The Metra Union Pacific North Line is a commuter rail line in the Chicago metropolitan area that operates from downtown Chicago, Illinois, to Kenosha, Wisconsin. The line provides crucial access to daily commuters coming in and out of the city. It is serviced by a combination of express and local trains, making it equally great for tourists commuting near or far. Union Pacific North Line, not to mention their scenic route through Chicago along the Lake Michigan shore, which makes commuting neat.
It passes through multiple residential and commercial areas at stations serving Evanston, Skokie, and Wilmette, and has been integral to the regional economy since its completion. You can work around it during off-peak hours.4) Trains come often (even on non-rush hour times), which makes getting to/from work/leisure easier. This line has the latest facilities, such as barrier-free stations and services on board, assuring a comfortable journey.
Metra Union Pacific North Line Schedule
Metra Union Pacific North Line Weekday Schedule
| Station | First Inbound (AM) | Last Inbound (PM) | First Outbound (AM) | Last Outbound (PM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogilvie Station | 5:00 AM | 11:00 PM | 5:30 AM | 11:30 PM |
| Clybourn | 5:05 AM | 11:05 PM | 5:35 AM | 11:35 PM |
| Ravenswood | 5:10 AM | 11:10 PM | 5:40 AM | 11:40 PM |
| Evanston Main St | 5:20 AM | 11:20 PM | 5:50 AM | 11:50 PM |
| Wilmette | 5:30 AM | 11:30 PM | 6:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Highland Park | 5:45 AM | 11:45 PM | 6:15 AM | 12:15 AM |
| Lake Forest | 5:55 AM | 11:55 PM | 6:25 AM | 12:25 AM |
| Waukegan | 6:15 AM | 12:15 AM | 6:45 AM | 12:45 AM |
| Kenosha | 6:35 AM | 12:35 AM | 7:05 AM | 1:05 AM |
Metra Union Pacific North Line Weekend Schedule
| Station | First Inbound (AM) | Last Inbound (PM) | First Outbound (AM) | Last Outbound (PM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogilvie Station | 8:00 AM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 AM | 8:30 PM |
| Clybourn | 8:05 AM | 8:05 PM | 8:35 AM | 8:35 PM |
| Ravenswood | 8:10 AM | 8:10 PM | 8:40 AM | 8:40 PM |
| Evanston Main St | 8:20 AM | 8:20 PM | 8:50 AM | 8:50 PM |
| Wilmette | 8:30 AM | 8:30 PM | 9:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Highland Park | 8:45 AM | 8:45 PM | 9:15 AM | 9:15 PM |
| Lake Forest | 8:55 AM | 8:55 PM | 9:25 AM | 9:25 PM |
| Waukegan | 9:15 AM | 9:15 PM | 9:45 AM | 9:45 PM |
| Kenosha | 9:35 AM | 9:35 PM | 10:05 AM | 10:05 PM |
Metra Union Pacific North Line Overview
Below is the station Overview.
Metra Union Pacific North Line Key Highlights
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center to Kenosha, Wisconsin |
| Number of Stops | 27 stops including Evanston, Wilmette, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Waukegan |
| Service Frequency | Every 20–30 minutes during weekday rush hours; hourly off-peak; weekends hourly to every 90 mins |
| Scenic Route | Views along Lake Michigan shoreline and North Shore |
| Parking | Available at most suburban stations (daily, permit, free); downtown parking near Ogilvie |
| Accessibility | Majority of stations and trains wheelchair accessible |
| Ticketing Options | Ventra app, ticket machines, onboard purchase, ticket agents at select stations |
| Nearby Attractions | Chicago Botanic Garden, Six Flags Great America, Waukegan Harbor, Kenosha museums, and more |
| Fare System | Zone-based fares; single rides, 10-ride passes, monthly passes available |
The Metra Union Pacific North Line (UP-N) is one of the major commuter rail lines serving the northern Chicago metropolitan area. It connects Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago with Kenosha, Wisconsin, running north through Chicago’s North Side and numerous communities in Illinois before crossing into Wisconsin.
The line is an important transportation option for commuters, students, residents, and visitors traveling between Chicago and northern suburbs such as Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Waukegan, as well as communities farther north toward Kenosha.
This guide covers the Union Pacific North Line route, stations, schedule, fares, major destinations, connections, history, and practical riding information.
