Metra North Central Service line is a commuter roadway serving the Chicago metropolitan region, linking Chicago Union Station and Antioch, Illinois. Constructed with the main goal of serving commuters during weekdays, the line serves the northern suburbs of Chicago, including Rosemont, Prospect Heights, Mundelein, and Libertyville, to downtown Chicago. It has a few stops and good travel time, making it a good alternative to daily and occasional travelers.
Provides access to major destinations, such as O’Hare Transfer to access the airport and Prairie Crossing to access other Metra lines. It is not as densely covered by trains as other lines of the Metra, but it is a comfortable, reliable, and stress-free mode of transportation instead of highway driving. The North Central Service is a convenient ride to either the city centre or work, or when visiting the attractions of the suburbs, as you enjoy the scenery on the way.
Metra North Central Service Line Schedule
Metra North Central Service Line Weekday Schedule
| Train No. | From Antioch (Departure) | Arrive Chicago Union Station | From Chicago Union Station (Departure) | Arrive Antioch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 4:45 AM | 6:40 AM | 101 | 7:30 AM |
| 102 | 5:30 AM | 7:20 AM | 103 | 8:15 AM |
| 104 | 6:15 AM | 8:05 AM | 105 | 9:00 AM |
| 106 | 6:45 AM | 8:30 AM | 107 | 9:45 AM |
| 108 | 7:15 AM | 9:00 AM | 109 | 10:15 AM |
| 110 | 7:45 AM | 9:40 AM | 111 | 11:30 AM |
| 112 | 8:30 AM | 10:25 AM | 113 | 1:00 PM |
| 114 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 115 | 3:00 PM |
| 116 | 3:00 PM | 4:50 PM | 117 | 5:30 PM |
| 118 | 4:00 PM | 5:50 PM | 119 | 6:30 PM |
| 120 | 5:00 PM | 6:50 PM | 121 | 7:30 PM |
| 122 | 6:00 PM | 7:50 PM | 123 | 8:30 PM |
| 124 | 7:00 PM | 8:50 PM | 125 | 9:30 PM |
Metra North Central Service Line Weekend Schedule
| Day | Train No. | Departure from Antioch | Arrival at Chicago Union Station | Departure from Chicago Union Station | Arrival at Antioch | Service Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | — | — | — | — | — | No Service |
| Sunday | — | — | — | — | — | No Service |
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Metra North Central Service Line Overview
Below is the station Overview.
Metra North Central Service Line Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Chicago Union Station ↔ Antioch, Illinois |
| Total Stations | 17 |
| Primary Use | Weekday commuter service |
| Service Area | Northwest suburbs: Rosemont, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, etc. |
| Major Transfer Points | O'Hare Transfer (to airport), Prairie Crossing (to MD-N Line) |
| Fare Zones | Zone B (Chicago) to Zone K (Antioch) |
| Travel Time | Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes end-to-end |
| Train Frequency | Limited weekday service (no weekend trains) |
| Scenic Views | Forest preserves, suburban landscapes |
| Onboard Features | Comfortable seating, mobile ticketing via Ventra App |
| Ideal For | Commuters, airport travelers, suburban day-trippers |
Metra North Central Service Line Parking Information
- Wheeling: 2 lots; per day, 1.75; per month, 35; there are spots of ADA available.
- Buffalo Grove: 1,000+ spaces; daily & permit parking; ADA accessible
- Prairie View: 340 spaces, permit, and daily; ADA parking.
- Vernon Hills: 646 parking spaces; 1.75 per day, long-term parking, ADA parking.
- Antioch (terminus): Large lot; ~316 spaces; ADA accessible
- Lake Villa: Multiple lots; ADA accessible; the number of spaces is approximately 228.
- Washington St. (Grayslake): ADA spots; permit; daily and 149 spaces.
- General: Municipalities control it, pay either through kiosks or meters, or even apps; ensure to find out the regulations on overnight parking.
