Metra LaSalle Street Station is a major downtown Chicago commuter rail station and the northern terminal of the Metra Rock Island District Line. Located at 414 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60605, the station provides rail service between Chicago and communities throughout Chicago’s South Side, southern Cook County and Will County.
The station is located in Chicago’s Loop and is close to several CTA rail stations and bus routes, making it an important connection point for commuters traveling between downtown Chicago and communities such as Blue Island, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Mokena, New Lenox and Joliet.
Metra’s station accessibility guide lists LaSalle Street as fully accessible.
Metra Lasalle Street Station Schedule
Metra Lasalle Street Station First and Last Train
Weekday (Mon–Fri)
- First outbound at LaSalle Street (through to Joliet/Kankakee): ~ at 4:00 and 4:20Â AM (early morning schedules tend to start first)
- Outbound train at LaSalle Street: last service—at the end of the evening (typically before midnight)—timetable alterations; certain trains will have the schedules showing that the final outbound trains pull out at about 12:25 AM–12:30 AM (past midnight).
Weekend (Sat & Sun)
- First train, quitting LaSalle Street: about 5.30 A. M. (Earlier Saturday than Sunday)
- Last train of the weekend evenings: generally in the early evening or about 8:00 PM on Sundays, but subject to change according to the day of the week and direction—a large percentage of the trains on weekends do not run as late as on weekdays.
Weekday Schedule: LaSalle Street Station to Joliet & Orland Park
| Departure Time | Line | Destination | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 5:50 AM |
| 5:15 AM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 5:45 AM |
| 5:30 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 6:20 AM |
| 6:00 AM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 6:30 AM |
| 6:00 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 6:50 AM |
| 6:15 AM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 6:45 AM |
| 6:30 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 7:20 AM |
| 7:00 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 7:50 AM |
| 7:15 AM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 7:45 AM |
| 8:00 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 8:50 AM |
| 8:00 AM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 8:30 AM |
| 9:00 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 9:50 AM |
| 9:30 AM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 10:00 AM |
| 4:00 PM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 4:50 PM |
| 4:00 PM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 4:30 PM |
| 5:00 PM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 5:50 PM |
| 5:15 PM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 5:45 PM |
| 6:00 PM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 6:50 PM |
| 6:30 PM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 7:00 PM |
| 7:00 PM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 7:50 PM |
| 8:00 PM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 8:30 PM |
Weekend Schedule: LaSalle Street Station to Joliet & Orland Park
| Departure Time | Line | Destination | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 7:50 AM |
| 7:30 AM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 8:00 AM |
| 8:00 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 8:50 AM |
| 9:00 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 9:50 AM |
| 9:30 AM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 10:00 AM |
| 10:00 AM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 10:50 AM |
| 10:30 AM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 11:00 AM |
| 4:00 PM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 4:50 PM |
| 4:00 PM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 4:30 PM |
| 5:00 PM | Rock Island District | Joliet | 5:50 PM |
| 5:00 PM | SouthWest Service | Orland Park | 5:30 PM |
Metra LaSalle Street Station Peak & Off-peak Schedule
| Peak Period | Time Range | Traffic Pattern | Train Frequency & Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Peak | 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Heavy inbound commuter traffic toward downtown Chicago | Trains run frequently; includes more express services with fewer stops |
| Evening Peak | 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Heavy outbound commuter traffic from downtown to suburbs | Trains run frequently; includes more express services with fewer stops |
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Metra LaSalle Street Station at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Station Name | LaSalle Street Station |
| Metra Line | Rock Island District Line |
| Address | 414 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60605 |
| City | Chicago, Illinois |
| Area | Chicago Loop |
| Primary Route | Chicago LaSalle Street – Joliet |
| Station Role | Northern/Downtown Terminal |
| Accessibility | Fully accessible |
| Primary CTA Connection | LaSalle/Van Buren and nearby CTA stations |
| Main Direction | South/Southwest toward Joliet |
| Rail Service | Metra Rock Island |
| Nearby Destination | Chicago Loop, Financial District |
What Is Metra LaSalle Street Station?
LaSalle Street Station is one of the downtown terminals of the Metra system. Unlike Chicago Union Station, which serves multiple Metra routes, LaSalle Street Station primarily serves the Rock Island District Line.
The Rock Island Line extends southwest from downtown Chicago to Joliet and serves Chicago’s South Side, southern Cook County and Will County. Metra documents describe the route as approximately 40 miles between LaSalle Street and Joliet.
