The Metra Milwaukee District West Line (MD-W) is a commuter rail line connecting Chicago Union Station with Big Timber Road in Elgin, Illinois. The line serves communities across Chicago’s northwest and western suburbs, including Franklin Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Itasca, Roselle, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Bartlett, and Elgin.
For daily commuters, students, workers, and visitors, the Milwaukee District West Line provides a convenient rail connection between downtown Chicago and communities in the northwest suburbs. Metra identifies the line as Milwaukee District West (MD-W), with service extending to Big Timber Road in Elgin.
Metra Milwaukee District West Line at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Milwaukee District West Line |
| Abbreviation | MD-W |
| Starting Point | Chicago Union Station |
| Western/Northwestern Terminal | Big Timber Road, Elgin |
| Main Service Area | Chicago and northwest/western suburbs |
| Major Communities Served | Franklin Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Itasca, Roselle, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Elgin |
| Total Route Length | Approximately 39.8 miles |
| Number of Listed Stops | 22 |
| Downtown Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station |
| Elgin Terminal | Big Timber Road |
| Fare Structure | Zone-based |
| Ticket Options | One-Way, Day Pass, Ten-Ride, Monthly and applicable reduced fares |
| Accessibility | Most stations are accessible; Mannheim has historically been listed as not accessible |
| Line Code | MD-W |
Metra documentation identifies the Milwaukee West route as approximately 39.8 miles between Chicago Union Station and Big Timber Road.
What Is the Metra Milwaukee District West Line?
The Milwaukee District West Line, commonly called the MD-W Line, is one of Metra’s commuter rail routes serving the Chicago metropolitan area.
The line begins at Chicago Union Station and travels northwest and west through several communities before reaching Big Timber Road in Elgin.
The route serves a mixture of dense Chicago neighborhoods, established suburban communities, commercial areas, and residential suburbs. Stations such as Franklin Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Itasca, Roselle, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Bartlett, and Elgin make the line particularly useful for commuters traveling between downtown Chicago and the western suburbs.
Metra’s current official merchandise catalog also identifies the Milwaukee District West as the line running to Elgin, confirming the route’s Chicago-to-Elgin orientation.
Metra Milwaukee District West Line Stations
The Milwaukee District West Line has 22 listed stations/stops, including Chicago Union Station and Big Timber Road.
Milwaukee District West Line Station List
| # | Station | Fare Zone* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago Union Station | A |
| 2 | Western Avenue | A |
| 3 | Grand/Cicero | B |
| 4 | Hanson Park | B |
| 5 | Galewood | B |
| 6 | Mars | B |
| 7 | Mont Clare | B |
| 8 | Elmwood Park | C |
| 9 | River Grove | C |
| 10 | Franklin Park | C |
| 11 | Mannheim | C |
| 12 | Bensenville | D |
| 13 | Wood Dale | D |
| 14 | Itasca | E |
| 15 | Medinah | E |
| 16 | Roselle | E |
| 17 | Schaumburg | F |
| 18 | Hanover Park | F |
| 19 | Bartlett | F |
| 20 | National Street, Elgin | H |
| 21 | Elgin, Chicago Street | H |
| 22 | Big Timber Road | H |
*Fare-zone information in the table follows Metra’s published station/fare-zone documentation. Metra has since transitioned to its current simplified fare-zone structure for rider-facing fares, so passengers should use the current fare chart/calculator when purchasing a ticket.
Metra’s official MD-W station merchandise catalog also lists stations including Bartlett, Bensenville, Big Timber Road/Elgin, Elgin, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Galewood, Grand/Cicero, Hanover Park, Itasca, Mannheim, Mars, Medinah, Mont Clare, National Street/Elgin, River Grove, Roselle, Schaumburg, and Wood Dale.
Milwaukee District West Line Route
The MD-W route can be understood in three broad sections:
1. Chicago to Franklin Park
The train leaves Chicago Union Station and serves:
- Western Avenue
- Grand/Cicero
- Hanson Park
- Galewood
- Mars
- Mont Clare
- Elmwood Park
- River Grove
- Franklin Park
- Mannheim
This portion provides service between downtown Chicago and communities immediately northwest of the city.
