Traveling with children on Metra can be an affordable and convenient way to explore Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Metra Family Fare allows families to travel together while children can ride free during eligible weekends, select holidays, and certain weekday summer travel periods.
Under Metra’s Family Fares program, up to three children age 11 and under can ride free with each fare-paying adult. The adult must purchase a valid ticket or use a valid Monthly Pass. Family Cars are also available on weekends and on non-rush-hour weekday trains.
Whether you’re planning a family day in downtown Chicago, visiting a museum, attending an event, or simply taking a weekend train ride, understanding the Family Fare rules can help you choose the right ticket.
Metra Family Fare at a Glance
| Feature | Metra Family Fare |
|---|---|
| Children who ride free | Up to 3 children per fare-paying adult |
| Child age | 11 and under |
| Adult requirement | Must pay the applicable adult fare or use a valid Monthly Pass |
| Weekend availability | Yes |
| Select holiday availability | Yes |
| Summer weekday availability | Yes |
| Summer period | Memorial Day through Labor Day |
| Family Cars | Available on weekends and non-rush-hour weekday trains |
| Separate child ticket | Not required for eligible free children |
| Main purpose | Family travel and outings |
Metra’s published fare information states that Family Fares apply on weekends and select holidays, and are also available on weekdays during the summer period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What Is the Metra Family Fare?
The Metra Family Fare is a fare program designed to make train travel easier and more affordable for families traveling with young children.
When the Family Fare program applies, up to three children age 11 and under can ride free for each fare-paying adult.
For example:
- 1 adult + up to 3 eligible children → children ride free
- 2 adults + up to 6 eligible children → children can ride free
- 3 adults + up to 9 eligible children → children can ride free
The adult must have a valid Metra fare. This can be a qualifying ticket or a valid Monthly Pass.
Who Can Ride Free With Metra Family Fare?
Children 11 years old and younger can ride free under the Family Fare program when traveling with a fare-paying adult during eligible Family Fare periods.
The program allows:
Up to three children age 11 and under per fare-paying adult.
The adult must pay the applicable fare or use a valid Monthly Pass.
Family Fare Example
Suppose a family has:
- Two adults
- Four children ages 5, 7, 9 and 11
Both adults have valid Metra fares.
Because each fare-paying adult can accompany up to three eligible children, all four children can ride free under the Family Fare rules during an eligible Family Fare period.
When Is Metra Family Fare Available?
Metra Family Fares are available during specific periods rather than on every Metra trip.
Weekends
Family Fares are available on weekends, making them particularly useful for family outings and sightseeing trips.
Select Holidays
The Family Fare program also applies on select holidays.
Because holiday fare rules can vary, travelers should check Metra’s current fare information before a holiday trip.
Summer Weekdays
Metra also offers Family Fares on weekdays during the summer period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
This gives families another opportunity to travel with children at no additional child fare during the eligible summer period.
Metra Family Fare During the Summer
One of the useful features of the Family Fare program is its summer weekday availability.
Metra states that Family Fares are available on weekdays during the period between:
Memorial Day → Labor Day
This can be useful for:
- Summer vacations
- School-break activities
- Museum visits
- Downtown Chicago trips
- Family sightseeing
- Shopping trips
- Sporting events
- Summer attractions
Families should still check the current Metra schedule and fare information before traveling because train schedules and service conditions can change.
Metra Family Cars
Metra also provides Family Cars on weekends and non-rush-hour weekday trains.
Family Cars are intended to provide a more family-friendly environment for passengers traveling with children.
They can be particularly useful for:
- Parents with young children
- Large families
- Weekend outings
- Family sightseeing
- School-break trips
Availability can depend on the train and operating conditions, so families should follow current onboard announcements and conductor instructions.
How Does the Metra Family Fare Work?
The process is relatively straightforward.
Step 1: Determine the Number of Adults
Count the adults who will be paying the applicable Metra fare.
Step 2: Count Eligible Children
Count children who are 11 or younger.
Step 3: Apply the 3-to-1 Rule
Each fare-paying adult can bring up to three eligible children free during an eligible Family Fare period.
Step 4: Purchase the Adult Fare
The adult should purchase the appropriate Metra ticket or use a valid Monthly Pass.
Step 5: Travel Together
The adults and children should travel together and follow Metra’s onboard rules.
