The Milwaukee District West Line (MD-W) is one of Metra’s commuter rail lines serving the Chicago metropolitan area. It connects Chicago Union Station with Big Timber Road in Elgin, traveling west through communities including Franklin Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Itasca, Roselle, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, and Bartlett before reaching Elgin. Metra’s station guide lists 21 outlying stations along the route.
The line is useful for daily commuters, students, workers, and other passengers traveling between Chicago and the western suburbs. This guide covers the Milwaukee District West Line stations, route, schedule, map, transfers, accessibility, fares, parking, and important travel information.
What Is the Milwaukee District West Line?
The Milwaukee District West Line, commonly abbreviated as MD-W, is a Metra commuter rail route running between Chicago Union Station and Big Timber Road in Elgin.
The line extends approximately 40 miles west from Chicago and serves communities in Cook, DuPage, and Kane counties. Metra’s system documentation identifies 21 outlying stations on the route.
The Milwaukee District West Line is also historically connected to the former Milwaukee Road. Metra acquired the Milwaukee District lines in 1987, and the Milwaukee West and Milwaukee North lines remain important parts of the regional commuter rail system.
Milwaukee District West Line at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Line Name | Milwaukee District West Line |
| Abbreviation | MD-W |
| Operator | Metra |
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station |
| Western Terminal | Big Timber Road, Elgin |
| Approximate Route Length | 40 miles |
| Direction | West |
| Major Communities Served | Chicago, Franklin Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Itasca, Roselle, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Elgin |
| Outlying Stations | 21 |
| Main Downtown Terminal | Chicago Union Station |
| Transfer Location | River Grove provides access to North Central Service |
| Service Type | Commuter rail |
Metra’s official station guide identifies the route as running from Chicago Union Station to Big Timber Road.
Milwaukee District West Line Stations
The Milwaukee District West Line has numerous stations between downtown Chicago and Elgin. Some stations have multiple names associated with nearby streets or communities.
Complete Milwaukee District West Line Station List
| # | Station | Location/Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago Union Station | Chicago |
| 2 | Western Avenue | Chicago |
| 3 | Grand/Cicero | Chicago |
| 4 | Hanson Park | Chicago |
| 5 | Galewood | Chicago |
| 6 | Mars | Chicago |
| 7 | Mont Clare | Chicago |
| 8 | Elmwood Park | Elmwood Park |
| 9 | River Grove | River Grove |
| 10 | Franklin Park | Franklin Park |
| 11 | Mannheim | Franklin Park |
| 12 | Bensenville | Bensenville |
| 13 | Wood Dale | Wood Dale |
| 14 | Itasca | Itasca |
| 15 | Medinah | Roselle area |
| 16 | Roselle | Roselle |
| 17 | Schaumburg | Schaumburg |
| 18 | Hanover Park | Hanover Park |
| 19 | Bartlett | Bartlett |
| 20 | Elgin-National Street | Elgin |
| 21 | Elgin-Chicago Street | Elgin |
| 22 | Big Timber Road | Elgin |
Metra’s official station guide lists these stations and indicates their accessibility status.
Note: Chicago Union Station is the downtown terminal, while the 21 stations beyond it are the route’s outlying stations.
Milwaukee District West Line Route
The MD-W route begins at Chicago Union Station and heads west through Chicago before continuing into the western suburbs.
A simplified route is:
Chicago Union Station → Western Avenue → Galewood/Mont Clare/Elmwood Park → River Grove → Franklin Park → Bensenville → Wood Dale → Itasca → Medinah → Roselle → Schaumburg → Hanover Park → Bartlett → Elgin → Big Timber Road
The line also includes limited-stop stations such as Grand/Cicero, Hanson Park, Mars, and Mannheim, depending on the particular train. Historical and published Metra schedules show that not every train stops at every station.
Chicago Union Station
- Chicago Union Station is the eastern terminal of the Milwaukee District West Line.
- It provides access to Chicago’s downtown area and connections with other transportation services. Passengers using the MD-W Line for commuting into downtown Chicago commonly use Union Station as their final destination.
- The station is also an important starting point for passengers traveling west toward Elgin.
Western Avenue Station
- Western Avenue is one of the first stations west of Chicago Union Station.
- The station is used by multiple Metra services in the Milwaukee District corridor. It is an important transfer-area location because Milwaukee District and North Central Service trains share portions of the route near Chicago. Metra documentation notes that the Milwaukee District lines and North Central Service share tracks in parts of the Chicago-area corridor.