Metra North Central Service Line Stations List
- Antioch
- Lake Villa
- Washington Street (Grayslake)
- Prairie Crossing
- Libertyville
- Vernon Hills
- Prairie View
- Buffalo Grove
- Wheeling
- Rosemont
- O’Hare Transfer
- Chicago Union Station
Metra North Central Service Line Nearby Attractions
- Antioch Station
- Lake Villa Station
- Washington Street (Grayslake) Station
- Prairie Crossing Station
- Libertyville Station
- Vernon Hills Station
- Prairie View Station
- Buffalo Grove Station
- Wheeling Station
- Rosemont Station
- O’Hare Transfer Station
- Chicago Union Station
Metra North Central Service Line transfers and connections
1. Chicago Union Station
- Service to all but the Electric District of Metra.
- Amtrak trains (intercity trains and long-distance trains).
- CTA Blue Line (rapid transit)
- Buses: CTA and Pace suburban buses.
2. Rosemont Station
- CTA Blue Line (O’Hare branch)
- Pace suburban bus routes
3. Wheeling Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
4. Buffalo Grove Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
5. Prairie View Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
6. Vernon Hills Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
7. Libertyville Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
8. Prairie Crossing Station
It transfers to the Milwaukee District North Line (at Prairie Crossing).
9. Washington Street (Grayslake) Station.
- Pace suburban bus routes
10. Lake Villa Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
11. Antioch Station
- Pace suburban bus routes
Metra North Central Service Line Fare Chart
| Fare Type | Zone 1 → Zone 2 | Zone 1 → Zone 3 | Zone 1 → Zone 4 | Zone 2 → Zone 3 | Zone 2 → Zone 4 | Zone 3 → Zone 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket | $3.75 | $5.50 | $6.75 | $3.75 | $5.50 | $6.75 |
| Day Pass | $7.50 | $11.00 | $13.50 | $7.50 | $11.00 | $13.50 |
| Day Pass 5-Pack | $35.75 | $52.25 | $64.25 | $35.75 | $52.25 | $64.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $75.00 | $110.00 | $135.00 | $75.00 | $110.00 | $135.00 |
| Weekend Pass | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
You May Also Like:
- Metra Southwest Service Line
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The Metra North Central Service Line (NCS) is a commuter rail route connecting Chicago Union Station with Antioch, Illinois. It serves communities across Chicago’s northwestern suburbs and provides an important transportation link for commuters traveling between Antioch, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, Franklin Park, Rosemont, and downtown Chicago.
Unlike Metra’s Union Pacific routes, which operate from Ogilvie Transportation Center, the North Central Service uses Chicago Union Station as its downtown terminal. The line provides access to both residential suburban communities and major employment, transportation, and commercial areas around the northwest Chicago region.
Whether you are researching the Metra North Central Service schedule, stations, fares, route, parking, or connections, understanding how the line operates can make planning your journey much easier.
Metra North Central Service Line at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Line Name | North Central Service |
| Abbreviation | NCS |
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station |
| Northern Terminal | Antioch |
| General Direction | Northwest |
| Service Area | Chicago and northwest suburbs |
| Service Type | Commuter rail |
| Major Communities Served | Franklin Park, Rosemont, Des Plaines, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Mundelein, Antioch |
| Downtown Connection | Chicago Union Station |
| Airport Area Served | O’Hare area via Rosemont |
| McHenry Branch | No |
| Metra Line Type | Diesel commuter rail |
| Weekend Service | Check current Metra timetable |
| Ticketing | Metra ticketing options vary by station |
The exact operating schedule, fares, and station facilities should be checked with Metra before traveling because service information can change.
What Is the Metra North Central Service Line?
The North Central Service Line, commonly abbreviated NCS, is one of Metra’s commuter rail lines serving the Chicago metropolitan area.
The route runs between Chicago Union Station and Antioch, traveling through Chicago’s northwest side and a series of suburban communities.
The line is particularly useful for passengers who live in the northwest suburban corridor but need to reach downtown Chicago. It also provides connections near important transportation and commercial destinations, including the O’Hare area.
The North Central Service is operated over railroad infrastructure that connects with other rail routes in the region, but passengers should not confuse it with the Milwaukee District North Line or Union Pacific Northwest Line. Those are separate Metra services with different routes and downtown terminals.
Metra North Central Service Stations
The North Central Service includes stations between Union Station and Antioch.