Metra Family Fare Example for Different Family Sizes
| Adults | Maximum Children Riding Free |
|---|---|
| 1 adult | Up to 3 children |
| 2 adults | Up to 6 children |
| 3 adults | Up to 9 children |
| 4 adults | Up to 12 children |
| 5 adults | Up to 15 children |
The children must meet the Family Fare age requirement, and the trip must occur during an eligible Family Fare period.
Family Fare vs Children’s Regular Fare
It is important to distinguish between the Family Fare program and Metra’s regular children’s fare rules.
Metra states that:
- Children ages 7–11 normally pay reduced fares.
- Children under 7 normally ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, with up to three children free per adult.
- Children under 7 are not permitted to travel alone.
The Family Fare program provides a broader benefit because it allows children 11 and under to ride free with a fare-paying adult during eligible Family Fare periods.
Regular Child Fare vs Family Fare
| Situation | Applicable Rule |
|---|---|
| Child age 11 on an ordinary eligible trip | Reduced child fare may apply |
| Child age 7–11 during Family Fare period | Rides free with qualifying adult |
| Child under 7 during Family Fare period | Rides free with qualifying adult |
| Child under 7 on regular travel | Free with fare-paying adult, subject to Metra’s child rules |
| Child traveling alone | Children under 7 cannot travel alone |
Always check the current Metra fare rules for the specific travel date.
Does a Metra Monthly Pass Work With Family Fare?
Yes. Metra specifically states that an adult can use a Monthly Pass as the adult fare for the Family Fare program.
This can be useful for parents or guardians who already have a Metra Monthly Pass for commuting.
For example, if a parent has a valid Monthly Pass and is traveling with eligible children during a Family Fare period, the Monthly Pass can serve as the adult fare for the Family Fare benefit.
Do Children Need Their Own Metra Tickets?
During an eligible Family Fare period, children who qualify under the program do not need a separate paid ticket.
The adult must have a valid fare, and up to three children age 11 and under can ride free with each fare-paying adult.
However, families should be prepared to explain the number and ages of children traveling with them if asked by a conductor.
Can Families Use Family Fare on Weekends?
Yes.
Weekends are one of the primary periods when Metra Family Fares are available.
This makes the program particularly useful for:
- Saturday family trips
- Sunday outings
- Chicago sightseeing
- Museum visits
- Shopping
- Parks and attractions
- Family events
Families can combine Family Fare with Metra’s weekend ticket options when appropriate.
Metra Weekend Pass vs Family Fare
Metra also offers weekend-oriented ticket products, including a Saturday/Sunday/Holiday Day Pass and a Weekend Pass through the Ventra app.
The important difference is that Family Fare is a child-fare benefit, while a Weekend Pass is a ticket product for the rider who purchases it.
| Feature | Family Fare | Weekend Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Free travel for eligible children | Unlimited adult travel over the weekend |
| Children 11 and under | Up to 3 free per fare-paying adult | Pass itself is not a child-free-fare program |
| Adult fare required | Yes | Rider purchases the pass |
| Weekend use | Yes | Yes |
| Ventra app | Not required as a Family Fare condition | Available through Ventra |
| Best for | Families with children | Riders needing multiple weekend trips |
Metra’s current fare page lists the Weekend Pass at $10 and the Saturday/Sunday/Holiday Day Pass at $7, although families should verify current fares before purchasing.
Metra Family Fare and Holiday Travel
Family Fares are available on select holidays.
Holiday travel can be especially popular for:
- Holiday attractions
- Downtown events
- Family gatherings
- Festivals
- Seasonal activities
- Museum visits
Since Metra may use special holiday schedules, families should check the current timetable and service alerts before departure.
Metra Family Fare for Chicago Family Trips
Metra can be useful for families traveling from suburban communities into Chicago.
Depending on the Metra line and destination, families can connect to attractions and other transportation services in the Chicago area.
Popular family destinations can include:
- Millennium Park
- Navy Pier
- Museum Campus
- Shedd Aquarium
- Field Museum
- Adler Planetarium
- Lincoln Park
- Chicago’s downtown shopping areas
The exact route depends on the Metra station and attraction.
Families should use Metra’s current schedule and trip-planning tools to determine the appropriate train and connections.
How to Buy Metra Tickets for Family Travel
Adults can purchase eligible Metra tickets through several options.
Ventra App
Metra tickets can be purchased and displayed through the Ventra app.