Galewood Station
- Galewood serves Chicago’s western side and is one of the stations on the Milwaukee District West route.
- It can be useful for passengers traveling between Chicago neighborhoods and western suburban communities.
Mont Clare Station
- The Mont Clare station serves the Mont Clare area on Chicago’s Northwest Side.
- The station is included in Metra’s official Milwaukee District West station guide and is designated as accessible.
Elmwood Park Station
- Elmwood Park provides Milwaukee District West service for passengers traveling to and from the Elmwood Park area.
- It is one of the suburban stations located relatively close to Chicago and can be useful for commuters traveling toward Union Station.
River Grove Station
- River Grove is an important station on the Milwaukee District West Line because it also provides access to the North Central Service.
- Metra’s station guide specifically identifies River Grove as a transfer point for accessing North Central Service trains.
- This makes River Grove particularly useful for passengers whose trips involve the northern suburban areas served by NCS.
Franklin Park Station
- The Franklin Park station serves the community of Franklin Park.
- The Milwaukee District West and North Central Service share portions of the corridor around Franklin Park before the North Central Service branches toward Antioch. Metra’s system documentation describes this shared operating area.
Mannheim Station
- Mannheim is another Milwaukee District West station in the Franklin Park area.
- Metra’s station guide currently identifies Mannheim as not accessible, unlike many other stations on the line. Passengers who require an accessible station should check the latest station information before traveling.
Bensenville Station
- The Bensenville station serves the community of Bensenville.
- It is one of the western suburban stations along the MD-W route and is listed by Metra as accessible.
Wood Dale Station
- Wood Dale is located in the city of Wood Dale and serves commuters traveling between the western suburbs and Chicago.
- The station is included on the Milwaukee District West route and is listed as accessible in Metra’s station guide.
Itasca Station
- The Itasca station serves the Village of Itasca.
- Passengers can use the station for commuting toward Chicago or traveling farther west toward Elgin.
- Metra identifies Itasca as an accessible station.
Medinah Station
- Medinah is located along the Milwaukee District West Line between Itasca and Roselle.
- The station serves passengers in the surrounding Roselle/Medinah area and is listed as accessible in Metra’s station guide.
Roselle Station
- The Roselle station serves the Village of Roselle and surrounding communities.
- It is an important suburban station on the MD-W route and is listed as fully accessible by Metra.
Schaumburg Station
- The Schaumburg station provides Metra service to one of the largest suburban communities in the region.
- Passengers traveling from Schaumburg can use the Milwaukee District West Line to reach Chicago Union Station or travel west toward Elgin.
- Metra lists Schaumburg as an accessible station.
Hanover Park Station
- Hanover Park is another suburban station on the Milwaukee District West route.
- The station is positioned between Schaumburg and Bartlett and provides access to Metra commuter trains serving the western suburbs and Chicago.
Bartlett Station
- The Bartlett station serves Bartlett and surrounding communities.
- It is one of the stations closer to the western end of the Milwaukee District West Line.
- Metra’s station guide lists Bartlett as accessible.
Elgin Stations
The Milwaukee District West Line serves Elgin with stations associated with National Street and Chicago Street.
Elgin-National Street
- Elgin-National Street is one of the two Elgin-area stations listed in Metra’s station guide.
Elgin-Chicago Street
- Elgin-Chicago Street is another station serving Elgin.
Both are identified as accessible in Metra’s station guide.
Big Timber Road Station
- Big Timber Road is the western end of the Milwaukee District West Line.
- It is located in Elgin and serves as the outer terminal for MD-W trains.
- The official Metra station guide identifies the route as extending from Chicago Union Station to Big Timber Road.
Milwaukee District West Line Schedule
The Milwaukee District West Line operates trains in both directions:
- Inbound: toward Chicago Union Station
- Outbound: toward Elgin/Big Timber Road
Train frequencies vary depending on the time of day, day of week, and individual train.
Metra’s current rider-information system provides schedule searches by train line, departure station, destination, and date/time. It also provides real-time train tracking and service alerts.
Weekday Service
Weekday service generally focuses on commuter travel, with trains operating toward Chicago during morning commuting periods and toward the suburbs during afternoon and evening periods.
However, passengers should not assume that every MD-W train stops at every station.
