Metra Hinsdale Station is a commuter rail station in Hinsdale, Illinois, served by the BNSF Line, which connects Chicago Union Station with Aurora. The station is approximately 16.9 miles from Chicago Union Station and is located in the heart of downtown Hinsdale.
Hinsdale is one of three Metra BNSF stations serving the Hinsdale area, along with Highlands and West Hinsdale. The Hinsdale station is an important stop for commuters traveling between the western suburbs and downtown Chicago.
The station is also notable for its historic character and convenient access to downtown Hinsdale businesses and services.
Metra Hinsdale Station Schedule
Metra Hinsdale Station schedule includes frequent BNSF Line trains with reliable weekday and weekend service to Chicago.
Metra Hinsdale Station Weekday Schedule
| Time (Hinsdale) | Inbound → Union Station | Outbound → Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30 AM | 4:30 AM | 4:38 AM |
| 5:00 AM | 5:00 AM | 5:05 AM |
| 5:30 AM | 5:30 AM | 5:27 AM |
| 6:00 AM | 6:00 AM | 5:52 AM |
| 6:30 AM | 6:30 AM | 6:05 AM |
| 7:00 AM | 7:00 AM | 6:22 AM |
| 7:30 AM | 7:30 AM | 6:52 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 7:05 AM |
| 8:30 AM | 8:30 AM | 7:22 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 7:52 AM |
| 9:30 AM | 9:30 AM | 8:05 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 8:22 AM |
| 10:30 AM | 10:30 AM | 8:52 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 9:39 AM |
| 11:30 AM | 11:30 AM | 10:39 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM | 11:39 AM |
| 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM | 12:39 PM |
| 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 1:39 PM |
| 1:30 PM | 1:30 PM | 2:39 PM |
| 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 3:39 PM |
| 2:30 PM | 2:30 PM | 4:21 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:51 PM |
| 3:30 PM | 3:30 PM | 5:21 PM |
| 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 5:39 PM |
| 4:30 PM | 4:30 PM | 6:39 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:39 PM |
| 5:30 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:39 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 9:39 PM |
| 6:30 PM | 6:30 PM | 10:39 PM |
| 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 11:39 PM |
Metra Hinsdale Station Weekend Schedule
| Time (Hinsdale) | Inbound → Union Station | Outbound → Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | 5:00 AM | 5:27 AM |
| 6:00 AM | 6:00 AM | 6:15 AM |
| 7:00 AM | 7:00 AM | 7:22 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 8:05 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 9:12 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 10:33 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 11:33 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM | 12:33 PM |
| 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 1:33 PM |
| 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 2:33 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 3:33 PM |
| 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 4:33 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 5:33 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 6:33 PM |
| 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 7:33 PM |
| 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 8:33 PM |
| 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 9:33 PM |
| 10:00 PM | 10:00 PM | 10:33 PM |
| 11:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 11:33 PM |
Metra Hinsdale Station Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 21 E Hinsdale Ave, Hinsdale, IL 60521 |
| Fare Zone | 3 |
| Line | BNSF Railway Line |
| Platforms | 2 side platforms |
| Tracks | 3 |
| Average Weekday Boardings | 1,155 |
| Waiting Room Hours | 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday–Friday) |
| Accessibility | Fully accessible |
| Parking | 331 spaces across 8 lots |
| Ticket Purchasing | Credit card ticket vending machines available |
Metra Hinsdale Station at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Station Name | Hinsdale |
| Metra Line | BNSF Line |
| Route | Chicago Union Station – Aurora |
| Location | Hinsdale, Illinois |
| Distance from Chicago Union Station | Approximately 16.9 miles |
| Station Zone | Zone 3 |
| Accessibility | Fully accessible |
| Service | BNSF Line |
| Direction to Chicago | Inbound |
| Direction to Aurora | Outbound |
| Nearby Stations | Highlands, West Hinsdale |
| Station Area | Downtown Hinsdale |
Metra’s station data places Hinsdale at milepost 16.9 on the BNSF Line, between Highlands and West Hinsdale. Metra’s accessibility guide lists Hinsdale as an accessible station.
Where Is Metra Hinsdale Station?
The station is located in downtown Hinsdale, Illinois, providing convenient rail access for residents, commuters and visitors.
The station address is commonly listed as:
21 East Hinsdale Avenue, Hinsdale, IL 60521
Because parking arrangements, station access and nearby road conditions can change, passengers driving to the station should check current local and Metra information before traveling.
Which Metra Line Serves Hinsdale Station?
Hinsdale Station is served by the Metra BNSF Line.
The BNSF Line operates between:
Chicago Union Station → Aurora
The line serves communities across Chicago’s western suburbs, including Hinsdale, Western Springs, Westmont, Downers Grove, Lisle, Naperville and Aurora.
