The Metra Union Pacific West Line (UP-W) is a major commuter rail route connecting Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago with Elburn, Illinois. The line travels west through Chicago’s western suburbs and serves communities including Oak Park, Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Winfield, West Chicago, Geneva, La Fox, and Elburn.

For daily commuters, students, occasional travelers, and visitors, the Metra Union Pacific West Line provides an important rail connection between Chicago and the western suburbs.

This guide covers the Metra UP-W route, stations, schedule, fares, tickets, parking, accessibility, train tracker, service alerts, connections, popular stations, and travel tips.

Metra Union Pacific West Line at a Glance

Feature	Details
Line Name	Union Pacific West Line
Abbreviation	UP-W
Downtown Terminal	Ogilvie Transportation Center
Western Terminal	Elburn, Illinois
Direction	West
Main Service Area	Chicago’s western suburbs
Major Communities	Oak Park, Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, West Chicago, Geneva, Elburn
Counties Served	Cook, DuPage and Kane
Fare System	Metra zone-based fares
Ticket Options	One-Way, Day Pass, Day Pass 5-Pack, Monthly Pass
Mobile Tickets	Ventra app
Train Tracking	Metra real-time tools
Accessibility	Varies by station
Operator	Union Pacific under a purchase-of-service arrangement
Main Downtown Station	Ogilvie Transportation Center

Metra’s published station guide identifies the UP-W route as Ogilvie Transportation Center to Elburn and lists 19 stations on the line, including the downtown terminal.

What Is the Metra Union Pacific West Line?

The Union Pacific West Line, commonly called UP-W, is a Metra commuter rail route running west from downtown Chicago.

The line starts at Ogilvie Transportation Center and continues through Chicago’s western neighborhoods and suburbs before reaching Elburn in Kane County.

The UP-W corridor serves portions of:

• Cook County
• DuPage County
• Kane County

Metra’s system documentation identifies the line as extending from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Elburn and notes that the railroad infrastructure is owned by Union Pacific, with commuter service operated by Union Pacific employees under a purchase-of-service agreement with Metra.

Metra Union Pacific West Line Route

The UP-W route can be summarized as:

Ogilvie Transportation Center → Kedzie → Oak Park → River Forest → Maywood → Melrose Park → Bellwood → Berkeley → Elmhurst → Villa Park → Lombard → Glen Ellyn → College Avenue → Wheaton → Winfield → West Chicago → Geneva → La Fox → Elburn

This route gives passengers a direct rail connection between downtown Chicago and numerous communities west of the city.

Metra Union Pacific West Line Stations

The UP-W Line has 19 stations including Ogilvie Transportation Center.

#	Station	Direction
1	Ogilvie Transportation Center	Chicago
2	Kedzie	West
3	Oak Park – Marion Street	West
4	River Forest	West
5	Maywood	West
6	Melrose Park	West
7	Bellwood	West
8	Berkeley	West
9	Elmhurst	West
10	Villa Park	West
11	Lombard	West
12	Glen Ellyn	West
13	Wheaton – College Avenue	West
14	Wheaton	West
15	Winfield	West
16	West Chicago	West
17	Geneva	West
18	La Fox	West
19	Elburn	West

Metra’s official station guide lists these UP-W stations and provides accessibility classifications for each location.

Ogilvie Transportation Center

Ogilvie Transportation Center is the downtown Chicago terminal for UP-W.

The station is also the downtown terminal for:

• Union Pacific North Line
• Union Pacific Northwest Line
• Union Pacific West Line

Passengers arriving at Ogilvie can continue into Chicago’s Loop and connect with other local transportation options.

For UP-W passengers, Ogilvie is the primary downtown boarding and arrival point.

Kedzie Station

Kedzie is the first UP-W station west of downtown Chicago.

Metra’s station guide classifies Kedzie as not accessible. Passengers requiring an accessible station should verify current station conditions and consider an alternative accessible station when appropriate.

Oak Park Station

Oak Park – Marion Street is an important UP-W station serving Oak Park and surrounding communities.

It provides convenient rail access between the western suburbs and downtown Chicago.

Metra’s station guide lists Oak Park as fully accessible.

River Forest Station

The River Forest station serves the village of River Forest.

It is located along the UP-W corridor between Oak Park and Maywood.

Metra’s published station guide classifies River Forest as not accessible, so passengers with mobility requirements should verify current options before traveling.

