The Metra Southwest Service Line is an important transit line serving downtown Chicago and the southwest suburbs. From its northern to southern terminus at LaSalle Street Station and Manhattan, respectively, it serves some city neighborhoods as well as a variety of suburban communities, including Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Orland Park, and Mokena (with New Lenox service being provided via the Rock Island District).
It’s a very convenient line for commuters, and its express and local trains provide options to suit specific travel requirements. There are regular links at peak hours and one per hour at off-peak times.
The Metra Southwest Service Line has multiple parking options at its stations, such as daily, permit, and accessible spots. Riders can buy tickets at ticket vending machines, the Ventra app, or onboard from conductors. The Southwest Service Line is a convenient route for customers heading to work or out on the town.
Metra Southwest Service Line Schedule
Metra Southwest Service Line Weekdays Schedule
| Departure from Chicago (LaSalle St.) | Arrival at Destination | Stops | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5:00 AM | 5:55 AM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| 2 | 5:30 AM | 6:25 AM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| 3 | 6:00 AM | 6:55 AM (Joliet) | Oak Lawn, Mokena, Tinley Park |
| 4 | 6:30 AM | 7:25 AM (Joliet) | Orland Park, Mokena, Tinley Park |
| 5 | 7:00 AM | 7:55 AM (Kankakee) | Oak Lawn, Tinley Park, Joliet |
| 6 | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM (Joliet) | Orland Park, Mokena, Tinley Park |
| 7 | 8:30 AM | 9:30 AM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park |
| 8 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM (Joliet) | Tinley Park, Mokena |
| 9 | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM (New Lenox) | Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| 10 | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM (Joliet) | Oak Lawn, Mokena, Tinley Park |
Metra Southwest Service Line Weekends Schedule
| Train # | Departure from Chicago (LaSalle St.) | Arrival at Destination | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6:00 AM | 7:00 AM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| 2 | 7:30 AM | 8:30 AM (New Lenox) | Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| 3 | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM (Joliet) | Oak Lawn, Mokena, Tinley Park |
| 4 | 9:30 AM | 10:30 AM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park |
| 5 | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM (Joliet) | Mokena, Tinley Park |
| 6 | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM (Joliet) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park |
| 7 | 12:30 PM | 1:30 PM (New Lenox) | Tinley Park, Mokena |
| 8 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park |
| 9 | 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM (Joliet) | Tinley Park, Mokena |
| 10 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM (New Lenox) | Oak Lawn, Orland Park |
Metra Southwest Service Line Overview
Below is the station Overview.
Metra Southwest Service Line Key Highlights
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Runs from LaSalle Street Station (Chicago) to Manhattan, Illinois |
| Number of Stations | 13 |
| Service Type | Commuter rail |
| Operating Days | Weekdays only (Monday to Friday) |
| Train Frequency | Limited service, mostly during peak hours |
| Travel Time | Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Chicago to Manhattan |
| Connections | Transfers available to other Metra lines at LaSalle Street Station |
| Accessibility | Stations and trains are ADA accessible |
| Parking | Available at several suburban stations |
| Fare System | Zone-based fares |
| Ticket Purchase Options | Ventra app, station ticket agents, onboard (with surcharge) |
Metra Southwest Service Line Parking Information
1. LaSalle Street Station (Chicago)
- Parking: Paid parking is also available near Union Station, the beginning of the Southwest Service Line.
- What you’ll pay: Parking garages, lots, and street parking surrounding the station.
- Payment: With apps like SpotHero, ParkMobile, and Passport Parking.
2. Oak Lawn Station
- Parking: Large parking lot available.
- Spaces: Daily-use and permit-only spaces.
- ADA Access: ADA-compliant spaces available.
3. Palos Heights Station
- Parking: Large lot with parking by permit only and long-term spaces.
- Spaces: 101 total, including ADA parking.
- Payment: Pay at ticket vending machines or use ParkMobile.
4. Orland Park Station
- Parking: Multiple lots by the station with daily-use and permit parking, as well as A.D.A.-accessible spots.
- Spaces: More than 300 spaces in total.
- Payment: Available via ParkMobile or at the ticket vending machines.
5. Mokena Station
- Parking: Plenty of spaces in daily-use and permit lots.
- ADA: Several ADA-compliant spaces provided.
- Payment: ParkMobile app and ticket machines.
6. New Lenox Station
- Parking: Daily and permit parking are available.
- ADA Access: ADA-accessible spaces available.
- Parking: Available through ParkMobile and ticket vending machines.
General Parking Information:
- Daily Fee Parking: Usually between $1 and $2 per day at station lots.
- Permit Parking: Some stations have permit-only spaces for commuters.
- Parking Information: ADA parking: Yes. Each Southwest Service station is equipped with ADA accessible parking.