BNSF Line Stations Around Hinsdale
The stations surrounding Hinsdale include:
- Western Springs
- Highlands
- Hinsdale
- West Hinsdale
- Clarendon Hills
- Westmont
- Fairview Avenue
- Downers Grove Main Street
Hinsdale is positioned between Highlands and West Hinsdale on the BNSF route.
Metra Hinsdale Station Schedule
The Metra BNSF schedule provides trains traveling in both directions:
- Inbound toward Chicago Union Station
- Outbound toward Aurora
The number and timing of trains can vary by weekday, weekend, holiday and service period. Express and limited-stop trains can also have different stopping patterns.
Metra’s published BNSF schedule shows Hinsdale as a scheduled stop in both directions.
Inbound Trains to Chicago
Inbound trains travel from Hinsdale toward Chicago Union Station.
These trains are useful for:
- Downtown Chicago commuters
- Students traveling into Chicago
- Business travelers
- Visitors heading toward the Loop
- Passengers connecting to other Chicago transportation services
Outbound Trains to Aurora
Outbound BNSF trains travel west from Hinsdale toward:
- West Hinsdale
- Clarendon Hills
- Westmont
- Downers Grove
- Belmont
- Lisle
- Naperville
- Route 59
- Aurora
Always check the current Metra timetable before your trip because departure times and stopping patterns may change.
Metra Hinsdale Station to Chicago
Hinsdale is approximately 16.9 miles from Chicago Union Station along the BNSF Line.
A passenger traveling from Hinsdale to downtown Chicago should:
- Go to Hinsdale Station.
- Purchase or activate the appropriate Metra ticket.
- Board an inbound BNSF train.
- Exit at Chicago Union Station.
- Continue the trip using CTA, bus, walking or another transportation option if necessary.
Travel time depends on the specific train because express and local stopping patterns can differ.
Metra Hinsdale Station to Aurora
Passengers traveling west from Hinsdale can board an outbound BNSF train toward Aurora.
The route passes through several western suburban communities before reaching Aurora. Depending on the train, passengers may have different stop patterns, so checking the current timetable is recommended.
Metra Hinsdale Station Parking
Parking is an important consideration for commuters using Hinsdale Station.
Historical Metra parking data listed 336 parking spaces at Hinsdale Station and showed high utilization in the 2019 survey. However, that information is historical and should not be treated as the current parking capacity or availability.
Parking Tips
If you plan to drive to the station:
- Check current parking rules before your trip.
- Arrive earlier during busy weekday periods.
- Verify whether permits or daily parking options apply.
- Follow posted parking restrictions.
- Do not assume historical parking capacity represents today’s availability.
For current parking conditions, use Metra’s official station and parking information.
Metra Hinsdale Station Accessibility
Hinsdale Station is listed as an accessible station in Metra’s accessibility guide for the BNSF Line.
Accessibility features can be especially important for passengers using:
- Wheelchairs
- Mobility devices
- Strollers
- Other accessibility equipment
Passengers who require a specific accommodation should verify current station conditions and accessibility information before traveling.
Hinsdale Station and Downtown Hinsdale
One of the major advantages of the station’s location is its proximity to the downtown Hinsdale area.
Passengers can use the station as a starting point for reaching nearby:
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Professional offices
- Local businesses
- Community services
- Downtown destinations
This makes Hinsdale Station useful not only for daily commuters but also for visitors traveling into the community without a car.
Hinsdale vs. West Hinsdale vs. Highlands Stations
Hinsdale has three BNSF Line stations:
| Station | BNSF Line | Relative Location |
|---|---|---|
| Highlands | Yes | East of Hinsdale |
| Hinsdale | Yes | Central/downtown Hinsdale |
| West Hinsdale | Yes | West of Hinsdale |
The main Hinsdale station is particularly convenient for passengers whose destination is downtown Hinsdale.
Metra’s accessibility guide lists all three stations as accessible on the BNSF Line.
Metra Hinsdale Station Train Tracker
Before leaving for the station, passengers can use Metra’s current train information and tracking tools to check service.
A train tracker can help passengers determine:
- Whether a train is approaching
- Estimated arrival information
- Train direction
- Current service information
- Potential delays
This is especially useful during weekday commuting hours or when weather and operational conditions may affect service.
Metra Hinsdale Station Fares
Metra fares depend on the origin and destination zones and the ticket type purchased.
Common Metra ticket options include:
- One-Way Ticket
- Day Pass
- Monthly Pass
- Weekend Pass
- Other available fare products
Since Metra fares and ticketing policies can change, passengers should use the current official fare information when planning a trip.
Buying a Metra Ticket
Passengers can generally purchase Metra tickets through available station ticketing options or the Ventra app, depending on the station and ticket type.
If using a mobile ticket, make sure the ticket is activated correctly before or when required for boarding.
Metra Hinsdale Station for Daily Commuters
Hinsdale Station is particularly relevant to commuters who regularly travel between Hinsdale and Chicago.
A typical weekday commuter may:
- Walk, bike, drive or get dropped off near the station.
- Check the BNSF schedule.
- Purchase or activate a ticket.