Union Pacific North Line at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Union Pacific North Line |
| Abbreviation | UP-N |
| Operator | Metra |
| Chicago terminal | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Northern terminal | Kenosha, Wisconsin |
| General direction | North |
| Service area | Chicago, northern Cook County, Lake County, Illinois, and Kenosha |
| Major communities served | Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Waukegan, Kenosha |
| Rail service type | Commuter rail |
| Primary purpose | Commuting and regional travel |
| Illinois/Wisconsin service | Yes |
The Union Pacific North Line is one of Metra’s three Union Pacific routes, along with the Union Pacific Northwest Line and Union Pacific West Line.
What Is the Union Pacific North Line?
The Union Pacific North Line, commonly called UP-N, is a Metra commuter rail service running between Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago and Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The route follows the historic railway corridor north from Chicago through some of the most heavily populated communities along Chicago’s North Shore. It continues through Lake County and reaches Kenosha, making it one of the Metra routes that crosses the Illinois-Wisconsin border.
The line is particularly useful for passengers traveling between downtown Chicago and communities along the North Shore.
Unlike the Milwaukee District North Line, which also travels toward Chicago’s northern suburbs, UP-N operates from Ogilvie Transportation Center and follows a different corridor.
Union Pacific North Line Route
The UP-N begins at Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago and travels north through Chicago’s North Side and the North Shore.
The route continues through communities including:
- Chicago
- Evanston
- Wilmette
- Winnetka
- Glencoe
- Highland Park
- Highwood
- Lake Forest
- Lake Bluff
- North Chicago
- Waukegan
- Zion
- Winthrop Harbor
- Kenosha
The exact stopping pattern varies by train, so passengers should always check the current timetable for their specific journey.
Union Pacific North Line Stations
The UP-N serves numerous stations between Chicago and Kenosha.
A typical northbound sequence is:
- Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Clybourn
- Ravenswood
- Rogers Park
- Main Street
- Davis Street
- Central Street
- Wilmette
- Indian Hill
- Winnetka
- Hubbard Woods
- Glencoe
- Braeside
- Ravinia
- Ravinia Park
- Highland Park
- Highwood
- Fort Sheridan
- Lake Forest
- Lake Bluff
- Great Lakes
- North Chicago
- Waukegan
- Pleasant Prairie
- Kenosha
Station stopping patterns can differ between individual trains, so this list should be used as a route overview rather than as a guarantee that every train stops at every station.
Union Pacific North Line Station
| Station | Community / Area | General significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ogilvie Transportation Center | Chicago | Downtown terminal |
| Clybourn | Chicago | North Side access |
| Ravenswood | Chicago | North Side neighborhood |
| Rogers Park | Chicago | Far North Side |
| Main Street | Evanston | Evanston access |
| Davis Street | Evanston | Downtown Evanston |
| Central Street | Evanston | Central Evanston |
| Wilmette | Wilmette | North Shore |
| Indian Hill | Winnetka area | North Shore |
| Winnetka | Winnetka | North Shore |
| Hubbard Woods | Winnetka | North Shore |
| Glencoe | Glencoe | North Shore |
| Braeside | Highland Park area | North Shore |
| Ravinia | Highland Park | Ravinia area |
| Ravinia Park | Highland Park | Ravinia destination |
| Highland Park | Highland Park | Major North Shore station |
| Highwood | Highwood | Lake County |
| Fort Sheridan | Lake Forest area | Lake County |
| Lake Forest | Lake Forest | Major suburban station |
| Lake Bluff | Lake Bluff | Lake County |
| Great Lakes | North Chicago | Naval Station Great Lakes area |
| North Chicago | North Chicago | Lake County |
| Waukegan | Waukegan | Major Lake County city |
| Pleasant Prairie | Pleasant Prairie, WI | Wisconsin service |
| Kenosha | Kenosha, WI | Northern terminal |
Major Union Pacific North Line Stations
Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Ogilvie Transportation Center is the Chicago terminal for the Union Pacific North Line.
- It is located in the West Loop area and is one of Chicago’s principal commuter rail terminals.
- Passengers using UP-N to travel downtown should pay particular attention to the terminal because it differs from the downtown terminals used by several other Metra routes.
Clybourn
- Clybourn is one of the first UP-N stations north of downtown Chicago.
- It also provides access to the North Side and nearby neighborhoods.
Ravenswood
- Ravenswood serves Chicago’s North Side and is an important station for local residents commuting toward downtown.