Maywood Station

Maywood provides UP-W service to the Maywood community and surrounding western suburbs.

The station is located between River Forest and Melrose Park.

Metra’s station guide lists Maywood as fully accessible.

Melrose Park Station

The Melrose Park station serves Melrose Park and nearby communities.

It is located west of Maywood and east of Bellwood.

Metra identifies Melrose Park as a fully accessible UP-W station in its station guide.

Bellwood Station

Bellwood is another western suburban UP-W station.

The station serves Bellwood and surrounding communities and provides rail access to downtown Chicago.

Metra’s station guide classifies Bellwood as fully accessible.

Berkeley Station

Berkeley is located between Bellwood and Elmhurst.

The station serves Berkeley and nearby western suburban neighborhoods.

Metra lists Berkeley as a fully accessible station.

Elmhurst Station

Elmhurst is one of the most prominent stations on the Union Pacific West Line.

The station serves the city of Elmhurst and its surrounding business and residential areas.

Its location makes it useful for both commuters and visitors traveling between Elmhurst and downtown Chicago.

Metra’s station guide lists Elmhurst as fully accessible.

Villa Park Station

Villa Park provides rail service to the Villa Park area.

The station is located west of Elmhurst and east of Lombard.

Metra classifies Villa Park as fully accessible.

Lombard Station

Lombard is a major UP-W stop in DuPage County.

It serves commuters and residents traveling between Lombard and downtown Chicago.

Metra’s station guide lists Lombard as fully accessible.

Glen Ellyn Station

Glen Ellyn is another important UP-W station.

The station provides access to Glen Ellyn and nearby residential and commercial areas.

Metra lists Glen Ellyn as fully accessible.

Wheaton Stations

The UP-W corridor serves two Wheaton-area stations:

• Wheaton – College Avenue
• Wheaton

Both are useful for commuters and visitors traveling to Wheaton.

Metra’s station guide lists both stations as fully accessible.

Wheaton – College Avenue

This station is positioned near the College Avenue area and provides another rail access point for Wheaton passengers.

Wheaton

The main Wheaton station serves the central Wheaton area and is an important UP-W commuter stop.

Winfield Station

Winfield is located west of Wheaton.

The station serves the Winfield community and provides direct rail service toward downtown Chicago.

Metra lists Winfield as fully accessible.

West Chicago Station

West Chicago is an important station farther west along the UP-W route.

It serves West Chicago and surrounding communities in DuPage County.

Metra’s station guide identifies West Chicago as fully accessible.

Geneva Station

Geneva is one of the major western stations on the UP-W Line.

It serves the Geneva area and is located in Kane County.

Geneva provides a convenient rail connection for commuters traveling between the western suburbs and downtown Chicago.

Metra lists Geneva as fully accessible.

La Fox Station

La Fox is located west of Geneva and east of Elburn.

The station serves a smaller community but provides access to the UP-W rail corridor.

Metra’s station guide classifies La Fox as fully accessible.

Elburn Station

Elburn is the western terminal of the Union Pacific West Line.

Passengers traveling from Chicago toward the western end of the route use outbound UP-W trains to Elburn.

The Elburn station is also fully accessible according to Metra’s published station guide.

Metra’s current official merchandise site also identifies Elburn as the endpoint of UP-W, confirming the route’s current line designation.

Metra Union Pacific West Line Schedule

The Metra UP-W schedule varies according to:

• Weekday or weekend
• Inbound or outbound direction
• Train number
• Express or local stopping pattern
• Construction
• Holidays
• Special events
• Operational changes

Passengers should check the current Metra timetable rather than relying on older PDF schedules.

Inbound UP-W Trains

Inbound trains generally operate:

Elburn → La Fox → Geneva → West Chicago → Winfield → Wheaton → Glen Ellyn → Lombard → Villa Park → Elmhurst → western suburbs → Ogilvie

These services are particularly important for passengers commuting into downtown Chicago.

Outbound UP-W Trains

Outbound trains generally operate:

Ogilvie Transportation Center → western suburbs → Wheaton → West Chicago → Geneva → La Fox → Elburn

The exact stopping pattern can differ between trains.

Metra UP-W Express Trains

Some UP-W trains can make fewer stops than local services.

An express train can therefore provide a different travel time compared with a train that stops at every station.