This can be convenient for adults who want to purchase tickets before reaching the station.
Station Ticket Machines
Many Metra stations have ticket vending machines where passengers can purchase tickets and passes.
Buying on the Train
Certain ticket types can also be purchased from a conductor under Metra’s onboard ticket rules. Metra notes that buying a One-Way Ticket onboard when a vending machine was available at the boarding station can result in an additional charge.
For family trips, purchasing the adult fare in advance can help make boarding easier.
Metra Family Fare and Fare Zones
Metra uses a zone-based fare system.
The adult fare depends on the applicable departure and destination zones. Therefore, the cost of a family trip can vary depending on where the family boards and exits.
The Family Fare benefit does not mean the adult travels free. Rather, the eligible children can ride free with the qualifying fare-paying adult.
Metra’s fare calculator can be used to determine the applicable adult fare for a specific trip.
Tips for Traveling With Children on Metra
Arrive Early
Arrive at the station early enough to purchase tickets, locate the correct platform and organize the family before boarding.
Keep Children Together
Parents and guardians should keep children together while waiting on the platform and while boarding.
Stand Away From the Platform Edge
Children should stay safely away from the platform edge and follow posted station safety instructions.
Listen for Announcements
Pay attention to station and onboard announcements, particularly when approaching your destination.
Bring Activities for Longer Trips
For longer journeys, books, games, headphones or other quiet activities can help keep children comfortable.
Check the Schedule Before Leaving
Metra timetables show train departure times, so families should arrive at the station before the scheduled departure.
Check Service Alerts
Service changes, delays and disruptions can affect family travel. Check Metra’s current service information before leaving home.
Metra Family Fare: Important Rules to Remember
Here are the key rules families should remember:
- Up to three children age 11 and under ride free per fare-paying adult.
- Family Fares apply on weekends and select holidays.
- Family Fares are also available on weekdays during summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
- The adult must purchase a qualifying ticket or use a valid Monthly Pass.
- Family Cars are available on weekends and non-rush-hour weekday trains.
- Children ages 7–11 normally pay reduced fares outside the Family Fare benefit.
- Children under 7 normally ride free with a fare-paying adult, subject to Metra’s rules.
- Children under 7 cannot travel alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metra Family Fare
What is Metra Family Fare?
Metra Family Fare allows up to three children age 11 and under to ride free with each fare-paying adult during eligible weekends, select holidays and specified summer weekday periods.
How many kids can ride free with one adult?
Up to three children age 11 and under can ride free with each fare-paying adult.
What age can children ride free on Metra Family Fare?
Children 11 and under can ride free under the Family Fare program during eligible travel periods.
Is Metra Family Fare available every day?
No. Family Fares are available on weekends, select holidays and weekdays during the summer period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Can children ride free on Metra on Saturday?
Yes. Metra Family Fares apply on weekends, subject to the program’s rules.
Can children ride free on Sunday?
Yes. Sunday is included in the weekend Family Fare period.
Can I use a Metra Monthly Pass with Family Fare?
Yes. Metra states that a valid Monthly Pass can be used as the adult fare for Family Fare travel.
Do children need a ticket when using Family Fare?
Eligible children do not need a separate paid fare when they are traveling under the Family Fare program with a qualifying adult.
Are Family Fares available during summer weekdays?
Yes. Metra states that Family Fares are available on weekdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Are Family Cars available on Metra?
Yes. Family Cars are available on weekends and non-rush-hour weekday trains, according to Metra’s published fare information.
What happens if there are four children and only one adult?
The Family Fare benefit covers up to three children per fare-paying adult. Therefore, the fourth child would not be covered by that one adult’s Family Fare benefit and would need to follow the applicable fare rules.
Can two adults travel with six children?
Yes. During an eligible Family Fare period, two fare-paying adults can accompany up to six children age 11 and under under the three-children-per-adult rule.
Are Metra Family Fares available on holidays?
Yes, on select holidays. Families should check Metra’s current holiday information for the specific date.
Final Thoughts
Metra Family Fare can make family train travel more affordable by allowing up to three children age 11 and under to ride free with each fare-paying adult during eligible weekends, select holidays and summer weekday periods.
For families planning a Chicago day trip, weekend outing or summer activity, the program can reduce the cost of traveling with children. Adults should make sure they have the appropriate Metra fare or Monthly Pass and check the current schedule, holiday rules and service alerts before traveling.