For many passengers, the station provides a direct connection between downtown Chicago and residential communities southwest of the city.
Where Is LaSalle Street Station?
The station is located at:
414 S. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60605
It is situated in the Chicago Loop near LaSalle Street, Van Buren Street and the Financial District. The station is also close to several CTA rail and bus connections.
Its downtown location makes it convenient for commuters whose workplaces or destinations are in the Loop.
Which Metra Line Uses LaSalle Street Station?
The Rock Island District Line uses LaSalle Street Station as its downtown terminal.
The principal route is:
LaSalle Street Station → Joliet
The line serves numerous stations in Chicago and the southwest suburbs.
Major destinations include:
- Chicago Loop
- Bronzeville
- Beverly
- Morgan Park
- Blue Island
- Robbins
- Midlothian
- Oak Forest
- Tinley Park
- Mokena
- New Lenox
- Joliet
Metra’s Rock Island station guide lists LaSalle Street as the starting point and Joliet as the western/southern endpoint of the line.
Metra Rock Island Line Station List
The Rock Island District Line includes the following stations:
| # | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | LaSalle Street |
| 2 | 35th Street/Lou Jones/Bronzeville |
| 3 | Gresham |
| 4 | 95th Street/Longwood |
| 5 | 103rd Street/Washington Heights |
| 6 | Brainerd |
| 7 | 91st Street/Beverly Hills |
| 8 | 95th Street/Beverly Hills |
| 9 | 99th Street/Beverly Hills |
| 10 | 103rd Street/Beverly Hills |
| 11 | 107th Street/Beverly Hills |
| 12 | 111th Street/Morgan Park |
| 13 | 115th Street/Morgan Park |
| 14 | 119th Street |
| 15 | 123rd Street |
| 16 | Prairie Street |
| 17 | Blue Island/Vermont Street |
| 18 | Robbins |
| 19 | Midlothian |
| 20 | Oak Forest |
| 21 | Tinley Park |
| 22 | Tinley Park/80th Avenue |
| 23 | Hickory Creek/Mokena |
| 24 | Mokena/Front Street |
| 25 | New Lenox |
| 26 | Joliet |
Metra’s station guide also identifies accessibility classifications for individual Rock Island stations. LaSalle Street and several stations along the route are fully accessible, while some stations have partial or no accessibility.
Metra LaSalle Street Station Schedule
Metra operates Rock Island trains from LaSalle Street toward destinations on the Rock Island corridor.
The exact schedule depends on:
- Weekday or weekend
- Peak or off-peak period
- Train number
- Express or local service
- Construction or special operating conditions
Because schedules can change, passengers should check the current Rock Island District Line timetable before traveling rather than relying on an older schedule.
Trains From LaSalle Street
Passengers departing LaSalle Street generally travel toward:
Joliet
Some trains may make different numbers of intermediate stops, so checking the individual train’s stopping pattern is important.
Arriving at LaSalle Street
Inbound Rock Island trains travel toward downtown Chicago and terminate at LaSalle Street Station.
This makes the station particularly useful for commuters who work in the Loop.
Platform Information at LaSalle Street Station
LaSalle Street Station has specific platform arrangements for Rock Island trains.
Metra’s station guide explains that inbound trains toward Chicago use the east platform, while outbound trains toward Joliet use the west platform. Platform changes can occur, and announcements are made when operating conditions require them.
During non-peak periods and weekends, freight traffic can also affect platform operations, so passengers should pay attention to station announcements.
Important Platform Tip
Do not rely solely on where another train is boarding.
Instead:
- Check the train’s destination.
- Check the departure board.
- Listen for announcements.
- Follow posted platform instructions.
- Confirm the train is going toward your destination before boarding.
LaSalle Street Station to Joliet
One of the most important journeys from the station is:
LaSalle Street Station → Joliet
Joliet is the southern endpoint of the Rock Island District Line.
The route provides rail access to communities including:
- Blue Island
- Midlothian
- Oak Forest
- Tinley Park
- Mokena
- New Lenox
- Joliet
The exact travel time depends on the individual train and number of stops.
LaSalle Street Station to Blue Island
Blue Island is an important destination on the Rock Island Line.
Passengers can travel from LaSalle Street to Blue Island/Vermont Street Station, which also serves as a transfer point for accessing Metra Electric service. Metra specifically identifies Blue Island/Vermont Street as the transfer point for connecting to Metra Electric trains.
This makes Blue Island an important interchange for passengers continuing to destinations served by the Metra Electric system.
