Metra Heritage Corridor Line is a commuter rail line in the United States. It is a line that links Chicago Union Station with Joliet, Illinois, and travels along the tracks of its owner, CN Rail. It is 37 miles long and passes through some of the suburban communities of Summit, Lemont, and Lockport.
Famous for its limited service hours, the Heritage Corridor Line normally only runs during weekday rush-hour trains aimed primarily at daily commuters heading to and from downtown Chicago. The route showcases industrial and scenic sections of the area, noting its former role as a railway mecca while also serving as a critical transit option for suburban dwellers.
Metra Heritage Corridor Line Overview
Below is the station Overview.
Metra Heritage Corridor Line Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Line Name | Heritage Corridor (HC) Line |
| Operator | Metra (Tracks owned by Canadian National Railway) |
| Route | Chicago Union Station ↔ Joliet Union Station |
| Total Line Length | Approx. 37 miles |
| Total Number of Stations | 6 |
| Chicago Terminus | Union Station – 500 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60661 |
| Joliet Terminus | Joliet Union Station – 50 E Jefferson St, Joliet, IL |
| Primary Suburban Stops | Summit, Willow Springs, Lemont, Lockport, Romeoville |
| Service Days | Weekdays only (No weekend or holiday service) |
| Train Frequency | 3 inbound AM trains, 3 outbound PM trains |
| Travel Time (End to End) | Approx. 60–70 minutes |
| Transfer Options | CTA (Union Station, Summit), Metra (Union Station, Joliet, Summit) |
| Amtrak Connections | Available at Union Station & Joliet (Lincoln Service, Texas Eagle) |
| CTA Connections | Blue Line (Union Station), Orange Line (Summit via Midway) |
| Other Metra Transfers | Rock Island District (at Joliet), BNSF Line (via Summit/Harlem Ave) |
| Pace Bus Connections | Available at Summit, Lemont, Joliet, Romeoville |
| Parking Availability | Available at most suburban stations (Park & Ride lots) |
Metra Heritage Corridor Line Parking Information
1. Union Station (Chicago, IL 60606)
Parking: Union Station is a major interchange, so there are plenty of parking garages around.
Nearby Parking Garages:
- The Ogilvie Transportation Center Garage (Chicago)
- Union Station Parking Garage (Right next to Union Station)
- Several other downtown parking lots near the station.
Tip: Rates fluctuate according to location and time parked; long-term parking rates are available.
2. Summit Station
Parking: Two parking lots for Daily use.
Total Spaces:
- About 122 spaces for daily commuters.
- 6 ADA accessible spaces.
Payment: Either need daily permits or pay at the door.
3. Willow Springs
Parking: Offers daily as well as permit parking.
Total Spaces:
- 61 overall spaces.
- 4 ADA accessible spaces.
Permit Details: There are some spots for permit holders, but daily parking is also an option.
Payment: Pay stations or app payment is expected to be available for daily parking.
4. Lemont
Parking: 6 parking lots are available at this station.
Total Spaces:
- 82 restricted permit spaces.
- 252 daily-use spaces.
- 7 ADA accessible spaces.
Payment: Pay stations or app-based payment for daily parking spots. There are permits for reserved spaces.
5. Romeoville
Parking: 2 available lots.
Total Spaces:
- 68 handicapped permit-only spaces.
- 98 daily-use spaces.
- 7 ADA accessible spaces.
Payment: There are pay stations and additional payment through the Passport Parking app.
Tip: The parking here is well-presented, and app payment is available to allow for easy payment on the go.
6. Lockport
Parking: There are four parking lots at this station.
Total Spaces:
- 45 restricted permit-only spaces.
- 349 daily-use spaces.
- 8 ADA accessible spaces.
Payment: Pay stations and app-based payment options are offered.
Tip: Lockport’s ample daily-use spaces are a draw for commuters, so expect potential congestion during rush hours.
7. Joliet
Parking: Availability: Joliet station has ample parking.
Total Spaces:
- 910 daily-use spaces.
