The Union Pacific West (UP-W) Line connects downtown Chicago with several western suburbs, providing convenient commuter rail service between Ogilvie Transportation Center and Elburn. The route serves residential communities, business districts, educational institutions, and popular destinations throughout DuPage and Kane counties. Passengers can also check the latest Metra Train Hours for additional departure information.
UP-W Line Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | Ogilvie Transportation Center – Elburn |
| Line Length | Approximately 43 Miles |
| Service Type | Commuter Rail |
| Major Stops | Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Geneva, Elburn |
| Operator | Metra |
| Terminal Stations | Ogilvie Transportation Center & Elburn |
View the complete Metra Map to explore all Metra rail lines and station connections
Metra Union Pacific West Line Schedules
Metra Union Pacific West Line Weekday Schedule (Inbound to Ogilvie)
| Station | Early Morning | Morning Rush | Midday / Off-Peak | Evening / Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elburn | 4:15 AM, 4:45 AM | 5:15 AM, 5:45 AM, 6:15 AM, 7:25 AM, 8:25 AM, 9:25 AM | 10:55 AM, 12:25 PM, 1:25 PM, 2:25 PM, 3:25 PM | 4:25 PM, 5:25 PM, 6:25 PM, 7:25 PM, 8:25 PM, 9:25 PM, 10:25 PM |
| La Fox | 4:19 AM, 4:49 AM | 5:19 AM, 5:49 AM, 6:19 AM, 7:29 AM, 8:29 AM, 9:29 AM | 10:59 AM, 12:29 PM, 1:29 PM, 2:29 PM, 3:29 PM | 4:29 PM, 5:29 PM, 6:29 PM, 7:29 PM, 8:29 PM, 9:29 PM, 10:29 PM |
| Geneva | 4:27 AM, 4:57 AM | 5:27 AM, 5:57 AM, 6:27 AM, 7:37 AM, 8:37 AM, 9:37 AM | 11:07 AM, 12:37 PM, 1:37 PM, 2:37 PM, 3:37 PM | 4:37 PM, 5:37 PM, 6:37 PM, 7:37 PM, 8:37 PM, 9:37 PM, 10:37 PM |
| West Chicago | 4:35 AM, 5:05 AM | 5:35 AM, 6:05 AM, 6:35 AM, 7:45 AM, 8:45 AM, 9:45 AM | 11:15 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:45 PM, 3:45 PM | 4:45 PM, 5:45 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:45 PM, 10:45 PM |
| Wheaton | 4:44 AM, 5:14 AM | 5:44 AM, 6:14 AM, 6:44 AM, 7:54 AM, 8:54 AM, 9:54 AM | 11:24 AM, 12:54 PM, 1:54 PM, 2:54 PM, 3:54 PM | 4:54 PM, 5:54 PM, 6:54 PM, 7:54 PM, 8:54 PM, 9:54 PM, 10:54 PM |
Metra Union Pacific West Line Weekend Schedule (Inbound to Ogilvie)
| Saturday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Station | First Train | Midday & Afternoon Trains | Evening Trains |
| Elburn | 6:25 AM | 7:25 AM, 8:25 AM, 10:25 AM, 12:25 PM, 2:25 PM, 4:25 PM, 6:25 PM, 8:25 PM | 10:25 PM |
| La Fox | 6:29 AM | 7:29 AM, 8:29 AM, 10:29 AM, 12:29 PM, 2:29 PM, 4:29 PM, 6:29 PM, 8:29 PM | 10:29 PM |
| Geneva | 6:37 AM | 7:37 AM, 8:37 AM, 10:37 AM, 12:37 PM, 2:37 PM, 4:37 PM, 6:37 PM, 8:37 PM | 10:37 PM |
| Sunday | |||
| Station | First Train | Midday & Afternoon Trains | Evening Trains |
| Elburn | 6:25 AM | 8:25 AM, 10:25 AM, 12:25 PM, 2:25 PM, 4:25 PM, 6:25 PM, 8:25 PM | 10:25 PM |
| La Fox | 6:29 AM | 8:29 AM, 10:29 AM, 12:29 PM, 2:29 PM, 4:29 PM, 6:29 PM, 8:29 PM | 10:29 PM |
| Geneva | 6:37 AM | 8:37 AM, 10:37 AM, 12:37 PM, 2:37 PM, 4:37 PM, 6:37 PM, 8:37 PM | 10:37 PM |
Metra Union Pacific West Line Fares Information
| Station | Zone | One-Way Fare | Day Pass | Monthly Pass | Weekend Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elburn | Zone 10 | $6.75 | $13.50 | $135.00 | $7 (Sat/Sun/1-day), $10 (weekend) |
| La Fox | Zone 9 | $6.75 | $13.50 | $135.00 | Same as above |