LaSalle Street Station to Tinley Park
Passengers traveling from downtown Chicago toward Tinley Park can use Rock Island trains serving:
- Tinley Park
- Tinley Park/80th Avenue
The correct station depends on the passenger’s final destination.
Passengers should check the current timetable to determine whether their chosen train stops at the desired Tinley Park station.
LaSalle Street Station to Mokena
Mokena is served by two Rock Island stations:
- Hickory Creek/Mokena
- Mokena/Front Street
Passengers should confirm the exact station before boarding, especially when traveling to a specific neighborhood or destination in Mokena.
LaSalle Street Station to Joliet Transportation Connections
Joliet provides connections beyond the Rock Island Line. Metra’s station guide notes that Joliet has an Amtrak station, making it possible for passengers to connect with intercity rail services.
This can make the Rock Island Line useful as part of a longer regional journey.
CTA Connections at LaSalle Street Station
One of the key advantages of LaSalle Street Station is its location near CTA rail and bus services.
Nearby CTA connections include:
- LaSalle/Van Buren
- LaSalle
- Nearby Loop stations
- Multiple CTA bus routes
The LaSalle/Van Buren station provides access to several elevated CTA lines, while the nearby LaSalle station serves the Blue Line.
Passengers should check current CTA service information for operating hours, route changes and connections.
Metra and CTA Connection
A typical transfer can look like:
Rock Island Line → LaSalle Street Station → Walk to nearby CTA station → CTA train
The short distance between the rail facilities makes the station useful for commuters whose final destination is outside walking distance of the Loop.
LaSalle Street Station and Chicago’s Loop
The station’s downtown location puts passengers close to Chicago’s central business district.
Nearby areas include:
- Chicago Loop
- Financial District
- LaSalle Street
- Van Buren Street
- Jackson Boulevard
- State Street
- Dearborn Street
For many passengers, the ability to walk from the station to a downtown workplace eliminates the need for another train or bus connection.
LaSalle Street Station Parking
Unlike suburban Metra stations, LaSalle Street Station is located in the downtown Chicago Loop rather than in a suburban park-and-ride environment.
Passengers driving to the station should consider nearby public parking facilities and downtown parking rules rather than expecting a large dedicated commuter parking lot.
Because downtown parking availability and rates can change, passengers should check current parking information before traveling.
For many daily commuters, taking local transit, walking or being dropped off may be more practical than driving directly to the station.
Is LaSalle Street Station Accessible?
Yes. Metra’s accessibility guide classifies LaSalle Street as fully accessible.
Passengers who need accessibility assistance should still check current station conditions before traveling, particularly if they require a specific elevator, entrance or platform accommodation.
Train Tracker for LaSalle Street Station
A real-time train tracking tool can be useful when traveling from LaSalle Street Station.
Before leaving for the station, passengers can check:
- Train status
- Estimated arrival information
- Departure information
- Service disruptions
- Delays
- Train direction
Real-time information is especially useful when traveling during severe weather, construction periods or other service disruptions.
Metra LaSalle Street Station Fares
Metra fares are based on the applicable zones and the origin and destination of the trip.
Passengers may have access to different fare products depending on their travel needs, including:
- One-Way tickets
- Day passes
- Monthly passes
- Weekend fare products
- Reduced-fare options for eligible riders
Fare rules can change, so travelers should check the current Metra fare information before purchasing a ticket.
Buying Metra Tickets
Passengers may purchase eligible Metra tickets through available station ticketing options or the Ventra app.
If using a mobile ticket, passengers should make sure the ticket is properly activated and ready to display when required.
LaSalle Street Station for Daily Commuters
LaSalle Street Station is particularly important for commuters who travel between Chicago and the southwest suburbs.
A typical commuter trip may involve:
- Arriving at LaSalle Street Station.
- Checking the Rock Island departure board.
- Confirming the destination.
- Purchasing or activating the correct ticket.
- Following platform announcements.
- Boarding the Rock Island train.
- Exiting at the required suburban station.
For the return journey, passengers can board an inbound Rock Island train toward Chicago LaSalle Street.
LaSalle Street Station for Visitors
Visitors can also use LaSalle Street Station to reach destinations outside central Chicago.
For example, a visitor staying in downtown Chicago can travel by Rock Island to destinations such as:
- Blue Island
- Oak Forest
- Tinley Park
- Mokena
- New Lenox
- Joliet
The station can therefore serve as an entry point for exploring communities southwest of Chicago.
Important Travel Tips for LaSalle Street Station
1. Check the train destination
Rock Island trains can have different stopping patterns. Confirm that the train serves your destination.