- 29 ADA accessible spaces.
Payment: Probably needs daily parking payments, in pay stations or mobile apps.
Tip: With 10 different lots, you should have no problem finding a spot, even at the busiest times. But better to get there during the peak commuter times if you’re traveling on a busy day.
Metra Heritage Corridor Line Nearby Attractions
- Mokena
- New Lenox
- Orland Park
- Tinley Park
- Joliet
- Lockport
- Plainfield
Metra Heritage Corridor Line Stations
- Chicago Union Station (downtown Chicago – starting point)
- Summit
- Willow Springs
- Lemont
- Romeoville
- Lockport
- Joliet (Gateway Center) – southern end of the line
Metra Heritage Corridor Line Schedule
Weekday Inbound to Chicago Union Station Morning Schedule
| Station | Train #915 | Train #917 | Train #919 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet | 5:45 AM | 6:25 AM | 7:05 AM |
| Lockport | 5:54 AM | 6:34 AM | 7:14 AM |
| Romeoville | 5:59 AM | 6:39 AM | 7:19 AM |
| Lemont | 6:06 AM | 6:46 AM | 7:26 AM |
| Willow Springs | 6:12 AM | 6:52 AM | 7:32 AM |
| Summit | 6:18 AM | 6:58 AM | 7:38 AM |
| Chicago (Union) | 6:47 AM | 7:27 AM | 8:07 AM |
Weekday Outbound to Joliet Evening Schedule
| Station | Train #920 | Train #922 | Train #924 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago (Union) | 3:50 PM | 4:50 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Summit | 4:14 PM | 5:14 PM | 5:54 PM |
| Willow Springs | 4:20 PM | 5:20 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Lemont | 4:26 PM | 5:26 PM | 6:06 PM |
| Romeoville | 4:33 PM | 5:33 PM | 6:13 PM |
| Lockport | 4:38 PM | 5:38 PM | 6:18 PM |
| Joliet | 4:53 PM | 5:53 PM | 6:33 PM |
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The Metra Heritage Corridor Line is a commuter rail route connecting Chicago Union Station with Joliet through communities southwest of Chicago. It is one of Metra’s 11 rail lines and is known for its limited weekday rush-hour service.
Unlike Metra routes that operate throughout much of the day, the Heritage Corridor has a more limited service pattern. This makes checking the schedule before traveling especially important.
The line serves several communities along the historic Chicago–Joliet corridor, including Summit, Willow Springs, Lemont, Romeoville, Lockport, and Joliet. Metra’s station guide identifies Chicago Union Station, Summit, Willow Springs, Lemont, Romeoville, Lockport, and Joliet as Heritage Corridor stations.
Metra Heritage Corridor Line at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Line name | Heritage Corridor |
| Metra abbreviation | HC |
| Downtown terminal | Chicago Union Station |
| Southern terminal | Joliet |
| General direction | Southwest from Chicago |
| Service area | Chicago and southwestern suburbs |
| Service type | Commuter rail |
| Regular service pattern | Limited weekday service |
| Weekend service | No regular weekend service |
| Stations | 7 |
| Major destinations | Chicago, Summit, Willow Springs, Lemont, Romeoville, Lockport, Joliet |
| Fare | Based on origin and destination zones |
| Real-time information | Available through Metra |
| Schedule | Check the current Metra timetable before traveling |
Metra’s official station guide describes the Heritage Corridor as a limited rush-hour service Monday through Friday line and states that it does not operate on weekends or holidays.
What Is the Metra Heritage Corridor Line?
The Heritage Corridor Line is a Metra commuter rail route running between Chicago Union Station and Joliet.
It primarily serves passengers traveling between Chicago and communities located southwest of the city. Unlike some of Metra’s other lines, the Heritage Corridor has a relatively small number of scheduled trains, making it particularly important for commuters to plan around the published timetable.
The line’s route follows a historically important railroad corridor that has been used for passenger and freight transportation for many years.