- Methods of Payment: In most stations, ParkMobile, Passport Parking apps, and ticket vending machines are accepted.
Metra Southwest Service Line Stations
- LaSalle Street Station (Chicago)
- Blue Island
- Harvey
- Hazel Crest
- Homewood
- Flossmoor
- Chicago Heights
- Glenwood
- Thornton
- South Chicago Heights
- Peotone
- Manteno
- Manhattan
Metra Southwest Service Line Nearby Attractions
- Chicago Union Station:
- Sedgwick
- Chicago Ridge Station:
- Oak Lawn
- Worth Station
- Palos Hills
- Orland Park
- Manhattan
Metra Southwest Service Line Transfers and Connections
1. LaSalle Street Station (Chicago)
Transfer to:
- Metra Rock Island District Line.
- Blue Line (nearest station is Clinton Station)
- CTA bus routes
- Pace suburban bus services
2. Blue Island Station
Transfer to:
- Metra Rock Island District line(Blue Island branch).
- Pace bus services
3. Harvey Station
Transfer to:
- District line (Metra Electric line) (Harvey Station).
- Pace bus services
4. Hazel Crest Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
5. Homewood Station
Transfer to:
- Homewood Station (Metra Electric District Line).
- Pace bus services
6. Flossmoor Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
7. Chicago Heights Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
8. Glenwood Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
9. Thornton Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
10. South Chicago Heights Station
Transfer to:
- Pace bus services
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The Metra SouthWest Service (SWS) is a commuter rail line connecting Chicago Union Station with Manhattan, Illinois, serving Chicago’s southwest side and communities in southwest Cook County and Will County. Metra’s current line materials identify the service as SouthWest Service (SWS) to Manhattan.
The line is particularly important for commuters traveling between downtown Chicago and communities such as Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Worth, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Orland Park, and Manhattan.
Metra Southwest Service at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | SouthWest Service |
| Abbreviation | SWS |
| Operator | Metra |
| Chicago terminal | Chicago Union Station |
| Southern terminal | Manhattan, Illinois |
| General direction | Southwest |
| Service area | Chicago, southwest Cook County and Will County |
| Major communities served | Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Orland Park, Manhattan |
| Route length | About 40.8 miles |
| Primary purpose | Commuter and regional rail service |
| Line type | Metra commuter rail |
Metra’s system information describes the SouthWest Service as a roughly 40.8-mile route from Chicago Union Station to Manhattan, while its current line merchandise and system pages identify Manhattan as the southern endpoint.
What Is the Metra Southwest Service Line?
The Metra SouthWest Service Line, often abbreviated SWS, is a commuter railroad that runs southwest from downtown Chicago to Manhattan, Illinois.
The service travels through Chicago’s southwest side and then continues through southwest Cook County into Will County. It provides an important connection for suburban residents commuting into Chicago and for passengers traveling between communities along the corridor.
Metra assumed operation of the service in 1993, when the line received its current SouthWest Service name. Service was subsequently extended farther south, reaching Manhattan in 2006.
Metra Southwest Service Route
The SouthWest Service begins at Chicago Union Station and travels southwest through Chicago and the suburbs before reaching Manhattan.
The major stations on the route are:
- Chicago Union Station
- Wrightwood
- Ashburn
- Oak Lawn
- Worth
- Chicago Ridge
- Palos Heights
- Palos Park
- 143rd Street/Orland Park
- 153rd Street/Orland Park
- 179th Street/Orland Park
- Laraway Road
- Manhattan
Metra’s current SouthWest Service collection identifies the route’s stations, including Chicago Union Station, Wrightwood, Ashburn, Oak Lawn, Worth, Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights, Palos Park, the three Orland Park stations, Laraway Road, and Manhattan.
Metra Southwest Service Stations
1. Chicago Union Station
Chicago Union Station is the northern terminal of the SouthWest Service.
Located in downtown Chicago, the station is a major transportation hub and provides access to the Loop and connections with other regional transportation services.
2. Wrightwood
Wrightwood is one of the SouthWest Service stations within Chicago.
3. Ashburn
The Ashburn station serves Chicago’s southwest side and is an important local stop on the route.
4. Oak Lawn
Oak Lawn is one of the major suburban stations on the SouthWest Service and serves the Oak Lawn community.
5. Worth
The Worth station provides Metra service to the village of Worth and surrounding areas.
6. Chicago Ridge
Chicago Ridge is another southwest suburban station along the route.
7. Palos Heights
The Palos Heights station serves the Palos Heights community.
8. Palos Park
Palos Park is located farther southwest along the route and is one of the stations serving the Palos area.
9. 143rd Street/Orland Park
This station is one of three SouthWest Service stations in Orland Park.
10. 153rd Street/Orland Park
The 153rd Street station provides another Metra access point for Orland Park residents.
