
The Metra Rock Island schedule varies depending on the day, station, direction, and service pattern.
Instead of relying on an old timetable, passengers should use Metra’s current schedule search to select:
- Rock Island as the train line.
- Your departure station.
- Your destination.
- Your travel date.
- Your preferred departure or arrival time.
Metra’s official rider information page provides a schedule search as well as options for viewing printable schedules.
Weekday Travel
Weekday Rock Island service is designed around commuter travel between Chicago and communities along the corridor. Train patterns can vary between peak and off-peak periods.
Some trains may operate differently from others, particularly when branch service, express patterns, construction, or special schedules are involved.
Weekend and Holiday Service
Weekend and holiday schedules can differ significantly from weekday schedules. If you are traveling on Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday, check the applicable schedule rather than assuming that weekday departure times continue to apply.
How to Check Rock Island Train Status
For real-time information, Metra provides Metra Tracker, which allows passengers to see train status and upcoming departures.
According to Metra, the tracker provides real-time train information, including the next departures from a selected station and an interactive map showing train movement.
This can be especially useful when:
- Your train is running late.
- You are waiting at a station.
- You want to check an approaching train.
- Construction may affect the route.
- You need to verify the current operating status.
Rock Island Line Fares and Tickets
Your Metra Rock Island fare depends on your origin and destination and the ticket or pass you choose.
Metra offers several ticket products, including:
- One-Way Tickets
- Day Passes
- Monthly Passes
- Reduced-fare products for eligible riders
- Weekend products
- Other qualifying fare options
The fare can vary according to the zones associated with your trip. For the most accurate price, use Metra’s current fare calculator with your departure and destination stations. Metra provides the fare calculator alongside its schedule and real-time tracking tools.
Buying Rock Island Tickets
Depending on the station and product, passengers may be able to purchase tickets through:
- Metra’s mobile ticketing options
- Ventra
- Station ticket machines where available
- Ticket offices at applicable locations
- Onboard purchases subject to Metra’s rules and applicable surcharges
It is a good idea to check the current ticketing options for your station before traveling.
Parking at Rock Island Stations
Many suburban Rock Island stations provide parking for commuters. Parking availability, fees, operating arrangements, and spaces can vary by station.
If you plan to drive to a Rock Island station, check the station-specific information before your trip. This is particularly important during weekday commuting periods when parking demand can be high.
Some Chicago stations and suburban locations also have connections with local bus services, providing alternatives to driving.
Accessibility on the Rock Island Line
Accessibility varies from station to station.
Metra’s station guide identifies stations as fully accessible, partially accessible, or not accessible. For example, LaSalle Street, Blue Island–Vermont Street, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, New Lenox, and Joliet are listed as accessible in Metra’s guide, while certain other stations have partial or no accessibility.
Passengers who require an accessible platform or other accommodations should verify the current station information before traveling.
Transfers From the Rock Island Line
The Rock Island corridor provides connections to other transportation services at several locations.
Blue Island–Vermont Street
Blue Island–Vermont Street is particularly important because Metra identifies it as a transfer point for accessing Metra Electric trains.
Joliet
Joliet provides connections involving:
- Rock Island
- Heritage Corridor
- Amtrak
This makes Joliet an important transfer location for regional rail passengers.
CTA and Pace Connections
Some Rock Island stations also connect with Chicago Transit Authority or Pace bus services. Check the station’s current information for the routes serving that location.
Rock Island Line Service Alerts
Before leaving for the station, it is useful to check Metra service alerts, particularly during construction periods, severe weather, special events, or other operational changes.
Metra’s official rider information page provides a Service Alerts section and links to real-time train information.
Temporary changes can include:
- Delays
- Schedule adjustments
- Station changes
- Construction-related changes
- Modified branch service
- Bus substitutions
- Platform changes
- Temporary service shutdowns
For example, Metra has previously issued specific notices for construction affecting the Beverly Branch and instructed passengers to check service updates for temporary changes.
Rock Island Line Platform Information
Platform arrangements can vary by station and operating period.
Metra’s rider guide notes that Rock Island passengers should pay attention to announcements because platform assignments can change. At LaSalle Street, the east and west platforms are used differently depending on the direction and time of day.
Always follow station announcements and electronic departure information instead of assuming that the same platform will be used for every train.
Why Riders Use the Rock Island Line
The Rock Island Line can be useful for passengers who need rail service between Chicago and communities southwest of the city.
Direct Downtown Access
The line terminates at LaSalle Street Station, providing access to Chicago’s downtown area.
South Side Coverage
The Beverly Branch serves several South Side neighborhoods, giving local residents another commuter rail option.
Suburban Connectivity
The route serves communities across southern Cook County and Will County, including Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Mokena, New Lenox, and Joliet.
Connections at Joliet
Passengers can connect with other regional rail services at Joliet.
Tips for Riding the Metra Rock Island Line
Follow these simple steps for a smoother trip:
- Check the current schedule before leaving home.
- Confirm your exact station because nearby stations may have different stopping patterns.
- Check Metra Tracker if you need real-time train information.
- Review service alerts before traveling during construction or major events.
- Purchase your ticket before boarding when required.
- Arrive early, especially if you need to park or are unfamiliar with the station.
- Listen for platform announcements at larger stations.
- Verify accessibility information if you require an accessible station.
- Keep your ticket available for inspection during the journey.
- Check connecting services separately when transferring to CTA, Pace, Metra Electric, Heritage Corridor, or Amtrak.
Metra Rock Island District Line: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Metra Rock Island District Line?
The Rock Island District Line is a Metra commuter rail route running between LaSalle Street Station in Chicago and Joliet. It also includes the Beverly Branch serving Chicago’s South Side.
Where does the Rock Island Line start and end?
The primary route begins at LaSalle Street Station in Chicago and ends at Joliet.
How many stations are on the Rock Island Line?
Metra documentation identifies 24 intermediate stations between LaSalle Street Station and Joliet, in addition to the terminal stations. The Beverly Branch provides additional stops in Chicago.
Does the Rock Island Line go to Joliet?
Yes. Joliet is the southern terminal of the Rock Island Line.
What station connects Rock Island with Metra Electric?
Blue Island–Vermont Street is identified by Metra as a transfer point for accessing Metra Electric trains.
Where can I check the Rock Island train schedule?
Use Metra’s official schedule search to select the Rock Island line, departure station, destination, and travel date.
How can I check if my Rock Island train is delayed?
Metra Tracker provides real-time train information, including upcoming departures and train movement on an interactive map.
Does the Rock Island Line have weekend service?
Yes, but weekend schedules can differ from weekday schedules. Always check the current timetable for your travel date.
Is the Rock Island Line accessible?
Accessibility varies by station. Metra’s station guide identifies individual stations as fully accessible, partially accessible, or not accessible.
Can I take the Rock Island Line to downtown Chicago?
Yes. The Chicago terminal is LaSalle Street Station, located in the downtown area.
Final Thoughts
The Metra Rock Island District Line provides an important rail connection between downtown Chicago and communities southwest of the city, ending at Joliet. With its mainline and Beverly Branch, the route serves a wide range of Chicago South Side and suburban communities.
For the most reliable trip planning, check the current Metra Rock Island schedule, fare information, service alerts, and Metra Tracker before traveling. These tools are especially important when construction or temporary operating changes affect the line.