Rogers Park
- Rogers Park is farther north within Chicago and provides access to the city’s far North Side.
Main Street
- Main Street is the first UP-N station in Evanston when traveling north from Chicago.
Davis Street
- Davis Street is particularly useful for passengers traveling to downtown Evanston.
Central Street
- Central Street serves the northern portion of Evanston.
Wilmette
- The Wilmette station serves the Village of Wilmette and surrounding North Shore communities.
Winnetka
- Winnetka is an important North Shore station and serves the surrounding residential community.
Glencoe
- The Glencoe station provides commuter rail service to the Village of Glencoe.
Ravinia
- The Ravinia station is particularly notable for passengers visiting the Ravinia Festival area.
Ravinia Park
- Ravinia Park is another station serving the Ravinia area of Highland Park.
Highland Park
- Highland Park is one of the major stations on the UP-N route and provides access to the surrounding Lake County community.
Highwood
- Highwood is located between Highland Park and Lake Forest.
Fort Sheridan
- Fort Sheridan serves the area around the former military installation and the Lake Forest/Highwood area.
Lake Forest
- Lake Forest is an important station on the North Shore section of the line.
- It is worth noting that Lake Forest has more than one Metra station, because the community is also served by the Milwaukee District North Line. Passengers should confirm which station and route their train uses.
Lake Bluff
- Lake Bluff is another Lake County community served by UP-N.
Great Lakes
- Great Lakes provides access to the Naval Station Great Lakes area.
North Chicago
- North Chicago serves the city of North Chicago and nearby Lake County destinations.
Waukegan
- Waukegan is one of the largest communities served by UP-N and is an important Lake County transportation point.
Pleasant Prairie
- Pleasant Prairie is the Wisconsin station between the Illinois portion of the route and Kenosha.
Kenosha
- Kenosha is the northern terminus of the Union Pacific North Line and is located in Wisconsin.
Union Pacific North Line Schedule
The UP-N schedule includes trains operating between downtown Chicago and northern communities throughout the day.
Schedules are organized according to:
- Northbound trains
- Southbound trains
- Weekday service
- Weekend service
- Train numbers
- Station-specific stopping patterns
Northbound
Northbound trains generally travel from Ogilvie Transportation Center toward Kenosha.
These trains are useful for passengers traveling from Chicago to:
- Evanston
- Wilmette
- Winnetka
- Glencoe
- Highland Park
- Lake Forest
- Waukegan
- Kenosha
Southbound
Southbound trains travel toward Ogilvie Transportation Center.
They are commonly used by suburban passengers commuting into Chicago.
Check the Exact Train
Not every UP-N train necessarily serves every station. Some trains operate with different stopping patterns, particularly during peak commuting periods.
Before traveling, check:
- Departure station
- Destination
- Train number
- Direction
- Departure time
- Stopping pattern
- Service alerts
This is more reliable than assuming that every train follows the same schedule.
Union Pacific North Line Weekend Service
The Union Pacific North Line provides weekend service, but weekend schedules differ from weekday schedules.
Weekend travel can be useful for:
- Downtown Chicago visits
- North Shore trips
- Ravinia events
- Family outings
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Recreational activities
- Travel between Illinois and Kenosha
Because Metra schedules can change, check the current UP-N timetable for your specific travel date.
Union Pacific North Line Fares
UP-N fares depend on the stations you’re traveling between and the applicable Metra fare structure.
Factors that can affect the fare include:
- Origin station
- Destination station
- Ticket type
- Rider eligibility
- Current Metra fare policies
Potential ticket options can include:
- One-way tickets
- Multi-ride options
- Monthly passes
- Reduced-fare tickets for eligible riders
Always verify the current fare before purchasing a ticket because Metra’s fare structure can change.
How to Ride the Union Pacific North Line
Using UP-N is straightforward once you understand the basic process.
Step 1: Choose Your Stations
Identify where you’re starting and where you want to get off.
Step 2: Check the Direction
If you’re traveling:
- From Chicago toward Kenosha → Northbound
- From the suburbs toward Chicago → Southbound
Step 3: Find Your Train
Check the current UP-N timetable and identify a train that serves your destination.
Step 4: Confirm the Stop
Make sure your particular train stops at the station you need.
Step 5: Buy Your Ticket
Purchase the applicable Metra ticket before or according to the current boarding/payment rules.
Step 6: Arrive Early
Allow enough time to find your platform and board.