Some trains make limited stops, so it is important to check the specific train’s schedule before traveling.
Milwaukee District West Line Weekend Service
The Milwaukee District West Line also has weekend service, although the frequency and stopping patterns can differ from weekday service.
Weekend travelers should check the current Metra schedule before departing because service times can change for:
- Holidays
- Special events
- Construction
- Track work
- Weather
- Service adjustments
Metra’s online rider tools provide current schedules and service information.
Milwaukee District West Line Schedule Example
Published Metra schedules demonstrate how departure times can vary significantly between stations and trains.
For example, a published schedule shows trains departing Chicago Union Station at different times throughout the day, with corresponding arrival times at stations such as Western Avenue, Elmwood Park, Schaumburg, Bartlett, and Elgin.
Because schedules are periodically revised, the current Metra schedule should always be checked rather than relying on an old timetable.
Milwaukee District West Line Map
The Milwaukee District West Line follows a generally westward route from downtown Chicago to Elgin.
Simplified MD-W Route Map
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
↓
Elgin-National Street
↓
Elgin-Chicago Street
↓
Big Timber Road
Metra’s official rider tools provide an interactive map and real-time train information, while its station guide provides the station list and accessibility information.
Milwaukee District West Line Transfers
- The MD-W Line connects with other transportation services at several points.
River Grove and North Central Service
- One of the most notable connections is at River Grove, which Metra identifies as a transfer point for accessing the North Central Service.
Chicago Union Station
- At the downtown end, passengers can connect to other regional transportation services around Chicago’s Union Station.
- When planning a transfer, allow enough time between trains and verify the specific station and platform information.
Milwaukee District West Line Accessibility
Accessibility varies by station.
Metra’s station guide identifies most MD-W stations as fully accessible, while some are partially accessible or not accessible. In the published guide:
- Chicago Union Station — Fully accessible
- Western Avenue — Fully accessible
- Galewood — Fully accessible
- Mont Clare — Fully accessible
- Elmwood Park — Fully accessible
- River Grove — Fully accessible
- Franklin Park — Fully accessible
- Mannheim — Not accessible
- Bensenville — Fully accessible
- Wood Dale — Fully accessible
- Itasca — Fully accessible
- Medinah — Fully accessible
- Roselle — Fully accessible
- Schaumburg — Fully accessible
- Hanover Park — Fully accessible
- Bartlett — Fully accessible
- Elgin-National Street — Fully accessible
- Elgin-Chicago Street — Fully accessible
- Big Timber Road — Fully accessible
Metra’s published station guide should be checked for the latest accessibility information before a trip.
Milwaukee District West Line Fares
The cost of traveling on the Milwaukee District West Line depends on the origin and destination zones and the type of ticket purchased.
Metra offers different ticket products, and its official fare calculator allows passengers to select their departure station and destination to determine the applicable fare.
Passengers can use Metra’s current fare information to compare available ticket options before traveling.
Common Metra Ticket Options
Depending on the current fare structure, passengers may encounter options such as:
- One-way tickets
- Day passes
- Monthly passes
- Regional passes
- Other fare products
The exact price should be checked using Metra’s current fare calculator because fares and ticket products can change.
Milwaukee District West Line Parking
Parking availability differs from station to station.
Many suburban Metra stations provide parking facilities, but:
- Parking fees can vary
- Some lots may be permit-based
- Availability can change during the day
- Weekend parking rules may differ
- Some stations may have limited parking
If you plan to drive to an MD-W station, check the station’s current parking information before leaving.
Milwaukee District West Line Train Tracking
Metra provides a real-time train tracker through its rider-information system.
Passengers can use the tracker to view:
- Upcoming departures
- Train location
- Train status
- Delays
- Service alerts
- Route information
Metra states that its tracker provides the next departures from a selected station and an interactive map showing a train’s movement.
This is particularly useful when commuting during periods of heavy traffic, severe weather, or service disruptions.
Milwaukee District West Line Service Alerts
Service can occasionally be affected by:
- Track maintenance
- Construction
- Equipment issues
- Severe weather
- Special events
- Emergency situations
- Schedule changes
Metra provides service alerts through its website and rider-information tools.
Passengers should check alerts shortly before their trip, especially when traveling during weekends or major events.
Milwaukee District West Line During Special Events
The MD-W Line can receive additional or modified service for major events.