| Geneva | Zone 8 | $6.75 | $13.50 | $135.00 | Same as above |
| West Chicago | Zone 7 | $6.75 | $13.50 | $135.00 | Same as above |
| Wheaton | Zone 6 | $5.50 | $11.00 | $110.00 | Same as above |
| Glen Ellyn | Zone 5 | $5.50 | $11.00 | $110.00 | Same as above |
| Lombard | Zone 4 | $5.50 | $11.00 | $110.00 | Same as above |
| Elmhurst | Zone 3 | $3.75 | $7.50 | $75.00 | Same as above |
| Oak Park | Zone 2 | $3.75 | $7.50 | $75.00 | Same as above |
| Ogilvie (Chicago) | Zone 1 | — | — | — | — |
For ticket costs and fare zones, visit our Metra Ticket Prices guide.
Metra Union Pacific West Line Parking Information
Many Union Pacific West Line stations provide parking facilities for daily commuters. Major stations such as Elburn, Geneva, Wheaton, and Elmhurst offer commuter parking lots with daily and monthly parking options.
Parking fees vary by station and may range from approximately $1 to $5 per day, depending on the location. Some stations also offer permit parking and mobile payment options for added convenience.
| Station | Parking Availability |
|---|---|
| Elburn | Daily & Monthly Parking |
| Geneva | Daily Parking |
| Wheaton | Daily & Permit Parking |
| Elmhurst | Daily Parking |
| Glen Ellyn | Limited Parking Available |
Metra Union Pacific West Line Stations List
- Ogilvie Transportation Center (Chicago, IL)
- Western Avenue
- Mayfair
- Elmwood Park
- River Forest
- Oak Park
- Harlem Avenue
- Forest Park
- Berkeley
- La Grange Road
- La Grange
- Western Springs
- Clarendon Hills
- Hinsdale
- West Hinsdale
- Oak Brook
- Elmhurst
- Villa Park
- Lombard
- Glen Ellyn
- Winfield
- Wheaton
- West Chicago
- Geneva
- Batavia
- North Aurora
- Aurora
- Sugar Grove
- Big Timber Road
- Elburn
The Union Pacific West Line serves multiple communities across Chicago, DuPage County, and Kane County, providing convenient commuter rail service between downtown Chicago and Elburn.
Metra Union Pacific West Line Nearby Attractions
- Millennium Park – Chicago (Ogilvie)
- Art Institute of Chicago – Chicago (Ogilvie)
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio – Oak Park
- Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum – Oak Park
- Oak Park Conservatory – Oak Park
- Elmhurst Art Museum – Elmhurst
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art – Elmhurst
- Wilder Park Conservatory – Elmhurst
- Lake Ellyn Park – Glen Ellyn
- Morton Arboretum – Near Glen Ellyn
- Cantigny Park – Wheaton
- Cosley Zoo – Wheaton
- DuPage County Historical Museum – Wheaton
- Geneva History Museum – Geneva
- Fabyan Forest Preserve – Geneva
- Fox River Trail – Geneva
- Lion’s Park – Elburn
- Ream’s Meat Market – Elburn
- Bartlett Nature Center – Bartlett
- Aurora Regional Fire Museum – Near West Chicago
- Paramount Theatre – Aurora
- Phillips Park Zoo – Aurora
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Metra Union Pacific West Line: Stations, Schedule, Fares & Route Guide
The Metra Union Pacific West Line (UP-W) is a commuter rail line connecting downtown Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center with Elburn, Illinois. It serves communities across Chicago’s western suburbs and provides a practical rail connection for people traveling between the city and areas such as Oak Park, Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, West Chicago, Geneva, La Fox, and Elburn.