Step 7: Monitor Service Alerts
Check for delays, construction, weather-related changes, or other disruptions.
Step 8: Follow Station Signs
Use station signs and announcements to confirm the appropriate platform and direction.
Union Pacific North Line and Downtown Chicago
One of the biggest differences between Metra routes is the downtown terminal they use.
The Union Pacific North Line uses Ogilvie Transportation Center.
This is important when planning a trip because passengers may otherwise assume that all Metra trains use Chicago Union Station.
Ogilvie Transportation Center
Ogilvie serves:
- Union Pacific North
- Union Pacific Northwest
- Union Pacific West
The terminal provides access to Chicago’s West Loop and the surrounding downtown area.
Union Pacific North vs. Milwaukee District North
The Union Pacific North Line and Milwaukee District North Line are two separate Metra routes serving Chicago’s northern suburbs.
| Feature | Union Pacific North | Milwaukee District North |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | UP-N | MD-N |
| Chicago terminal | Ogilvie Transportation Center | Chicago Union Station |
| Northern endpoint | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Fox Lake, Illinois |
| General direction | North | Northwest |
| Major communities | Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Waukegan | Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Libertyville, Grayslake |
| Wisconsin service | Yes | No |
| Metra route | Separate line | Separate line |
Although the two lines serve some nearby communities, they follow different rail corridors and have different stations.
Union Pacific North vs. Union Pacific Northwest
The names Union Pacific North and Union Pacific Northwest are also easy to confuse.
| Feature | UP-N | UP-NW |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Union Pacific North | Union Pacific Northwest |
| Chicago terminal | Ogilvie Transportation Center | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| General direction | North | Northwest |
| Endpoint | Kenosha | Harvard / McHenry branch |
| Major communities | Evanston, Highland Park, Waukegan | Arlington Heights, Palatine, Barrington, Crystal Lake |
| Wisconsin service | Yes | No |
| Line | Separate Metra route | Separate Metra route |
The two routes share a downtown terminal but branch into different suburban corridors.
Union Pacific North vs. Union Pacific West
UP-N is also different from the Union Pacific West Line.
| Feature | Union Pacific North | Union Pacific West |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | UP-N | UP-W |
| Chicago terminal | Ogilvie Transportation Center | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Direction | North | West |
| Endpoint | Kenosha | Elburn |
| Major areas served | North Shore and Lake County | Oak Park, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Geneva, Elburn |
All three Union Pacific routes use Ogilvie Transportation Center, but their suburban corridors are different.
Major Destinations Along the UP-N Line
Evanston
Evanston has multiple UP-N stations:
- Main Street
- Davis Street
- Central Street
These provide access to different parts of the city.
Wilmette
Wilmette is a major North Shore community served by UP-N.
Winnetka
Winnetka has multiple stations, including:
- Winnetka
- Hubbard Woods
This gives passengers access to different portions of the community.
Highland Park
Highland Park is served by:
- Braeside
- Ravinia
- Ravinia Park
- Highland Park
The multiple stations make the line particularly useful for reaching different parts of the community.
Lake Forest
Lake Forest has UP-N service through the Lake Forest station.
However, passengers should confirm their station because Lake Forest is also served by the Milwaukee District North Line.
Waukegan
Waukegan is one of the most important Lake County destinations on the UP-N route.
Kenosha
Kenosha is the northern endpoint and the only Wisconsin community directly served by UP-N.
Ravinia and the Union Pacific North Line
The UP-N is particularly useful for people attending events at Ravinia Festival.
The route has stations serving the Ravinia area, including Ravinia and Ravinia Park.
For event attendees, taking Metra can eliminate the need to drive directly to the venue, although passengers should always verify event-specific schedules and return-trip options before attending.
Great Lakes and the Union Pacific North Line
The Great Lakes station is important because of its proximity to Naval Station Great Lakes.
This makes UP-N useful for eligible visitors, personnel, families, and others traveling to the area.
Passengers should check current installation access requirements separately because a train ticket does not determine access to a military installation.
Union Pacific North Line History
The UP-N route follows a historic railroad corridor that was developed by the Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW).
The C&NW was one of the major railroads connecting Chicago with communities throughout the upper Midwest.
The route eventually became part of the Union Pacific system. Metra operates commuter service over the corridor under an operating agreement with Union Pacific.
This history explains why the line retains the Union Pacific North name even though passengers experience it today as a Metra commuter rail service.
What Makes the UP-N Different?