11. 179th Street/Orland Park
The 179th Street station is the third Orland Park stop and is located farther south on the route.
12. Laraway Road
Laraway Road is one of the stations added as part of the extension toward Manhattan.
13. Manhattan
Manhattan is the southern terminus of the SouthWest Service.
Metra extended commuter service to Manhattan in 2006, adding approximately 12 miles of service beyond the previous endpoint.
Metra Southwest Service Stations
| Station | Community / Area | Position on Route |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Union Station | Chicago | Northern terminal |
| Wrightwood | Chicago | Chicago |
| Ashburn | Chicago | Chicago |
| Oak Lawn | Oak Lawn | Southwest suburbs |
| Worth | Worth | Southwest suburbs |
| Chicago Ridge | Chicago Ridge | Southwest suburbs |
| Palos Heights | Palos Heights | Southwest suburbs |
| Palos Park | Palos Park | Southwest suburbs |
| 143rd Street/Orland Park | Orland Park | Southwest suburbs |
| 153rd Street/Orland Park | Orland Park | Southwest suburbs |
| 179th Street/Orland Park | Orland Park | Southwest suburbs |
| Laraway Road | Will County area | Outer section |
| Manhattan | Manhattan, IL | Southern terminal |
Metra’s current SouthWest Service materials list these stations, while historical Metra system documentation identifies the route as approximately 40.8 miles long.
Metra Southwest Service Schedule
The SouthWest Service schedule is organized around inbound and outbound travel.
Inbound
Inbound trains travel toward Chicago Union Station.
These trains are particularly important for passengers commuting from:
- Oak Lawn
- Worth
- Chicago Ridge
- Palos Heights
- Palos Park
- Orland Park
- Laraway Road
- Manhattan
Outbound
Outbound trains travel away from Chicago toward Manhattan.
Passengers leaving downtown Chicago for the southwest suburbs use outbound SWS trains.
Important Schedule Information
Train schedules can change, and individual trains may have different stopping patterns. Metra’s published SWS timetable includes multiple weekday trains between Manhattan and Chicago, with some services originating or terminating at intermediate stations.
Therefore, travelers should check the current Metra timetable and service alerts for the exact date and train they intend to use.
Does Metra Southwest Service Run on Weekends?
Weekend service information is particularly important for SWS passengers because the SouthWest Service has had changes to its weekend schedule over time.
For example, Metra’s 2023 published SWS timetable explicitly stated that there was no weekend service at that time.
Historical Metra documentation also shows that Saturday SWS service had been introduced in 2009 and later modified.
Because this service pattern has changed over time, do not rely on an old SWS weekend schedule. Check Metra’s current timetable before planning a Saturday or Sunday trip.
Metra Southwest Service Fares
The fare for traveling on the SouthWest Service depends on factors such as:
- Origin station
- Destination station
- Applicable fare structure
- Ticket type
- Rider eligibility
- Current Metra fare policies
Depending on the applicable fare rules, passengers may have options such as:
- One-way tickets
- Multi-ride options
- Monthly passes
- Reduced fares for eligible riders
Since Metra fares and ticket policies can change, passengers should verify the current fare before purchasing a ticket.
How to Use the Metra Southwest Service
If you’re riding the SWS for the first time, the process is relatively straightforward.
Step 1: Find Your Station
Identify your departure station and destination.
Step 2: Determine Your Direction
- Toward Chicago → Inbound
- Toward Manhattan → Outbound
Step 3: Check the Current Timetable
Find a train that serves both your origin and destination.
Step 4: Confirm the Stop
Do not assume that every train stops at every station.
Step 5: Check Service Alerts
Construction, maintenance, weather, or operational issues can affect service.
Step 6: Purchase the Appropriate Ticket
Use the current Metra fare information for your journey.
Step 7: Arrive Early
Give yourself enough time to locate the platform and board.
Major Destinations Along the Southwest Service
Chicago Union Station
The downtown terminal provides access to Chicago’s central business district and numerous connecting transportation options.
Oak Lawn
Oak Lawn is one of the key suburban communities along the route and has historically been among the more heavily used SWS stations.
Palos Heights and Palos Park
These stations serve communities southwest of Chicago and provide commuter access to the surrounding residential areas.
Orland Park
Orland Park is particularly significant because the SWS serves it with three stations:
- 143rd Street
- 153rd Street
- 179th Street
This gives residents several rail access points depending on where they live or work.
Manhattan
Manhattan is the southern endpoint of the SWS. Metra’s extension to Manhattan began in 2006 after the route was expanded approximately 12 miles south.