All Heritage Corridor trains make all scheduled stops according to Metra’s station guide.
Metra Heritage Corridor Route
The Heritage Corridor begins at Chicago Union Station and travels southwest toward Joliet.
The stations along the route are:
- Chicago Union Station
- Summit
- Willow Springs
- Lemont
- Romeoville
- Lockport
- Joliet
The route provides a connection between downtown Chicago and several suburban communities along the Chicago–Joliet corridor.
Heritage Corridor route in simple form
Chicago Union Station → Summit → Willow Springs → Lemont → Romeoville → Lockport → Joliet
Metra Heritage Corridor Stations
The Heritage Corridor has seven stations in total.
| Station | Area | Connection/Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Union Station | Chicago | Downtown Chicago terminal |
| Summit | Summit | Southwest suburban connection |
| Willow Springs | Willow Springs | Southwest suburban station |
| Lemont | Lemont | Historic suburban community |
| Romeoville | Romeoville | Growing southwest suburb |
| Lockport | Lockport | Historic community |
| Joliet | Joliet | Southern terminal and major regional hub |
Metra’s station guide lists all seven stations as accessible, although individual station facilities and amenities can differ.
Chicago Union Station
Chicago Union Station is the northern terminal of the Heritage Corridor.
Located in downtown Chicago, the station is a major transportation hub and serves several Metra lines as well as Amtrak services.
For Heritage Corridor passengers, Chicago Union Station is the primary downtown boarding location.
Inbound Heritage Corridor trains generally arrive at Chicago Union Station, while outbound trains leave Chicago for the suburban stations toward Joliet.
Summit Station
Summit is the first suburban stop when traveling southwest from Chicago on the Heritage Corridor.
The station provides access to the Summit area and is also part of the route connecting Chicago with communities farther south and west.
Willow Springs Station
Willow Springs is another station along the Heritage Corridor.
It serves the village of Willow Springs and surrounding communities and provides access to the commuter rail connection between Chicago and Joliet.
Lemont Station
Lemont is one of the historic stations on the Heritage Corridor.
Metra notes that the Lemont and Lockport depots date back to the 19th century, making them among the oldest depots in the Metra system.
The station serves the Lemont community and provides commuter access to downtown Chicago.
Romeoville Station
Romeoville is located in the southwestern suburban section of the Heritage Corridor.
The station provides commuter rail access for Romeoville-area residents traveling toward Chicago or Joliet.
Lockport Station
Lockport is another historically significant station on the line.
According to Metra’s historical information, the Lockport depot dates to 1863. Metra also notes that the route passed through the corridor used by President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train.
Today, Lockport remains one of the Heritage Corridor’s suburban stops.
Joliet Station
Joliet is the southern terminal of the Heritage Corridor.
It is also served by the Rock Island Line, making Joliet an important Metra transfer point for passengers traveling between different parts of the Chicago metropolitan area.
The Heritage Corridor and Rock Island lines both connect with Joliet, but they are separate Metra services with different schedules and routes.
Metra Heritage Corridor Schedule
The Heritage Corridor operates a limited weekday schedule rather than frequent all-day service.
This is one of the most important things to understand before using the line.
Metra’s station guide identifies the Heritage Corridor as a Monday-Friday limited rush-hour service line. It also states that the line does not run on weekends or holidays.
Because schedules can be adjusted, passengers should use Metra’s current schedule search for their specific travel date.
Metra’s online schedule tool allows passengers to select:
- Train line
- Departure station
- Destination
- Date
- Time
It also provides a real-time train tracker.
Example Heritage Corridor Service Pattern
A published Heritage Corridor timetable shows morning trains traveling from Joliet toward Chicago and afternoon trains traveling from Chicago toward Joliet. One published schedule, for example, listed morning departures from Joliet at 5:45 a.m., 6:25 a.m., and 7:05 a.m., with corresponding Chicago arrivals at 6:52 a.m., 7:32 a.m., and 8:12 a.m.
Because that timetable is not necessarily the current schedule, travelers should verify today’s departure times through Metra before traveling.