2. Franklin Park to Schaumburg
Continuing west, the route serves:
- Bensenville
- Wood Dale
- Itasca
- Medinah
- Roselle
- Schaumburg
These stations serve major suburban residential and employment areas.
3. Schaumburg to Elgin
The western portion continues through:
- Hanover Park
- Bartlett
- National Street
- Elgin
- Big Timber Road
This section connects Elgin-area riders with downtown Chicago and intermediate suburbs.
Metra Milwaukee District West Line Schedule
The Milwaukee District West schedule varies depending on the day, direction, train, and station.
Typical travel patterns include:
- Morning inbound trains toward Chicago
- Afternoon and evening outbound trains from Chicago
- Additional midday service
- Weekend service on a different pattern from weekday service
- Different stopping patterns for some trains
Metra’s published ridership dashboards show MD-W trains operating in both directions on weekdays and weekends, with different train numbers and departure patterns.
Inbound Direction
Inbound generally means traveling toward:
Big Timber Road/Elgin → Chicago Union Station
Inbound trains are commonly used by commuters traveling to downtown Chicago.
Outbound Direction
Outbound generally means traveling away from Chicago:
Chicago Union Station → Elgin/Big Timber Road
These trains serve passengers returning to suburban communities.
Important Schedule Tip
Do not rely on an old timetable for a specific trip. Metra schedules can change because of service adjustments, construction, special events, or operational requirements.
Before traveling, check the current MD-W timetable and Metra service alerts for your travel date.
Milwaukee District West Line Weekend Service
Weekend travel on the MD-W Line follows a different service pattern from weekday commuting.
Metra’s published weekend ridership dashboards show Saturday and Sunday MD-W service, including trains between Big Timber Road/Elgin and Chicago Union Station.
Because weekend schedules are generally less frequent than weekday peak service, passengers should check the timetable before leaving for the station.
This is particularly important when:
- Traveling early in the morning
- Returning late at night
- Connecting with another train
- Traveling to downtown Chicago for an event
- Planning a weekend trip from Elgin or Schaumburg
Milwaukee District West Line Map
A Milwaukee District West Line map helps passengers understand how the stations are positioned between Chicago and Elgin.
The general route is:
Chicago Union Station → Western Avenue → Grand/Cicero → Hanson Park → Galewood → Mars → Mont Clare → Elmwood Park → River Grove → Franklin Park → Mannheim → Bensenville → Wood Dale → Itasca → Medinah → Roselle → Schaumburg → Hanover Park → Bartlett → National Street → Elgin → Big Timber Road
The route travels generally northwest/west from downtown Chicago toward Elgin.
When planning a trip, use the current official Metra map and timetable because station service and schedules can change.
Milwaukee District West Line Fares
Metra fares are based on the stations and zones involved in a journey.
The current Metra fare chart provides prices for different ticket types, including:
- One-Way
- Day Pass
- Ten-Ride
- Monthly
For example, the current published fare chart lists a $4.00 One-Way fare for Zone A, while prices increase for longer trips between applicable zones. The same chart lists a $6.00 Day Pass for Zone A and a $116 Monthly fare for Zone A. Actual fares for a particular MD-W trip depend on the origin and destination.
Why Your MD-W Fare Can Be Different
A passenger traveling:
Chicago → Bensenville
may pay a different fare from someone traveling:
Chicago → Elgin
because the destination is farther from downtown and falls into a different fare relationship.
Always check the current fare for your exact origin and destination rather than assuming every MD-W trip has the same price.
Metra Milwaukee District West One-Way Ticket
A Metra One-Way Ticket is designed for a single continuous journey.
It can be useful when you:
- Travel occasionally
- Commute only a few days per week
- Are visiting Chicago
- Need a single trip to or from Elgin
- Do not need unlimited travel during the day
The current fare depends on the applicable fare zones.