For daily commuters, occasional travelers, and visitors, the Union Pacific West Line offers access to downtown Chicago without requiring a car for the entire journey. Metra’s official materials identify the route as Ogilvie Transportation Center to Elburn, with 19 stations listed on the line.
Metra Union Pacific West Line at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Line Name | Union Pacific West Line |
| Abbreviation | UP-W |
| Chicago Terminal | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Western Terminal | Elburn |
| Service Area | Chicago and western suburbs |
| Number of Stations | 19 |
| Major Communities Served | Oak Park, Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, West Chicago, Geneva, Elburn |
| Chicago Downtown Terminal | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Service Type | Commuter rail |
| Direction to Chicago | Inbound |
| Direction from Chicago | Outbound |
| McHenry/Harvard Service | No — those are associated with UP-NW |
| Accessibility | Varies by station |
Metra’s station guide identifies accessibility status individually for stations along the UP-W Line.
What Is the Metra Union Pacific West Line?
The Union Pacific West Line, commonly called UP-W, is one of Metra’s commuter rail routes serving the Chicago metropolitan area.
The line runs between Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago and Elburn in Kane County. Along the way, it serves numerous communities in the western suburbs.
The route is especially useful for passengers who live or work along the western suburban corridor and need transportation into Chicago’s central business district.
The official Metra line listing identifies UP-W as the line running to Elburn, while the other Union Pacific routes extend north toward Kenosha and northwest toward Harvard.
Metra Union Pacific West Line Stations
The UP-W Line has stations extending from downtown Chicago to Elburn.
Union Pacific West Line Station List
| # | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| 2 | Kedzie |
| 3 | Oak Park |
| 4 | River Forest |
| 5 | Maywood |
| 6 | Melrose Park |
| 7 | Bellwood |
| 8 | Berkeley |
| 9 | Elmhurst |
| 10 | Villa Park |
| 11 | Lombard |
| 12 | Glen Ellyn |
| 13 | Wheaton |
| 14 | Winfield |
| 15 | West Chicago |
| 16 | Geneva |
| 17 | La Fox |
| 18 | Elburn |
Metra’s station guide lists these UP-W stations from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Elburn.
Note: Metra’s official station guide lists 18 named stations on the UP-W route, including Ogilvie Transportation Center. Current service schedules should be checked before travel because station stops and train patterns can vary by service.
Metra Union Pacific West Line Route
The Union Pacific West Line begins at Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago and travels west through the city’s western neighborhoods and suburbs before reaching Elburn.
The route passes through a mixture of dense urban communities, established suburbs, and outer suburban areas.
A simplified route is:
Chicago → Kedzie → Oak Park → River Forest → Maywood → Melrose Park → Bellwood → Berkeley → Elmhurst → Villa Park → Lombard → Glen Ellyn → Wheaton → Winfield → West Chicago → Geneva → La Fox → Elburn
This makes the UP-W Line useful for both short suburban trips and longer journeys between Elburn-area communities and downtown Chicago.
Metra UP-W Schedule
The Metra Union Pacific West Line schedule varies depending on the day, direction, train, and service adjustments.
For this reason, passengers should check the current timetable rather than relying on a static list of departure times.
Metra publishes official UP-W schedules and service information, and its timetable materials show trains operating between Elburn and Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center.
Elburn to Chicago
Passengers traveling toward Chicago board at stations such as:
- Elburn
- La Fox
- Geneva
- West Chicago
- Winfield
- Wheaton
- Glen Ellyn
- Lombard
- Villa Park
- Elmhurst
- Berkeley
- Bellwood
- Melrose Park
- Maywood
- River Forest
- Oak Park
- Kedzie
Trains continue to Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago.
Chicago to Elburn
Passengers leaving downtown Chicago board at Ogilvie Transportation Center and travel west toward Elburn.
Depending on the train, stops may vary, so riders should check the specific train’s timetable before boarding.
UP-W Weekday Service
The Union Pacific West Line is an important weekday commuter route.
Weekday trains accommodate passengers traveling:
- From the suburbs to downtown Chicago
- From Chicago to western suburbs
- Between intermediate suburban stations
- To employment centers along the route
- For appointments, education, shopping, and other activities
Because schedules can be adjusted for construction, special events, holidays, or other operational requirements, checking Metra’s current service information is recommended before a trip.