Does the Heritage Corridor Run on Weekends?
No. The Heritage Corridor does not have regular weekend service.
Metra’s station guide specifically identifies the Heritage Corridor as a weekday-only limited-service line and states that it does not run on weekends or holidays.
This makes the Heritage Corridor different from many other Metra lines that provide Saturday and/or Sunday service.
If you need to travel along the same general Chicago–Joliet corridor on a Saturday or Sunday, you may need to consider another Metra route, Pace, CTA connections, or other transportation options depending on your starting point and destination.
Does Metra Heritage Corridor Run on Holidays?
The Heritage Corridor does not operate regular service on holidays, according to Metra’s station guide.
Holiday travel therefore requires additional planning.
If your trip falls on a holiday, check Metra’s official service information rather than assuming that a normal weekday timetable will operate.
Heritage Corridor Train Times
Because the Heritage Corridor provides limited service, train times are especially important.
Passengers should avoid assuming that they can simply arrive at the station and take the next train.
For example, a historical published timetable showed three morning trains from Joliet toward Chicago and three afternoon trains from Chicago toward Joliet.
The exact current number and departure times should always be confirmed through Metra’s current timetable.
Before leaving home, check:
- Your station
- Direction of travel
- Travel date
- Departure time
- Arrival time
- Current service alerts
- Return train
The last point is particularly important because a limited-service line may not have another convenient train later in the day.
Heritage Corridor Fares
Heritage Corridor fares depend on the origin and destination zones of the trip.
Metra provides a fare calculator that allows riders to select their departure and destination stations and determine the applicable fare.
Because fares and ticket products can change, checking the current Metra fare information is preferable to relying on an old printed fare chart.
What Can Affect Your Fare?
Your fare may depend on:
- Starting station
- Destination station
- Fare zones
- Ticket type
- One-way or other available ticket products
- Applicable Metra or regional fare programs
For the exact current price, use Metra’s official fare calculator.
How to Buy a Heritage Corridor Ticket
Metra offers several ways to purchase tickets depending on the station and available facilities.
Passengers can use Metra’s ticketing options, including the Ventra app and ticket vending machines where available.
Metra’s station guide notes that the Heritage Corridor’s ticket agents are located at Chicago Union Station and Joliet.
If you are boarding at another Heritage Corridor station, check the current ticket-purchasing options before your trip.
Heritage Corridor and Joliet Connections
One of the useful features of the Heritage Corridor is its connection to Joliet.
Joliet is also served by the Rock Island Line, which means passengers may be able to use different Metra services depending on their travel needs.
However, the two lines do not have identical schedules or routes.
If you are using Joliet as a transfer point, check both schedules carefully before planning the journey.
Heritage Corridor vs. Rock Island Line
Both the Heritage Corridor and Rock Island serve Joliet, but their service patterns are different.
| Feature | Heritage Corridor | Rock Island |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago terminal | Union Station | LaSalle Street Station |
| Joliet service | Yes | Yes |
| General direction | Southwest | South/southwest |
| Service pattern | Limited weekday service | More extensive service |
| Weekend service | No regular service | Service available on the line |
| Number of Heritage Corridor stations | 7 | Different route/station network |
| Best for | Trips along the Heritage Corridor | Broader Rock Island corridor travel |
These differences mean that a Joliet passenger should choose the line based on the actual origin, destination and required travel time rather than simply selecting the first train available.
Heritage Corridor vs. SouthWest Service
The SouthWest Service is another Metra route serving communities southwest of Chicago, but it is a separate line.
| Feature | Heritage Corridor | SouthWest Service |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown terminal | Chicago Union Station | Chicago Union Station |
| Joliet | Yes | No |
| General service area | Chicago–Joliet corridor | Southwest suburban corridor |
| Service pattern | Limited | Different timetable and stopping pattern |
| Weekend schedule | No regular service | Check current schedule |
| Route | Chicago–Joliet | Chicago–Manhattan corridor |
The two lines overlap geographically in the broader southwest suburban region but serve different station networks.