A typical station sequence from Chicago toward Antioch includes:
| # | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago Union Station |
| 2 | Western Avenue |
| 3 | River Grove |
| 4 | Franklin Park |
| 5 | Mannheim |
| 6 | Rosemont |
| 7 | Schiller Park |
| 8 | Des Plaines |
| 9 | Prospect Heights |
| 10 | Wheeling |
| 11 | Buffalo Grove |
| 12 | Prairie View |
| 13 | Vernon Hills |
| 14 | Mundelein |
| 15 | Prairie Crossing |
| 16 | Antioch |
Station stopping patterns can vary by individual train, so passengers should always review the current timetable before traveling.
Metra North Central Service Route
The North Central Service route travels northwest from Chicago Union Station toward Antioch.
A simplified route is:
Chicago → Western Avenue → River Grove → Franklin Park → Mannheim → Rosemont → Schiller Park → Des Plaines → Prospect Heights → Wheeling → Buffalo Grove → Prairie View → Vernon Hills → Mundelein → Prairie Crossing → Antioch
The route passes through a combination of urban neighborhoods and suburban communities before reaching Antioch near the Wisconsin border.
Where Does the North Central Service Start?
The Chicago end of the North Central Service is Chicago Union Station.
This is an important distinction because Metra has several downtown terminals:
- Chicago Union Station — used by North Central Service and several other Metra routes
- Ogilvie Transportation Center — used by the Union Pacific lines
- LaSalle Street Station — used by Rock Island
- Millennium Station — used by Metra Electric
Therefore, passengers traveling on the NCS should make sure they are heading to Union Station, rather than assuming all Metra trains depart from the same downtown terminal.
Where Does the North Central Service End?
The northern terminus of the North Central Service is Antioch, Illinois.
Antioch is located in Lake County and represents the northern end of the NCS route.
For passengers traveling from Chicago, an Antioch-bound train travels through multiple northwest suburban stations before reaching the terminal.
Metra North Central Service Schedule
The Metra North Central Service schedule is organized around commuter travel, particularly weekday trips between the suburbs and downtown Chicago.
Train frequency and departure times vary according to:
- Weekday or weekend
- Direction of travel
- Individual train
- Holiday schedules
- Construction
- Service adjustments
- Special events
Because schedules can change, passengers should use Metra’s current timetable for the exact date and station.
Antioch to Chicago
Passengers traveling from Antioch toward downtown Chicago board an inbound NCS train and travel south/east toward Chicago Union Station.
Stations along the route provide access to the train for commuters from Lake and Cook counties.
Chicago to Antioch
Passengers leaving downtown Chicago board a North Central Service train at Union Station and travel toward Antioch.
Before boarding, check the destination displayed on the train and the current departure board to make sure the service is going to the intended terminal.
Is North Central Service a Weekend Line?
North Central Service schedules are not identical to weekday schedules.
Passengers should not assume that a weekday commuter timetable applies on Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday. Service availability and frequency should be checked for the specific travel date.
This is particularly important for recreational trips to communities along the northern end of the line.
Metra North Central Service Travel Time
Travel time on the NCS depends on the starting and ending stations and the number of intermediate stops.
A trip from:
- River Grove to Chicago will be considerably shorter than
- Mundelein to Chicago, while
- Antioch to Chicago represents one of the longer journeys on the route.
Actual travel time can also be affected by operational conditions and schedule changes.
For the most accurate estimate, compare the scheduled departure and arrival times for your specific stations using the current Metra timetable.
North Central Service Fares
Metra fares are based on the applicable fare structure and the origin and destination of a trip.
Your North Central Service fare therefore depends on where you board and where you get off.
Metra offers several types of fare products, which may include:
- One-way tickets
- Day passes
- Monthly passes
- Weekend passes
- Reduced fares for qualifying passengers
Exact prices should be checked against Metra’s current fare information.
How to Check Your NCS Fare
To find the correct fare:
- Select your departure station.
- Select your destination.
- Check the current Metra fare information.
- Choose the appropriate ticket type.
- Purchase the ticket using an available Metra payment option.
Fares and ticket policies may be updated, so current information is preferable to older printed timetables.
Metra North Central Service Parking
Parking availability differs between NCS stations.
Many suburban stations provide commuter parking, allowing passengers to drive from home to the station and continue their trip by rail.
Before parking, check:
- Daily parking rates
- Permit requirements
- Payment methods
- Parking lot location
- ADA parking
- Overnight restrictions
- Local parking regulations
Parking rules may be managed by the municipality or another local authority.