Metra Milwaukee District West Day Pass
A Metra Day Pass can be useful for passengers making multiple trips on the same day.
It may make sense for:
- Chicago day trips
- Weekend sightseeing
- Multiple train journeys
- Visitors traveling between suburbs and downtown
- Passengers making both an outbound and return journey
Check the current Metra fare rules before purchasing because validity and pricing are subject to the current fare policy.
Metra Milwaukee District West Ten-Ride Ticket
For riders who travel periodically rather than every weekday, a Ten-Ride Ticket can be another option.
It can be useful for:
- Hybrid workers
- Part-time commuters
- Students
- Occasional business travelers
- Riders who do not need a Monthly Pass
Metra’s current fare chart includes Ten-Ride tickets as a fare product.
Metra Milwaukee District West Monthly Pass
A Monthly Pass is generally intended for frequent riders who travel regularly between the same applicable zones.
It can be useful for commuters traveling:
Elgin/Schaumburg/Bartlett → Chicago
or other recurring MD-W journeys.
The price depends on the applicable fare zones, and Metra’s current fare chart lists Monthly Pass prices by fare relationship.
How to Buy a Milwaukee District West Ticket
Passengers can use Metra’s available ticketing options, including mobile ticketing through the Ventra app and station ticket vending machines where available.
Before boarding:
- Identify your origin station.
- Identify your destination.
- Check the applicable fare.
- Select the correct ticket.
- Activate or use the ticket according to the current Metra rules.
- Keep the ticket available for inspection.
Passengers should make sure they purchase the ticket corresponding to their actual trip.
Milwaukee District West Line Parking
Parking is available at many suburban MD-W stations, although parking arrangements vary by station.
Common parking considerations include:
- Daily parking
- Monthly parking
- Permit requirements
- Parking fees
- Accessible parking
- Overnight parking restrictions
- Weekend parking rules
Do not assume that parking conditions at one station apply to another.
For example, parking at Schaumburg can have different rules from parking at Elgin, Bartlett, Roselle, or Bensenville.
Check the current station-specific parking information before leaving your vehicle.
Milwaukee District West Line Accessibility
Accessibility varies by station.
Metra’s ADA Rider’s Guide lists most MD-W stations as fully accessible, including:
- Chicago Union Station
- Western Avenue
- Grand/Cicero
- Hanson Park
- Galewood
- Mars
- Mont Clare
- Elmwood Park
- River Grove
- Franklin Park
- Bensenville
- Wood Dale
- Itasca
- Medinah
- Roselle
- Schaumburg
- Hanover Park
- Bartlett
- National Street
- Elgin
- Big Timber Road
The same guide lists Mannheim as not accessible.
Accessibility information can change as stations are improved, so passengers who require an accessible boarding location should verify current station conditions before traveling.
Chicago Union Station and the Milwaukee District West Line
Chicago Union Station is the downtown terminal for the Milwaukee District West Line.
It is an important transportation hub for passengers connecting between Metra, Amtrak, CTA, buses, taxis, rideshare services, and downtown Chicago destinations.
For an MD-W passenger, Chicago Union Station is particularly important because it provides the connection between the commuter rail network and central Chicago.
Big Timber Road Station
Big Timber Road is the western end of the Milwaukee District West Line.
The station is located in the Elgin area and serves as an important suburban endpoint for MD-W trains.
Passengers traveling from Big Timber Road toward Chicago can connect with the line’s intermediate stations before reaching Chicago Union Station.
Elgin and Milwaukee District West
Elgin is one of the most important communities served by the MD-W Line.
The Elgin area has:
- National Street
- Elgin
- Big Timber Road
as listed MD-W stops.
Metra’s official route information identifies the line as extending to Big Timber Road in Elgin.