- Board an inbound train.
- Travel to Chicago Union Station.
- Continue to the final destination using local transportation.
For return travel, passengers board an outbound BNSF train toward the appropriate western-suburban destination.
Things to Check Before Traveling from Hinsdale Station
For a smoother journey, check the following before leaving home:
- BNSF Line schedule
- Train direction
- Real-time train status
- Service alerts
- Ticket availability
- Parking information
- Weather conditions
- Accessibility requirements
- Weekend or holiday schedules
Schedules shown on third-party websites may become outdated, so the current Metra information should be used for actual trip planning.
Popular BNSF Destinations from Hinsdale
Hinsdale Station provides access to several important destinations along the BNSF corridor.
Chicago Union Station
A major downtown Chicago transportation hub and the eastern terminal of the BNSF Line.
Western Springs
A nearby western suburb and BNSF station.
Westmont
Another important suburban station west of Hinsdale.
Downers Grove
A major BNSF destination with both commuter and local connections.
Lisle
A western-suburban station serving the Lisle community.
Naperville
One of the major destinations along the BNSF corridor.
Aurora
The western terminal of the BNSF Line.
Hinsdale Station Travel Tips
1. Check the direction before boarding
Make sure the train is traveling inbound to Chicago or outbound toward Aurora, depending on your destination.
2. Check express stops
Not every train necessarily follows the same stopping pattern. Review the current timetable before boarding.
3. Arrive early
Allow extra time for parking, walking to the platform and purchasing or activating a ticket.
4. Keep your ticket accessible
If using a mobile ticket, keep your phone charged and make sure the ticket can be displayed when requested.
5. Check service alerts
Unexpected delays, construction and other operational changes can affect train schedules.
6. Confirm weekend service
Weekend and holiday schedules can differ from weekday schedules.
Metra Hinsdale Station for Visitors
Visitors can use Hinsdale Station when traveling to the western suburbs without driving.
The station’s downtown location can make it convenient for reaching local businesses and destinations in central Hinsdale.
For visitors coming from Chicago, the basic journey is:
Chicago Union Station → BNSF Line → Hinsdale Station
For visitors traveling toward Chicago:
Hinsdale Station → BNSF Line → Chicago Union Station
Hinsdale Station Historical Significance
Hinsdale Station also has historical significance. The station was originally known as the Brush Hill Train Station and was built in 1899 for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The historic station building is associated with the Downtown Hinsdale Historic District.
This gives the station a distinctive character compared with a modern commuter rail facility.
Hinsdale Station and BNSF Line Connections
The BNSF Line provides direct rail service between Chicago Union Station and Aurora, with numerous intermediate suburban stations.
Passengers using Hinsdale can therefore access a broad portion of the western suburban rail corridor without changing trains for many destinations along the same line.
For destinations outside the BNSF corridor, passengers may need to transfer to another Metra line, CTA service, bus service or another transportation option.
FAQs
Is Hinsdale Station on the Metra BNSF Line?
Yes. Hinsdale Station is a station on Metra’s BNSF Line between Chicago Union Station and Aurora.
How far is Hinsdale Station from Chicago?
Hinsdale Station is approximately 16.9 miles from Chicago Union Station along the BNSF Line.
Is Hinsdale Metra Station accessible?
Yes. Metra’s accessibility guide lists Hinsdale as an accessible BNSF Line station.
Does Metra Hinsdale Station have parking?
Yes, parking has historically been available at Hinsdale Station. Metra’s 2019 station parking data listed 336 spaces, although current capacity and availability should be verified before traveling.
What Metra line goes through Hinsdale?
The BNSF Line serves Hinsdale.
Can I take Metra from Hinsdale to Chicago?
Yes. Take an inbound BNSF train toward Chicago Union Station.
Can I take Metra from Hinsdale to Aurora?
Yes. Take an outbound BNSF train toward Aurora, subject to the stopping pattern of the specific train.
What stations are near Hinsdale?
The nearest BNSF stations along the route include Highlands and West Hinsdale.
Does every BNSF train stop at Hinsdale?
Passengers should check the current timetable because stopping patterns can vary between individual trains.
How can I check the Hinsdale Metra schedule?
Use the current Metra BNSF timetable and real-time service information before traveling.
Can I buy Metra tickets using my phone?
Metra supports mobile ticketing through the Ventra app. Ticket availability and purchasing options can vary by fare product.
Final Thoughts
Metra Hinsdale Station is an important BNSF Line station serving downtown Hinsdale and surrounding western suburbs. Its location approximately 16.9 miles from Chicago Union Station makes it a practical rail connection for passengers traveling between Hinsdale and downtown Chicago, while outbound BNSF trains provide access to communities toward Aurora.
With BNSF service, accessibility, parking options and a downtown location, Hinsdale Station serves both regular commuters and occasional travelers. Before making a trip, passengers should always verify the latest Metra schedule, fares, parking information, train status and service alerts because operating information can change.