Passengers should check the specific train’s timetable before boarding, particularly if traveling from a smaller station such as La Fox or Kedzie.

Metra UP-W Weekend Schedule

Weekend schedules can differ substantially from weekday commuter schedules.

Before traveling on Saturday or Sunday, check:

• Departure time
• Arrival time
• Stations served
• Service frequency
• Construction notices
• Special schedules

Do not assume that a weekday departure time will operate on weekends.

Metra UP-W Holiday Schedule

Metra may operate modified schedules on holidays.

Holiday service can differ from regular weekday or weekend service.

Passengers traveling around major holidays should check Metra’s latest service announcements before traveling.

Metra Union Pacific West Line Fares

Metra uses a zone-based fare system, and the applicable ticket price depends on the zones included in the journey.

UP-W stations extend across several fare zones as passengers travel west from Chicago.

Metra’s current fare system should be checked before purchasing because fares and ticket policies can change.

Metra UP-W One-Way Ticket

A One-Way Ticket is designed for one continuous journey.

It can be useful for:

• Occasional commuters
• Visitors
• Students
• One-time travelers
• Passengers traveling from the suburbs to Chicago
• Passengers traveling from Chicago to the western suburbs

Before purchasing, check the fare zones for your origin and destination.

Metra UP-W Day Pass

A Day Pass can be useful when you plan multiple Metra trips during the same day.

For example, if you are traveling from Elburn to Chicago, visiting another destination, and returning later, compare the cost of two One-Way Tickets with the applicable Day Pass.

Metra UP-W Monthly Pass

Frequent UP-W commuters may consider a Monthly Pass.

A Monthly Pass can be useful for passengers who travel repeatedly between the same fare zones throughout the month.

Before purchasing, compare the current monthly fare with your expected number of weekly trips.

Metra UP-W Reduced Fare

Eligible passengers may qualify for reduced fares under Metra’s fare rules.

Depending on the eligibility category, reduced-fare riders can include qualifying:

• Seniors
• Customers with disabilities
• Medicare cardholders
• K–12 students
• Active-duty military personnel

Passengers should check the current eligibility requirements and carry the required permit or identification.

How to Buy a Metra UP-W Ticket

Passengers can purchase Metra tickets using several methods.

Ventra App

The Ventra app allows passengers to purchase Metra mobile tickets before or during their journey.

Mobile ticketing is convenient for passengers who do not want to use a paper ticket.

Station Ticket Vending Machines

Many UP-W stations provide ticket vending machines.

However, ticket facilities vary by station, so passengers should check the specific station before traveling.

Onboard Purchase

Passengers can purchase tickets onboard under Metra’s applicable rules.

When ticket-purchasing facilities are available at the boarding station, purchasing before boarding is generally recommended.

Metra UP-W Train Tracker

The Metra Union Pacific West Line train tracker can help passengers check current service information.

A train tracker is useful for:

• Checking train status
• Monitoring delays
• Confirming arrival information
• Planning station pickups
• Checking service during bad weather
• Coordinating connections

For the most accurate information, use Metra’s official real-time service tools.

Metra UP-W Service Alerts

UP-W service can occasionally be affected by:

• Track maintenance
• Construction
• Signal issues
• Equipment problems
• Weather
• Freight traffic
• Special events
• Schedule changes
• Unexpected operational disruptions

Check the latest service alerts before leaving for the station.

This is particularly important when you have a flight, appointment, event, or other time-sensitive connection.

Metra UP-W Parking

Parking availability and rules vary by station.

Many suburban UP-W stations have commuter parking, but:

• Parking capacity varies.
• Payment methods differ.
• Some spaces may require permits.
• ADA parking availability differs.
• Overnight rules can vary.

Passengers who drive to the station should check the station-specific parking information before traveling.

Metra’s historical UP-W station data shows substantial variation in parking capacity and utilization between stations, reinforcing the importance of checking individual station information rather than assuming the same parking arrangement across the line.

Metra UP-W Accessibility

Accessibility differs from station to station.