Park-and-Ride on the NCS
The park-and-ride model can be convenient for passengers who live farther from a station.
A typical journey is:
Home → Drive to NCS Station → Park → Metra Train → Chicago Union Station
This arrangement allows commuters to avoid driving the entire distance into downtown Chicago.
North Central Service Accessibility
Accessibility varies by station.
Metra provides station-specific accessibility information, and passengers who require accessible boarding should verify their departure and arrival stations before traveling.
Important considerations can include:
- Accessible platforms
- Ramps
- Elevators
- Accessible parking
- Station entrances
- Platform conditions
- Boarding arrangements
If accessibility is essential to your trip, checking the latest Metra station information is recommended because facilities can change over time.
North Central Service and O’Hare
One notable feature of the NCS corridor is its service through the Rosemont/O’Hare area.
However, passengers should understand that Rosemont Metra Station is not the same as an airport terminal station. Depending on the final destination, an additional local transportation connection may be necessary.
Travelers heading to Chicago O’Hare International Airport should check the current CTA, Pace, shuttle, or other connecting transportation options for the final portion of their trip.
North Central Service and Chicago Union Station
Chicago Union Station is the downtown destination for NCS passengers.
After arriving at Union Station, travelers can continue their journey using:
- CTA trains
- CTA buses
- Pace buses
- Amtrak
- Taxis
- Rideshare services
- Walking
- Bicycle or other local transportation
Union Station’s location also provides convenient access to Chicago’s central business district and nearby neighborhoods.
North Central Service vs. Milwaukee District North
The North Central Service and Milwaukee District North (MD-N) both serve Chicago’s northwest suburban region, but they are separate Metra lines.
| Feature | North Central Service | Milwaukee District North |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Terminal | Union Station | Union Station |
| Northern/Outer Terminal | Antioch | Fox Lake |
| General Direction | Northwest | Northwest |
| Major Areas Served | Rosemont, Buffalo Grove, Mundelein, Antioch | Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Libertyville, Fox Lake |
| Service Pattern | Separate NCS route | Separate MD-N route |
| Downtown Station | Union Station | Union Station |
Although the routes overlap geographically in the broader northwest suburban region, they do not follow the same station sequence.
North Central Service vs. Union Pacific Northwest
The Union Pacific Northwest Line (UP-NW) is another Metra route serving Chicago’s northwest suburbs.
The major difference is the downtown terminal and route corridor.
| Feature | North Central Service | UP-NW |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Terminal | Union Station | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Outer Terminal | Antioch | Harvard |
| General Direction | Northwest | Northwest |
| Major Suburban Areas | Rosemont, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Mundelein | Arlington Heights, Palatine, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Harvard |
| Branch | None | McHenry Branch |
| Railroad Route | Different corridor | Union Pacific Northwest corridor |
The appropriate line depends on your starting station and destination rather than simply the general direction of travel.
Major Communities Served by North Central Service
Rosemont
Rosemont is a significant transportation and entertainment destination near O’Hare International Airport.
The NCS provides a rail connection to the area, although passengers continuing to the airport may need another transportation connection.
Des Plaines
Des Plaines is one of the suburban communities served by North Central Service and provides access to the broader northwest suburban area.
Wheeling
Wheeling is located along the northern portion of the route and is served by NCS commuter trains.
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove provides another connection between the residential and employment areas of the northwest suburbs and Chicago.
Mundelein
Mundelein is one of the northern suburban stations on the route and is useful for commuters traveling between Lake County and Chicago.
Antioch
Antioch is the northern terminal of the North Central Service.
How to Ride the Metra North Central Service
If you are taking NCS for the first time, the process is straightforward.
1. Choose Your Station
Find the North Central Service station closest to your origin.
2. Check the Current Timetable
Confirm that your desired train operates on your travel date and stops at your station.
3. Arrive Early
Allow sufficient time to park, walk to the platform, and prepare your ticket.
4. Confirm the Direction
For Chicago, look for an inbound train toward Chicago Union Station.
For suburban travel, confirm that the train is traveling toward your intended destination, such as Antioch.
5. Purchase Your Ticket
Use a currently accepted Metra ticketing option.
6. Board the Correct Train
Check the destination displayed on the train and station departure information.