Does the Union Pacific West Line Run on Weekends?
Weekend service patterns are different from weekday commuter schedules.
The UP-W has scheduled weekend service, but the number and timing of trains can differ from the weekday timetable. Special schedules may also be issued for holidays or events.
Before traveling on Saturday or Sunday, check the current Metra UP-W schedule for the exact date.
Metra UP-W Travel Time
Travel time depends on:
- Starting station
- Destination
- Number of stops
- Train schedule
- Service conditions
- Delays or operational changes
A trip from a western suburban station to downtown Chicago will generally take longer than a trip from one nearby suburban station to another.
Rather than relying on a single estimated travel time for the entire line, passengers should use Metra’s current timetable to identify the departure and arrival times for their particular stations.
Metra Union Pacific West Line Fare
Metra fares are based on the applicable fare structure and the zones associated with the trip.
The cost of traveling on the UP-W Line therefore depends on the origin and destination.
Common fare products can include:
- One-way tickets
- Day passes
- Monthly passes
- Weekend passes
- Reduced-fare products for eligible riders
Passengers should check Metra’s current fare information for the exact price before purchasing a ticket.
How to Find Your UP-W Fare
To determine the cost of a Union Pacific West Line trip:
- Identify your departure station.
- Select your destination.
- Check the applicable Metra fare.
- Choose the ticket type that fits your trip.
- Purchase through an available Metra ticketing option.
Fare policies can change, so current Metra information should be used for exact pricing.
Metra Union Pacific West Line and Ogilvie Transportation Center
Ogilvie Transportation Center is the downtown Chicago terminal for the Union Pacific West Line.
This is important for riders because UP-W passengers arriving in Chicago are already in the downtown area and can continue their trip on foot or by connecting to other transportation services.
Ogilvie is also the downtown terminal for the Union Pacific North and Union Pacific Northwest lines, making it an important Metra hub. Metra’s official line information identifies UP-N, UP-NW, and UP-W as Union Pacific routes serving Ogilvie.
UP-W vs. UP-N vs. UP-NW
Metra’s three Union Pacific routes serve different suburban corridors.
| Feature | UP-W | UP-N | UP-NW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Union Pacific West | Union Pacific North | Union Pacific Northwest |
| Chicago Terminal | Ogilvie | Ogilvie | Ogilvie |
| Outer Terminal | Elburn | Kenosha | Harvard |
| General Direction | West | North | Northwest |
| Major Area Served | Western suburbs | North Shore | Northwest suburbs |
| Branch | None | None | McHenry Branch |
| Chicago Downtown Station | Ogilvie Transportation Center | Ogilvie Transportation Center | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
Metra’s official line listings identify the three routes and their respective outer destinations as Elburn, Kenosha, and Harvard.
Which Communities Does the UP-W Line Serve?
The Union Pacific West Line serves a broad corridor of communities.
Some of the better-known locations along the route include:
Oak Park
Oak Park provides a connection between Chicago and the western suburban portion of the UP-W corridor.
Elmhurst
Elmhurst is an important suburban station on the route and provides access to the city and surrounding communities.
Lombard
Lombard is another major suburban stop used by commuters traveling between DuPage County and Chicago.
Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn is served by the UP-W Line and offers another commuter rail connection into downtown Chicago.
Wheaton
Wheaton is one of the prominent stations in the western suburban corridor and is frequently used by local commuters.
Geneva
Geneva is located farther west on the route and provides rail access to downtown Chicago.
Elburn
Elburn is the western terminal of the Union Pacific West Line.
Union Pacific West Line Accessibility
Accessibility differs by station.
Metra’s station guide marks Ogilvie Transportation Center, Oak Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Bellwood, Berkeley, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Winfield, West Chicago, Geneva, La Fox, and Elburn as accessible in the guide, while Kedzie and River Forest are listed as not accessible.
Passengers who require an accessible boarding location should verify the current station information and train arrangements before traveling.
Platform Direction on UP-W
Metra’s station guide notes that, as a general rule:
- Inbound trains toward Chicago use the north platforms.
- Outbound trains toward Elburn use the south platforms.
There are exceptions, including La Fox and Elburn, so riders should follow station signage and announcements.