For residents of Elgin, the line provides rail access toward:
- Bartlett
- Schaumburg
- Roselle
- Itasca
- Wood Dale
- Bensenville
- Franklin Park
- Chicago
Schaumburg on the Milwaukee District West Line
- Schaumburg is another major suburban station on the MD-W route.
- The station provides access to the Chicago commuter rail network for residents and employees in the surrounding area.
- Schaumburg passengers can travel toward Chicago or west toward Hanover Park, Bartlett, and Elgin.
- The station is also positioned between the Roselle and Hanover Park portions of the route.
Bartlett on the Milwaukee District West Line
Bartlett is located west of Hanover Park and east of the Elgin area.
The station is useful for residents traveling toward:
- Chicago
- Schaumburg
- Roselle
- Elgin
Bartlett is particularly relevant for regular commuters who need rail access to downtown Chicago without driving into the city.
Roselle on the Milwaukee District West Line
- Roselle is located between Medinah and Schaumburg.
- The station provides MD-W service for local residents and commuters traveling in either direction.
- Roselle is also part of the suburban section of the route where several stations are relatively close together compared with the longer distances farther west.
Bensenville on the Milwaukee District West Line
Bensenville is located west of Mannheim and east of Wood Dale.
The station is part of the suburban MD-W corridor and provides access toward downtown Chicago and western destinations.
Its location also makes the MD-W corridor relevant for people traveling through the Bensenville and surrounding communities.
Wood Dale on the Milwaukee District West Line
- Wood Dale is located between Bensenville and Itasca.
- The station provides commuters with access to Chicago Union Station through the Milwaukee District West Line.
- It can also be useful for passengers traveling between nearby suburban communities along the route.
Franklin Park on the Milwaukee District West Line
Franklin Park is an important MD-W station in the inner-suburban section of the line.
Passengers can use Franklin Park to travel toward:
- Chicago Union Station
- River Grove
- Elmwood Park
- Bensenville
- Wood Dale
- Other western suburban stations
Franklin Park also has significance for Metra’s broader network because the North Central Service serves the Franklin Park area as well.
River Grove Station
- River Grove is another useful connection point in the inner-suburban section of the Milwaukee District West corridor.
- Metra’s ADA guide specifically notes River Grove in relation to the North Central Service transfer.
- This makes the station relevant for passengers planning connections between different Metra services.
Milwaukee District West Line Train Tracker
Passengers searching for a Milwaukee District West train tracker generally want to know:
- Where the train is
- Whether it is on time
- Whether it is delayed
- The next arrival
- The next departure
- Service disruptions
For real-time travel information, use Metra’s current train tracking and service-information tools rather than relying on an old timetable.
This is especially important during:
- Severe weather
- Winter storms
- Track maintenance
- Construction
- Special events
- Mechanical problems
- Major Chicago events
Milwaukee District West Service Alerts
Service alerts can affect the MD-W Line because train operations may be adjusted due to:
- Track work
- Construction
- Weather
- Signal problems
- Equipment issues
- Freight railroad activity
- Emergency situations
Check Metra’s current alerts before traveling, especially if you have an appointment, flight, event, or work commitment.
How Long Is the Milwaukee District West Line?
The Milwaukee District West Line is approximately 39.8 miles long, running between Chicago Union Station and Big Timber Road in Elgin.
The actual travel time depends on:
- Your origin station
- Your destination
- Number of stops
- Train stopping pattern
- Schedule
- Delays
- Service conditions
Therefore, it is better to use the current timetable for a specific trip instead of relying on one fixed travel-time estimate for the entire line.
Milwaukee District West vs Milwaukee District North
The names can cause confusion because Metra operates both:
Milwaukee District West (MD-W)
and
Milwaukee District North (MD-N).
| Feature | Milwaukee District West | Milwaukee District North |
|---|---|---|
| Short Name | MD-W | MD-N |
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station | Chicago Union Station |
| Main Destination | Elgin/Big Timber Road | Fox Lake |
| Major Communities | Bensenville, Schaumburg, Bartlett, Elgin | Glenview, Northbrook, Libertyville, Fox Lake |
| Direction | Northwest/West | North/Northwest |
| Airport Connection | No direct O’Hare station on MD-W | No direct O’Hare station on MD-N |
| Primary Use | Western/northwestern suburban commuting | Northern suburban commuting |
The two lines share Chicago Union Station but serve different suburban corridors.