History of the Metra Heritage Corridor
The Heritage Corridor has a long railroad history.
Metra states that the line originated with the Chicago and Alton Railroad. The route later became associated with the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio and Illinois Central Gulf before commuter operations became part of the regional transportation system.
The railroad corridor was historically used for both freight and intercity passenger transportation.
For many years, commuter service on the Chicago–Joliet route was extremely limited, with a single weekday morning trip toward Chicago and an evening return trip.
The RTA later added additional service, including a second round trip in 1979.
When Metra took over commuter operations in 1987, the Chicago–Joliet commuter route was renamed the Heritage Corridor.
The name reflects the route’s passage through the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor.
Metra later expanded service, including a third daily round trip in 1999 and an additional afternoon outbound train in 2016.
Why Is It Called the Heritage Corridor?
The name “Heritage Corridor” reflects the historical significance of the area through which the railroad travels.
The route passes through a region associated with the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, an area with an important transportation and industrial history.
The line also contains historic railroad structures, particularly at Lemont and Lockport.
Metra identifies the Lemont and Lockport depots as some of the oldest depots in its system.
Heritage Corridor and Historic Railroad Sites
The Heritage Corridor is particularly interesting from a transportation-history perspective.
The corridor has been used by multiple railroad organizations over its history, and its stations reflect the development of rail transportation in the Chicago region.
Historic highlights include:
- Chicago & Alton Railroad origins
- Gulf, Mobile & Ohio history
- Illinois Central Gulf ownership
- RTA-era commuter service
- Metra’s creation and expansion
- Historic Lemont depot
- Historic Lockport depot
- Connection with the Illinois & Michigan Canal heritage region
This combination of modern commuter transportation and historic railroad infrastructure gives the route its distinctive identity.
Accessibility on the Heritage Corridor
Metra’s station guide lists all Heritage Corridor stations as fully accessible:
| Station | Accessibility |
|---|---|
| Chicago Union Station | Fully accessible |
| Summit | Fully accessible |
| Willow Springs | Fully accessible |
| Lemont | Fully accessible |
| Romeoville | Fully accessible |
| Lockport | Fully accessible |
| Joliet | Fully accessible |
Metra’s published accessibility guide identifies each of these stations with an “A” designation for full accessibility.
Passengers who require a particular accessibility feature should still review current station information before traveling.
Bicycles on the Heritage Corridor
Metra allows bicycles and scooters on its trains subject to its applicable rules and available space.
A published Heritage Corridor schedule states that bicycles and scooters are allowed on all trains on a first-come, first-served basis, with customers with disabilities receiving priority for ADA spaces.
Because the Heritage Corridor has limited service, cyclists should also consider the availability of the specific train they intend to use.
What Destinations Can You Reach on the Heritage Corridor?
The Heritage Corridor provides access to several communities between Chicago and Joliet.
Chicago
The line provides access to downtown Chicago through Union Station.
Summit
Summit is the first suburban stop on the route.
Willow Springs
The line serves Willow Springs and surrounding communities.
Lemont
Lemont is notable for its historic downtown and railroad heritage.
Romeoville
Romeoville is one of the growing communities served by the corridor.
Lockport
Lockport is known for its historic character and long connection to the railroad.
Joliet
Joliet is the southern terminus and a major transportation hub.
How to Ride the Heritage Corridor Line
Riding the Heritage Corridor is straightforward if you plan around the limited timetable.
Step 1: Check the schedule
Visit Metra’s official schedule tool and select Heritage Corridor.
Step 2: Select your station
Enter your departure station and destination.
Step 3: Confirm the travel date
Make sure you are checking the correct weekday because weekend and holiday service is not normally provided.
Step 4: Purchase your ticket
Choose the appropriate available ticket option.
Step 5: Arrive before departure
Allow enough time to find the platform and board.