For example, Metra’s current route data notes additional Milwaukee District West service for the 2026 Presidents Cup from September 22–27, 2026. Passengers traveling during this event should consult Metra for the applicable special schedule.
This illustrates why checking the current schedule is important when traveling during major Chicago-area events.
Milwaukee District West Line Travel Tips
1. Check the Train Number
Do not rely only on the destination displayed on the platform. Check the train number and scheduled stops.
2. Confirm Your Station
Some trains may skip certain stations, particularly stations with limited service.
3. Check Real-Time Information
Use Metra’s tracker shortly before leaving for the station.
4. Arrive Early
Give yourself enough time to purchase or activate your ticket and reach the correct platform.
5. Check Weekend Schedules
Weekend schedules can differ considerably from weekday schedules.
6. Verify Accessibility
If you require an accessible station or train, review the current accessibility information before traveling.
7. Watch for Service Alerts
Construction and special-event schedules can change normal train operations.
Milwaukee District West Line: Popular Stations for Commuters
Several MD-W stations are particularly relevant for people traveling between Chicago and the western suburbs.
| Station | Area Served | Why It Is Useful |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Union Station | Downtown Chicago | Major downtown terminal |
| Western Avenue | Chicago | Early MD-W stop |
| River Grove | River Grove | Transfer access to NCS |
| Franklin Park | Franklin Park | Western suburban access |
| Bensenville | Bensenville | Suburban commuter station |
| Wood Dale | Wood Dale | Serves Wood Dale |
| Itasca | Itasca | Access to Itasca |
| Roselle | Roselle | Western suburban access |
| Schaumburg | Schaumburg | Major suburban community |
| Hanover Park | Hanover Park | Local commuter access |
| Bartlett | Bartlett | Western suburban station |
| Elgin-National Street | Elgin | Elgin access |
| Elgin-Chicago Street | Elgin | Elgin access |
| Big Timber Road | Elgin | Western terminal |
Milwaukee District West Line vs. Milwaukee District North Line
The names of these two Metra lines can be confusing.
| Feature | Milwaukee District West | Milwaukee District North |
|---|---|---|
| Direction from Chicago | West | North |
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station | Chicago Union Station |
| Outer Area | Elgin | Fox Lake |
| Line Abbreviation | MD-W | MD-N |
| Major Communities | Bensenville, Schaumburg, Bartlett, Elgin | Morton Grove, Northbrook, Libertyville, Fox Lake |
| Historical Connection | Milwaukee Road | Milwaukee Road |
Both lines are historically associated with the former Milwaukee Road and are operated by Metra.
Metra Milwaukee District West Line Key Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Chicago Union Station ↔ Elgin |
| Total Stations | 22 |
| Service Days | Weekdays & Weekends |
| Main Terminals | Chicago Union Station (East), Elgin (West) |
| Major Stops | Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Itasca, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Elgin |
| Connections | CTA buses/trains, Pace buses, connections to MD-N and other Metra lines |
| Travel Time | ~1 hour 20 minutes end-to-end (approximate) |
| Fare Zones | Zones A to H |
| Onboard Facilities | Bike-friendly trains, ADA accessible coaches |
| Parking Availability | Most stations offer daily and permit parking |
| Train Frequency | Frequent during peak hours; reduced on weekends |
| Weekend Service | Yes – Limited service |
| Transfer Opportunities | Chicago Union Station offers transfers to Amtrak and other Metra lines |
Metra Milwaukee District West Line Stations List
- Chicago Union Station
- Mannheim
- River Grove
- Elmwood Park
- Mont Clare
- Galewood
- Franklin Park
- Western Avenue
- Maywood
- Melrose Park
- Oak Park
- Forest Park
- River Forest
- Berwyn
- Cicero
- Hinsdale
- Westmont
- Clarendon Hills
- Downers Grove
- Lisle
- Naperville
- Aurora
- Elgin
Metra Milwaukee District West Line Nearby Attractions
- Willis Tower Skydeck
- The Chicago Riverwalk
- Brookfield Zoo
- Oakbrook Center
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
- Ernest Hemingway Museum
- The Morton Arboretum
- Naperville Riverwalk
- Naper Settlement
- Paramount Theatre (Aurora)
- Fox River Trail (Naperville & Aurora)
- The Elgin History Museum
Metra Milwaukee District West Line Schedule
Metra Milwaukee District West Line Weekday Schedule
| Train Type | Chicago Union Station Departure | Key Stations (Outbound) | Key Stations (Inbound) | Departure Time Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Rush | Chicago Union Station to Elgin/Aurora | Mannheim, River Grove, Elmwood Park, Oak Park, etc. | Oak Park, Elmwood Park, River Grove, Mannheim, etc. | 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM |
| Evening Rush | Elgin/Aurora to Chicago Union Station | Westmont, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Berwyn, etc. | Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Westmont, etc. | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
| Midday | Chicago Union Station to Elgin/Aurora | Melrose Park, Maywood, Franklin Park, etc. | Franklin Park, Melrose Park, Maywood, etc. | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Late Evening | Elgin/Aurora to Chicago Union Station | River Forest, Forest Park, Oak Park, etc. | Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, etc. | After 7:00 PM |
Metra Milwaukee District West Line Weekend Schedule
| Train Type | Chicago Union Station Departure | Key Stations (Outbound) | Key Stations (Inbound) | Departure Time Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Chicago Union Station to Elgin/Aurora | Mannheim, River Grove, Elmwood Park, Oak Park, etc. | Oak Park, Elmwood Park, River Grove, Mannheim, etc. | 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM |
| Midday | Chicago Union Station to Elgin/Aurora | Melrose Park, Maywood, Franklin Park, etc. | Franklin Park, Melrose Park, Maywood, etc. | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Afternoon/Evening | Elgin/Aurora to Chicago Union Station | River Forest, Forest Park, Oak Park, etc. | Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, etc. | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Metra Milwaukee District West Line – Fare Information
| Ticket Type | Adult Fare | Senior/Disabled Fare | Youth Fare (6-11) | Children (Under 6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket | $3.00 - $9.50 | $1.50 - $4.75 | $1.50 - $4.75 | Free |
| Round-Trip Ticket | $6.00 - $19.00 | $3.00 - $9.50 | $3.00 - $9.50 | Free |
| 10-Ride Ticket | $27.00 - $90.00 | $13.50 - $45.00 | $13.50 - $45.00 | Free |
| Monthly Pass | $120.00 - $360.00 | $60.00 - $180.00 | $60.00 - $180.00 | Free |
| Weekend Pass | $10.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | Free |
| Veterans Fare | $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 | Free |
| Group Tickets | $2.50 (per person for groups of 10 or more) | $2.50 (per person for groups of 10 or more) | $2.50 (per person for groups of 10 or more) | Free (for children under 6) |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Milwaukee District West Line?
The Milwaukee District West Line is a Metra commuter rail line connecting Chicago Union Station with Big Timber Road in Elgin.
How many stations are on the Milwaukee District West Line?
Metra’s official station guide lists 21 outlying stations, in addition to Chicago Union Station as the downtown terminal.
Where does the Milwaukee District West Line end?
The western end of the line is Big Timber Road in Elgin.
Where does the Milwaukee District West Line begin?
The line begins at Chicago Union Station.
Does Milwaukee District West go to Elgin?
Yes. The line serves Elgin, including Elgin-National Street, Elgin-Chicago Street, and Big Timber Road.
Does Milwaukee District West Line connect to North Central Service?
Yes. River Grove is identified by Metra as a transfer point for accessing North Central Service.
Is the Milwaukee District West Line accessible?
Most stations on the line are listed as fully accessible in Metra’s station guide, although Mannheim is listed as not accessible in that guide. Accessibility information should be checked before travel because station conditions can change.
How can I check Milwaukee District West train times?
Metra’s official rider-information system allows passengers to select the Milwaukee District West Line, departure station, destination, and travel date/time to find the applicable schedule.
Can I track a Milwaukee District West train?
Yes. Metra provides a real-time tracker that displays upcoming departures and train movement.
Is Big Timber Road the same as Elgin?
Big Timber Road is the western terminal of the Milwaukee District West Line in Elgin. The route also has the Elgin-National Street and Elgin-Chicago Street stations.
Final Thoughts
The Milwaukee District West Line is an important Metra commuter route connecting Chicago Union Station with Elgin’s Big Timber Road, with stops serving communities such as Franklin Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Itasca, Roselle, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Bartlett, and Elgin.
With its combination of urban Chicago stations and western suburban stops, the MD-W Line serves commuters traveling in both directions. River Grove also provides an important connection to North Central Service.