2. Watch platform announcements
Platform assignments can change, particularly during non-peak periods, weekends or when freight traffic affects operations.
3. Arrive early
Give yourself enough time to find the correct platform and purchase or activate your ticket.
4. Check weekend schedules
Weekend service can differ from weekday service.
5. Check service alerts
Construction and operational changes can affect train schedules and boarding locations.
6. Keep your phone charged
If you are using a mobile ticket, make sure your phone has sufficient battery and that your ticket is available when needed.
7. Confirm your suburban station
Some communities have multiple Rock Island stations. For example, Tinley Park and Mokena each have more than one station.
LaSalle Street Station vs. Chicago Union Station
LaSalle Street Station and Chicago Union Station are both major downtown Chicago rail terminals, but they serve different Metra routes.
| Feature | LaSalle Street Station | Chicago Union Station |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Metra Service | Rock Island | Multiple Metra lines |
| Main Route | Rock Island District | BNSF, Milwaukee, Heritage Corridor, North Central Service, SouthWest Service |
| Direction | Southwest | Multiple directions |
| Main Suburban Destination | Joliet | Aurora and multiple western/northern destinations |
| Location | 414 S. LaSalle St. | 225 S. Canal St. |
| CTA Access | Nearby Loop CTA stations | CTA and nearby transit connections |
| Accessibility | Fully accessible | Accessible |
| Area | Chicago Loop | West Loop/Chicago River area |
The most appropriate station depends on the Metra line and destination.
Why LaSalle Street Station Is Important
LaSalle Street Station plays an important role in Chicago’s regional transportation network because it provides direct commuter rail access to a large portion of the city’s South Side and southwest suburbs.
Its importance comes from several factors:
- Downtown Loop location
- Direct Rock Island service
- Access to suburban communities
- Connections to CTA services
- Fully accessible station classification
- Connection to Joliet
- Transfer opportunity at Blue Island/Vermont Street
The Rock Island corridor itself has a long history in Chicago-area transportation, and Metra continues to operate commuter service along the route today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metra LaSalle Street Station
Is LaSalle Street Station a Metra station?
Yes. LaSalle Street Station is a Metra terminal serving the Rock Island District Line.
What Metra line leaves from LaSalle Street Station?
The Rock Island District Line operates from LaSalle Street Station toward Joliet.
What is the address of Metra LaSalle Street Station?
The station is located at 414 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60605.
Where does the Rock Island Line go from LaSalle Street?
The Rock Island Line travels southwest from downtown Chicago through Chicago’s South Side and southwest suburbs toward Joliet.
Is LaSalle Street Station accessible?
Yes. Metra’s station guide lists LaSalle Street as fully accessible.
Does LaSalle Street Station connect to the CTA?
Yes. Several CTA rail stations and bus routes are located nearby, including LaSalle/Van Buren and the nearby LaSalle station.
Can I take Metra from LaSalle Street to Joliet?
Yes. Joliet is the southern endpoint of the Rock Island District Line.
Can I transfer from Rock Island to Metra Electric?
Yes. Blue Island/Vermont Street is identified by Metra as the transfer point for accessing Metra Electric trains.
Does LaSalle Street Station have parking?
Because the station is located in downtown Chicago, passengers generally use nearby downtown parking facilities rather than a large suburban-style commuter parking lot. Parking availability and rates should be checked before traveling.
How do I check the LaSalle Street Metra schedule?
Check the current Rock Island District Line timetable and Metra’s real-time service information before your trip.
Does every Rock Island train stop at every station?
No. Train stopping patterns can vary. Always check the current timetable for your specific train.
Is LaSalle Street Station near the Chicago Loop?
Yes. The station is located in the Loop near LaSalle Street and Van Buren Street.
Is LaSalle Street Station the same as the CTA LaSalle station?
No. They are separate transit facilities, although they are located close to one another and provide convenient connections between Metra and CTA services.
Final Thoughts
Metra LaSalle Street Station is a major downtown Chicago commuter rail terminal and the primary downtown gateway for the Rock Island District Line. Located at 414 S. LaSalle Street, it connects Chicago’s Loop with communities across the South Side, southern Cook County and Will County, ultimately reaching Joliet.
For commuters and visitors, the station offers access to the Rock Island corridor, nearby CTA services, connections at Blue Island/Vermont Street and a fully accessible downtown rail facility. Since schedules, fares, platform assignments and service conditions can change, passengers should check current Metra information before traveling.