Step 6: Check the platform
Metra’s rider guide notes that Heritage Corridor inbound trains to Chicago generally board from the south platforms, while outbound trains toward Joliet generally use the north platforms.
Step 7: Track your train
Metra’s real-time tracker can be used to check current train status and upcoming departures.
Tips for Traveling on the Heritage Corridor
Plan around the timetable
The Heritage Corridor is not a frequent all-day service. Check the schedule before going to the station.
Check your return train
This is especially important if you are traveling from Chicago to a suburban station.
Don’t assume weekend service
The line does not have regular weekend service.
Check holiday service
Regular Heritage Corridor service is not provided on holidays according to Metra’s station guide.
Use real-time tracking
Check Metra’s tracker close to departure when you need current service information.
Consider Joliet alternatives
If your trip involves Joliet, compare the Heritage Corridor timetable with Rock Island service because the two lines serve Joliet differently.
Metra Heritage Corridor Line: Quick Reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the Heritage Corridor? | A Metra commuter rail line between Chicago Union Station and Joliet |
| Where does it start? | Chicago Union Station |
| Where does it end? | Joliet |
| How many stations does it have? | 7 |
| Does it serve Lemont? | Yes |
| Does it serve Lockport? | Yes |
| Does it serve Romeoville? | Yes |
| Does it serve Joliet? | Yes |
| Does it run on weekends? | No regular weekend service |
| Does it run on holidays? | No regular holiday service |
| Is it a frequent all-day line? | No; it provides limited weekday service |
| Are all stations accessible? | Metra’s station guide lists all seven as fully accessible |
| Where can I check the schedule? | Metra’s official schedule system |
| Is real-time tracking available? | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Metra Heritage Corridor Line?
The Heritage Corridor is a Metra commuter rail line connecting Chicago Union Station and Joliet through six intermediate stations: Summit, Willow Springs, Lemont, Romeoville, Lockport, and Joliet.
How many stations are on the Heritage Corridor?
There are seven stations including Chicago Union Station and Joliet.
Does Heritage Corridor go to Joliet?
Yes. Joliet is the southern terminal of the Heritage Corridor.
Does the Heritage Corridor go to Chicago?
Yes. The northern terminal is Chicago Union Station.
Does Metra Heritage Corridor run every day?
No. The Heritage Corridor provides limited weekday service and does not have regular weekend or holiday service according to Metra’s station guide.
Does Heritage Corridor run on Saturday?
No regular Saturday service is provided.
Does Heritage Corridor run on Sunday?
No regular Sunday service is provided.
What stations are on the Heritage Corridor?
The stations are:
- Chicago Union Station
- Summit
- Willow Springs
- Lemont
- Romeoville
- Lockport
- Joliet
What is the Heritage Corridor’s downtown Chicago station?
Its downtown Chicago terminal is Chicago Union Station.
Does Heritage Corridor connect with Rock Island?
Both lines serve Joliet, although they are separate Metra routes with different schedules and downtown Chicago terminals.
How do I check Heritage Corridor train times?
Use Metra’s official schedule search, where you can select the Heritage Corridor, departure station, destination, date and time. Metra also provides real-time train tracking.
Can I take a bicycle on the Heritage Corridor?
Metra permits bicycles and scooters under its applicable rules, with space limitations. A published Heritage Corridor schedule states that bicycles and scooters are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with ADA spaces prioritized for customers with disabilities.
Is the Heritage Corridor accessible?
Metra’s station guide lists all seven Heritage Corridor stations as fully accessible.
Final Takeaway
The Metra Heritage Corridor Line provides a direct commuter rail connection between Chicago Union Station and Joliet, serving Summit, Willow Springs, Lemont, Romeoville, and Lockport along the way.
Its biggest distinction is its limited weekday service. Unlike several other Metra routes, the Heritage Corridor does not have regular weekend or holiday service, so passengers need to plan around the timetable rather than expecting frequent trains throughout the day.
The line is also notable for its railroad history, including its Chicago & Alton origins, historic Lemont and Lockport depots, and its connection to the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor.