Metra’s published station guide uses three classifications:

• A — Fully Accessible
• P — Partially Accessible
• N — Not Accessible

For UP-W, Metra lists:

Station	Accessibility
Ogilvie Transportation Center	Fully Accessible
Kedzie	Not Accessible
Oak Park	Fully Accessible
River Forest	Not Accessible
Maywood	Fully Accessible
Melrose Park	Fully Accessible
Bellwood	Fully Accessible
Berkeley	Fully Accessible
Elmhurst	Fully Accessible
Villa Park	Fully Accessible
Lombard	Fully Accessible
Glen Ellyn	Fully Accessible
Wheaton–College Avenue	Fully Accessible
Wheaton	Fully Accessible
Winfield	Fully Accessible
West Chicago	Fully Accessible
Geneva	Fully Accessible
La Fox	Fully Accessible
Elburn	Fully Accessible

These classifications come from Metra’s published station guide.

Passengers with accessibility requirements should confirm current station conditions before traveling because infrastructure and operating arrangements can change.

UP-W Platform Information

Platform arrangements can vary by station.

Metra’s published station guidance generally states that:

• Inbound trains toward Chicago typically use the north platform.
• Outbound trains toward Elburn typically use the south platform.
• La Fox and Elburn have exceptions to the general platform arrangement.
• Platform usage can change depending on the time of day and operating conditions.

Passengers should always follow the station signs and announcements rather than relying solely on a general platform rule.

Connections From Ogilvie Transportation Center

UP-W passengers arriving at Ogilvie can connect with Chicago’s broader transportation network.

Potential connections include:

• CTA trains
• CTA buses
• Local buses
• Taxis
• Rideshare services
• Walking routes throughout the Loop

Ogilvie is also the downtown terminal for UP-N and UP-NW, allowing some passengers to connect between Union Pacific Metra lines.

UP-W vs UP-N

Both routes operate from Ogilvie but serve different directions.

Feature	UP-W	UP-N
Downtown Terminal	Ogilvie	Ogilvie
Direction	West	North
Main Endpoint	Elburn	Kenosha
Major Communities	Elmhurst, Wheaton, Geneva	Evanston, Winnetka, Highland Park
Wisconsin Service	No	Yes
Major Corridor	Western suburbs	North Shore

UP-W is the route for passengers traveling west from downtown Chicago toward Elmhurst, Lombard, Wheaton, Geneva and Elburn.

UP-W vs UP-NW

The two Union Pacific routes both leave from Ogilvie but serve different suburban corridors.

Feature	UP-W	UP-NW
Direction	West	Northwest
Main Endpoint	Elburn	Harvard
Branch	None	McHenry
Major Communities	Elmhurst, Wheaton, Geneva	Park Ridge, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Crystal Lake
Downtown Terminal	Ogilvie	Ogilvie

The correct line depends primarily on your origin and destination.

UP-W vs Milwaukee District West

UP-W and Milwaukee District West both serve communities west or northwest of Chicago, but they follow different routes and use different downtown terminals.

Feature	UP-W	Milwaukee District West
Downtown Terminal	Ogilvie	Chicago Union Station
Main Endpoint	Elburn	Elgin
Major Areas	Oak Park, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Geneva	Franklin Park, Elmwood Park, Itasca, Bartlett
Direction	West	West/Northwest

Passengers should compare the station closest to their origin and destination before selecting a route.

Popular Metra UP-W Stations

Ogilvie Transportation Center

Best for passengers traveling to downtown Chicago and the Loop.

Oak Park

A major western suburban stop with access to Oak Park.

Elmhurst

An important DuPage County station and commuter destination.

Lombard

A major station serving Lombard and nearby communities.

Glen Ellyn

Useful for commuters traveling between Glen Ellyn and Chicago.

Wheaton

One of the important UP-W stations in DuPage County.

West Chicago

A key station serving West Chicago.

Geneva

A major station toward the western end of the route.

Elburn

The western terminal of the UP-W Line.

Is Metra UP-W Good for Commuting to Chicago?

For passengers who live or work near UP-W stations, the line provides a direct rail connection to downtown Chicago.

The route can be useful for commuters traveling from:

• Oak Park
• River Forest
• Elmhurst
• Villa Park
• Lombard
• Glen Ellyn
• Wheaton
• Winfield
• West Chicago
• Geneva
• La Fox
• Elburn

The most suitable transportation option depends on the specific origin, destination, timetable, parking situation, and required connections.

Traveling With Children on UP-W

Families should check Metra’s current child and family fare rules before purchasing tickets.

The applicable fare can depend on:

• Child’s age
• Number of children
• Accompanying adult
• Fare zones
• Ticket type

For family trips, compare available fare products before purchasing.