Who Uses the Milwaukee District West Line?
The MD-W Line can serve a wide range of passengers, including:
Daily Commuters
Employees who work in downtown Chicago can use the line instead of driving into the city.
Suburban Residents
People living around:
- Bensenville
- Wood Dale
- Itasca
- Roselle
- Schaumburg
- Hanover Park
- Bartlett
- Elgin
can use MD-W stations for travel toward Chicago or neighboring communities.
Students
Students may use Metra for regular travel between suburban communities and Chicago-area educational institutions.
Weekend Visitors
Weekend service can be useful for people visiting Chicago for:
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Events
- Sports
- Entertainment
- Downtown attractions
Tips for Riding the Milwaukee District West Line
1. Check the Schedule Before Leaving
Do not assume trains operate at the same frequency throughout the day.
2. Confirm Your Station
Several communities have multiple nearby transit options, so confirm the exact MD-W station.
3. Purchase the Correct Fare
Your fare depends on your origin and destination.
4. Arrive Early
Give yourself enough time for parking, walking to the platform, and boarding.
5. Check Service Alerts
A scheduled train can be affected by operational disruptions.
6. Check Weekend Service Separately
Weekend schedules can be substantially different from weekday schedules.
7. Keep Your Ticket Ready
Conductors may inspect tickets during the journey.
8. Plan Your Return Trip
If visiting Chicago from Elgin, Schaumburg, Bartlett, or another MD-W station, check the return schedule before starting your activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Milwaukee District West Line?
The Milwaukee District West Line, or MD-W, is a Metra commuter rail line connecting Chicago Union Station with Big Timber Road in Elgin.
Where does the Milwaukee District West Line start?
The line starts at Chicago Union Station.
Where does the Milwaukee District West Line end?
The route extends to Big Timber Road in Elgin.
Does the Milwaukee District West Line go to Elgin?
Yes. The MD-W Line serves the Elgin area, including National Street, Elgin, and Big Timber Road.
How many stations are on the Milwaukee District West Line?
The route has 22 listed stops, including Chicago Union Station and Big Timber Road.
Does Milwaukee District West run on weekends?
Yes. Metra’s published weekend ridership information shows MD-W service on Saturdays and Sundays, although weekend schedules differ from weekday schedules.
What is the Milwaukee District West Line fare?
The fare depends on the origin and destination. Metra uses zone-based fares, with current prices published in its official fare chart.
Can I buy a Milwaukee District West ticket on my phone?
Yes. Metra supports mobile ticketing through the Ventra app.
Is the Milwaukee District West Line accessible?
Most MD-W stations listed in Metra’s ADA guide are accessible. Mannheim is listed as not accessible in that guide.
Does Milwaukee District West go to O’Hare Airport?
The MD-W Line itself does not serve an O’Hare Transfer station. Passengers traveling to O’Hare should evaluate available CTA or other connecting transportation options from their MD-W station or downtown Chicago.
Does Milwaukee District West go to Schaumburg?
Yes. Schaumburg is one of the stations on the MD-W Line.
Does Milwaukee District West go to Bartlett?
Yes. Bartlett is served by the Milwaukee District West Line.
Does Milwaukee District West go to Roselle?
Yes. Roselle is an MD-W station.
What is the last station on the Milwaukee District West Line?
For the route toward Elgin, Big Timber Road is the western terminal.
Final Thoughts
The Metra Milwaukee District West Line is an important commuter rail route connecting Chicago Union Station with Elgin and communities across the western and northwestern suburbs.
With stations serving areas such as Franklin Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Itasca, Roselle, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Bartlett, and Elgin, the line supports both weekday commuting and weekend travel.