7. Exit at Your Station
Pay attention to announcements and make sure you are ready before the train reaches your destination.
Tips for North Central Service Riders
Check for service alerts
Construction and operational changes can affect departure times, station stops, or platforms.
Don’t rely on an old timetable
Metra schedules can be revised. Always check current information before traveling.
Arrive before the scheduled departure
A scheduled departure time is not a suggestion to arrive at the platform at that exact moment.
Check your train’s destination
Some Metra services have different stopping patterns. Confirm that the train serves your destination.
Plan your downtown connection
If you are continuing beyond Union Station, research your CTA, Pace, walking, or other connection in advance.
Check parking rules
Parking conditions vary between stations and may be controlled by local authorities.
North Central Service Line for Daily Commuters
The NCS can be useful for commuters who live in the northwest suburban corridor and work or study in Chicago.
A regular commuter might use the line as follows:
Residential Area → Local NCS Station → Metra Train → Chicago Union Station → Workplace
For reverse commuters:
Chicago → Union Station → NCS Train → Suburban Station → Local Destination
This provides an alternative to making the entire trip by car.
Important Things to Know Before Taking NCS
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does NCS stand for? | North Central Service |
| Where does NCS go? | Chicago Union Station to Antioch |
| What is the northern terminal? | Antioch |
| Where does it arrive in Chicago? | Chicago Union Station |
| Does it serve Rosemont? | Yes |
| Does it serve Mundelein? | Yes |
| Does it serve Buffalo Grove? | Yes |
| Does it serve Des Plaines? | Yes |
| Is it the same as UP-NW? | No |
| Is it the same as Milwaukee District North? | No |
| Does it connect directly to every O’Hare terminal? | No; additional airport transportation may be required |
| Are fares the same for every trip? | No; fares depend on the trip and current fare structure |
| Is weekend service identical to weekday service? | No; check the applicable timetable |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Metra North Central Service Line?
The North Central Service (NCS) is a Metra commuter rail route connecting Chicago Union Station and Antioch, Illinois, through Chicago’s northwest suburbs.
Where does the North Central Service end?
The northern terminal of the NCS is Antioch, Illinois.
Where does North Central Service arrive in Chicago?
NCS trains use Chicago Union Station as their downtown Chicago terminal.
Does North Central Service go to Antioch?
Yes. Antioch is the northern terminus of the North Central Service.
Does North Central Service go to Mundelein?
Yes. Mundelein is one of the stations served by the NCS route.
Does North Central Service stop in Buffalo Grove?
Yes. Buffalo Grove is served by North Central Service.
Does North Central Service serve Rosemont?
Yes. Rosemont is included on the NCS route.
Does North Central Service go to O’Hare Airport?
The NCS serves the Rosemont area near O’Hare, but Rosemont Station is not an O’Hare airport terminal. Travelers continuing to the airport should plan an additional connection.
Is North Central Service the same as UP-NW?
No. They are separate Metra lines. NCS runs between Chicago Union Station and Antioch, while UP-NW runs from Ogilvie Transportation Center toward Harvard, with a McHenry branch.
Is North Central Service the same as Milwaukee District North?
No. Both serve parts of Chicago’s northwest suburban region, but they have different routes, stations, and outer terminals.
Does North Central Service run on weekends?
Service patterns depend on the current Metra timetable. Check the schedule for the specific Saturday, Sunday, or holiday on which you plan to travel.
How much does North Central Service cost?
The fare depends on your origin, destination, and the current Metra fare structure. Check Metra’s latest fare information for the exact price.
Can I park at North Central Service stations?
Parking is available at many suburban NCS stations, but availability, fees, permits, and regulations differ by location.
How can I check the North Central Service schedule?
Use Metra’s current timetable and service-alert information to check departure times, stopping patterns, and any temporary changes.
Final Takeaway
The Metra North Central Service Line connects Chicago Union Station with Antioch, Illinois, serving a series of communities across the northwest suburban corridor. Stations include areas such as Rosemont, Des Plaines, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, and Antioch.
For commuters and occasional passengers, the line provides an alternative to driving between Chicago and the northwest suburbs. Its connection to Chicago Union Station also makes it possible to continue a trip using CTA, Pace, Amtrak, walking, and other transportation services.