Bicycles on Metra UP-W

Passengers traveling with bicycles should check Metra’s current bicycle policy before boarding.

Bike availability can depend on:

• Train type
• Time of day
• Capacity
• Rush-period restrictions
• Special events
• Current operating rules

Do not assume that every UP-W train has unlimited bicycle capacity.

Tips for Riding the Metra Union Pacific West Line

1. Check the Current Schedule

Use Metra’s latest timetable rather than an old PDF.

2. Confirm Your Direction

Inbound means toward Chicago/Ogilvie, while outbound generally means toward Elburn.

3. Check Your Station

Make sure the specific train stops at your station.

4. Buy Your Ticket Before Boarding

Use Ventra or a station ticket vending machine when available.

5. Check Service Alerts

Look for delays, construction, and temporary schedule changes.

6. Verify Parking

Check station-specific parking rules before driving.

7. Check Accessibility

If accessibility is important, verify the current status of your origin and destination stations.

8. Arrive Early

Allow enough time to locate your platform and board.

9. Watch the Platform

Platform assignments can vary, especially at La Fox and Elburn.

10. Use the Train Tracker

Check real-time information before leaving and while waiting for your train.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metra Union Pacific West Line

What is the Metra Union Pacific West Line?

The Union Pacific West Line (UP-W) is a Metra commuter rail route connecting Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago with Elburn, Illinois.

Where does the UP-W Line start?

The UP-W Line starts at Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago.

Where does the UP-W Line end?

The western endpoint is Elburn, Illinois.

What stations are on the Metra UP-W Line?

Major stations include Ogilvie, Kedzie, Oak Park, River Forest, Maywood, Melrose Park, Bellwood, Berkeley, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Winfield, West Chicago, Geneva, La Fox and Elburn.

Does Metra UP-W go to Elmhurst?

Yes. Elmhurst is one of the major stations on the Union Pacific West Line.

Does UP-W go to Wheaton?

Yes. UP-W serves both Wheaton and Wheaton–College Avenue.

Does UP-W go to Geneva?

Yes. Geneva is one of the western stations on the UP-W route.

Does UP-W go to Elburn?

Yes. Elburn is the western terminal of the line.

What downtown station does UP-W use?

UP-W uses Ogilvie Transportation Center.

Does UP-W run on weekends?

UP-W has weekend service, but weekend schedules can differ from weekday service. Check the current Metra timetable before traveling.

Can I track a UP-W train?

Yes. Metra provides real-time train and service information that can be used to monitor UP-W trains.

Can I buy a UP-W ticket through Ventra?

Yes. Metra mobile tickets are available through the Ventra app.

Is Metra UP-W accessible?

Many UP-W stations are classified as fully accessible, but accessibility varies by station. Metra’s published guide identifies Kedzie and River Forest as not accessible and the other listed UP-W stations as fully accessible.

Is Kedzie station accessible?

Metra’s published station guide classifies Kedzie as not accessible.

Is River Forest station accessible?

Metra’s published station guide classifies River Forest as not accessible.

Which Metra line goes to Elmhurst?

The Union Pacific West Line serves Elmhurst.

Which Metra line goes to Wheaton?

The Union Pacific West Line serves Wheaton.

Which Metra line goes to Geneva?

The Union Pacific West Line serves Geneva.

Which Metra line goes to Elburn?

The Union Pacific West Line serves Elburn.

Does UP-W go to Aurora?

No. Aurora is served by the BNSF Railway Line. UP-W’s western endpoint is Elburn.

Is UP-W the same as UP-NW?

No. UP-W travels west toward Elburn, while UP-NW travels northwest toward Harvard, with a branch to McHenry.

Final Thoughts

The Metra Union Pacific West Line is an important commuter rail route connecting downtown Chicago with communities across the western suburbs and into Kane County.

From Ogilvie Transportation Center, the line serves Oak Park, River Forest, Maywood, Melrose Park, Bellwood, Berkeley, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Winfield, West Chicago, Geneva, La Fox and Elburn.

For daily commuters, occasional riders, students, families, and visitors, understanding the UP-W route, stations, fares, tickets, schedule, parking, accessibility and train-tracking options makes trip planning easier.

Because Metra schedules and service conditions can change, travelers should check the current UP-W schedule, train tracker, fare information and service alerts immediately before departure. This is especially important for weekend travel, holidays, construction periods, and time-sensitive journeys.