Metra Southwest Service vs. Rock Island District
The SouthWest Service and Rock Island District both serve Chicago’s southwest and southern suburban region, but they are different Metra lines.
| Feature | SouthWest Service | Rock Island District |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | SWS | RI |
| Chicago terminal | Chicago Union Station | LaSalle Street Station |
| Southern direction | Southwest | South / southwest |
| SWS endpoint | Manhattan | Joliet |
| Major SWS communities | Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Orland Park | Blue Island, Tinley Park, Mokena, Joliet |
| Separate Metra route | Yes | Yes |
The two services should not be treated as interchangeable simply because they serve some overlapping geographic areas.
Metra Southwest Service vs. Metra Electric
The Metra Electric District and SouthWest Service are also separate lines.
| Feature | SouthWest Service | Metra Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | SWS | ME |
| Chicago terminal | Union Station | Millennium Station |
| General direction | Southwest | South |
| SWS endpoint | Manhattan | University Park |
| Major SWS destinations | Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Orland Park | Hyde Park, Pullman, Homewood, Flossmoor |
| Rail system | Metra commuter rail | Metra commuter rail |
| Electrified? | No | Yes |
Metra describes the Electric District as its electric line, while the SouthWest Service operates on a route associated historically with the Wabash/Norfolk Southern corridor.
History of the Metra Southwest Service
The history of the SouthWest Service goes back to the Wabash Railway.
The tracks used by today’s SWS were originally part of the Wabash mainline. Passenger and commuter operations on portions of the route changed over the decades as railroad ownership and passenger demand evolved.
Metra assumed operation of the commuter service in 1993, giving it the name SouthWest Service. The route was subsequently extended farther southwest.
Extension to Manhattan
A major milestone came in 2006, when Metra extended commuter service approximately 12 miles to Manhattan.
The extension brought scheduled commuter trains to Manhattan for the first time in decades and increased the service area of the SWS considerably.
Metra later introduced Saturday service in 2009, although weekend service has subsequently changed.
Why the Southwest Service Is Important
The SWS serves an important commuter corridor between Chicago and the southwest suburbs.
For Daily Commuters
The line provides a rail alternative for people traveling between southwest suburban communities and downtown Chicago.
For Orland Park Residents
Three stations in Orland Park provide multiple access points.
For Oak Lawn and Nearby Communities
The line provides direct commuter rail access toward Chicago Union Station.
For Manhattan
The extension to Manhattan expanded Metra’s commuter rail network farther into Will County.
Important Things to Know Before Riding
| Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Train direction | Inbound or outbound |
| Departure station | Exact station name |
| Destination | Confirm your train stops there |
| Schedule | Current timetable |
| Ticket | Current fare and ticket rules |
| Service alerts | Delays, construction, or schedule changes |
| Weekend travel | Confirm current weekend availability |
| Connections | CTA, Pace, or another Metra route if needed |
| Station access | Current accessibility information |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Metra Southwest Service Line?
The Metra SouthWest Service (SWS) is a commuter rail line connecting Chicago Union Station with Manhattan, Illinois, through Chicago’s southwest side, southwest Cook County, and Will County.
Where does the Southwest Service start?
It starts at Chicago Union Station in downtown Chicago.
Where does the Southwest Service end?
The southern endpoint is Manhattan, Illinois.
Does the Metra Southwest Service go to Orland Park?
Yes. It serves Orland Park at 143rd Street, 153rd Street, and 179th Street.
Does the Southwest Service go to Oak Lawn?
Yes. Oak Lawn is one of the stations on the SouthWest Service route.
Does the Southwest Service go to Palos Heights?
Yes. The line includes Palos Heights and Palos Park stations.
Does the Southwest Service go to Manhattan?
Yes. Manhattan is the southern terminal of the line.
How long is the Metra Southwest Service?
Metra system documentation describes the SWS as approximately 40.8 miles between Chicago Union Station and Manhattan.
Does every SWS train stop at every station?
Passengers should check the individual timetable because train stopping patterns can vary.
Does the SouthWest Service run on weekends?
Weekend service has changed over time. A published 2023 Metra timetable stated that there was no weekend SWS service at that time, so passengers should check the current timetable rather than relying on older information.
Is the Southwest Service the same as the Rock Island District?
No. They are separate Metra lines with different downtown terminals, routes, and stopping patterns.
What is the southernmost station on the Southwest Service?
Manhattan is the southern terminal.
Final Takeaway
The Metra SouthWest Service Line is an important commuter rail connection between Chicago Union Station and Manhattan, Illinois. The route serves Wrightwood, Ashburn, Oak Lawn, Worth, Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights, Palos Park, three Orland Park stations, Laraway Road, and Manhattan.
Its history is closely connected to the former Wabash Railway corridor, and Metra’s extension to Manhattan in 2006 significantly expanded the line’s reach.
For travelers, the most important information to verify before a trip is the current SWS timetable, exact train stopping pattern, fare, service alerts, and whether service is available on the day of travel. This is especially important for weekend trips because SWS weekend service has changed over time.