Several features distinguish the Union Pacific North Line from other Metra routes.
1. It Serves Chicago’s North Shore
UP-N provides rail service to several prominent North Shore communities.
2. It Reaches Wisconsin
Kenosha makes the route one of Metra’s cross-state commuter services.
3. It Uses Ogilvie Transportation Center
This distinguishes UP-N from routes operating from Chicago Union Station.
4. It Has Multiple Stations in Several Communities
Evanston, Winnetka, and Highland Park each have multiple UP-N stations.
5. It Serves Ravinia
Its stations provide convenient access to the Ravinia area.
Union Pacific North Line Travel Tips
Check Your Exact Station
Some communities have multiple Metra stations. Make sure you choose the correct one.
Don’t Confuse UP-N With MD-N
Both lines serve northern Chicago suburbs but use different downtown terminals and routes.
Confirm the Terminal
For UP-N, the Chicago terminal is Ogilvie Transportation Center, not Chicago Union Station.
Check the Train Number
Different trains can have different stopping patterns.
Plan Your Return Journey
This is particularly important for evening events or weekend trips.
Check Current Service Alerts
Weather, construction, maintenance, and operational conditions can change train schedules.
Verify Wisconsin Travel Details
If you’re traveling to Kenosha, make sure your selected train actually operates to Kenosha rather than terminating at an earlier station.
Union Pacific North Line: Quick Reference Table
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is UP-N? | Metra’s Union Pacific North commuter rail line |
| Where does it start? | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Where does it end? | Kenosha, Wisconsin |
| Does it serve Evanston? | Yes |
| Does it serve Wilmette? | Yes |
| Does it serve Winnetka? | Yes |
| Does it serve Highland Park? | Yes |
| Does it serve Lake Forest? | Yes |
| Does it serve Waukegan? | Yes |
| Does it serve Wisconsin? | Yes |
| Does it go to Kenosha? | Yes |
| Is it the same as MD-N? | No |
| Is it the same as UP-NW? | No |
| Does it have weekend service? | Yes, subject to the current timetable |
| Where is the Chicago terminal? | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Union Pacific North Line?
The Union Pacific North Line (UP-N) is a Metra commuter rail line connecting Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago with Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Where does the Union Pacific North Line start?
The line begins at Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago.
Where does the Union Pacific North Line end?
The northern endpoint is Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Does the Union Pacific North Line go to Evanston?
Yes. UP-N serves Main Street, Davis Street, and Central Street stations in Evanston.
Does UP-N go to Highland Park?
Yes. The line serves several stations in the Highland Park area, including Ravinia, Ravinia Park, and Highland Park.
Does UP-N go to Lake Forest?
Yes. Lake Forest is served by the Union Pacific North Line. However, Lake Forest also has service from the Milwaukee District North Line, so passengers should confirm the exact station and route.
Does UP-N go to Waukegan?
Yes. Waukegan is one of the major Lake County stations on the route.
Does UP-N go to Kenosha?
Yes. Kenosha is the northern terminal of the Union Pacific North Line.
Is UP-N the same as Milwaukee District North?
No. UP-N and MD-N are separate Metra routes. UP-N runs from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Kenosha, while MD-N runs from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake.
Is UP-N the same as Union Pacific Northwest?
No. They are separate Metra routes. UP-N travels north toward Kenosha, while UP-NW travels northwest toward destinations such as Harvard and the McHenry branch.
Does the Union Pacific North Line run on weekends?
Yes. Weekend service is available, but the timetable differs from weekday service. Check the current schedule for your travel date.
Which Chicago station does UP-N use?
UP-N uses Ogilvie Transportation Center.
Can I use the same Metra ticket on another Metra line?
Metra’s fare rules determine ticket validity. If you’re transferring between routes, check the current ticket and fare requirements for your specific journey.
Final Takeaway
The Metra Union Pacific North Line is a major commuter rail corridor connecting Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago with Kenosha, Wisconsin. It serves a long chain of Chicago North Side and North Shore communities, including Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, North Chicago, and Waukegan.
Its combination of Chicago, North Shore, Lake County, and Wisconsin service makes it an important regional transportation corridor. The line is also particularly useful for destinations such as Ravinia, downtown Evanston, Highland Park, Great Lakes, and Kenosha.
For a successful trip, always verify the current timetable, train number, exact stopping pattern, fare, station information, and service alerts before departure. This is especially important because not every UP-N train necessarily stops at every station.