Parking Along the UP-W Line
Parking availability varies considerably from station to station.
Many suburban UP-W stations provide commuter parking, while downtown Ogilvie Transportation Center does not function as a conventional suburban park-and-ride station.
If you plan to drive to your local Metra station, check:
- Number of available spaces
- Daily parking fees
- Permit requirements
- Payment methods
- Overnight restrictions
- ADA parking
- Local parking enforcement
Parking policies may be administered by the municipality or another local authority rather than directly by Metra.
Connecting Transportation
The Union Pacific West Line can be combined with other transportation options to complete a journey.
Depending on the station, passengers may connect with:
- CTA trains
- CTA buses
- Pace buses
- Local municipal buses
- Taxis
- Rideshare services
- Walking and cycling routes
The availability of these connections varies by station.
For downtown Chicago trips, arriving at Ogilvie Transportation Center puts passengers within walking distance of many offices, restaurants, hotels, and other destinations.
Metra UP-W for Daily Commuters
The Union Pacific West Line is designed around regional commuter travel, making it useful for people who regularly travel between western suburbs and Chicago.
A typical commuter journey may look like this:
Home → Local UP-W Station → Metra Train → Ogilvie Transportation Center → Workplace/Destination
For reverse commuters, the journey can work in the opposite direction:
Chicago → Ogilvie Transportation Center → UP-W Train → Western Suburb
This can reduce the need to drive the entire distance between the suburbs and downtown.
How to Ride the Union Pacific West Line
First-time passengers can follow these basic steps:
Step 1: Find Your Station
Identify the UP-W station closest to your starting point.
Step 2: Check the Current Schedule
Look up the departure time and confirm whether your selected train stops at your station.
Step 3: Plan Your Arrival
Arrive with enough time to park or walk to the platform.
Step 4: Check the Platform
Follow the station’s signs, announcements, and current train information.
Step 5: Purchase Your Ticket
Use an available Metra ticketing method appropriate for your trip.
Step 6: Board the Correct Train
Make sure the train is traveling in your intended direction.
Step 7: Exit at Your Destination
Listen for announcements and confirm the station before leaving the train.
Tips for Riding Metra UP-W
Check service alerts
Construction and other operational changes can affect schedules or station stops.
Don’t assume every train stops everywhere
Different trains can have different stopping patterns. Always check the timetable for your specific train.
Arrive before departure
Metra timetable times are departure times, so avoid arriving at the last moment.
Keep your ticket accessible
Have your ticket ready if a conductor requests it.
Verify weekend schedules
Weekend service is not necessarily identical to weekday service.
Check accessibility in advance
If accessibility is important for your trip, verify the station and boarding information before departure.
Metra Union Pacific West Line: Key Stations
| Station | Area | UP-W Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ogilvie Transportation Center | Chicago | Downtown terminal |
| Oak Park | Oak Park | Western suburban corridor |
| Elmhurst | Elmhurst | Western suburban corridor |
| Lombard | Lombard | DuPage County corridor |
| Glen Ellyn | Glen Ellyn | DuPage County corridor |
| Wheaton | Wheaton | Major western suburban stop |
| Winfield | Winfield | Western suburban stop |
| West Chicago | West Chicago | Western suburban stop |
| Geneva | Geneva | Far-west suburban stop |
| La Fox | La Fox | Near western end |
| Elburn | Elburn | Western terminal |
The complete station list and accessibility information are provided in Metra’s station guide.
Why Use the Metra Union Pacific West Line?
For eligible trips, the UP-W provides a direct commuter rail connection between western suburban communities and downtown Chicago.
Potential advantages include:
- Direct access to Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Service across numerous western suburbs
- An alternative to driving into downtown Chicago
- Connections with other local transportation services
- Multiple stations across the western suburban corridor
- Access to both intermediate and terminal communities
The most suitable transportation option depends on an individual’s starting point, destination, schedule, cost, and accessibility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Chicago with Elburn, Illinois.
Where does the UP-W Line end?
The western terminal of the Union Pacific West Line is Elburn, Illinois.
Where does the UP-W Line start in Chicago?
The Chicago terminal is Ogilvie Transportation Center.
How many stations are on the Union Pacific West Line?
Metra’s station guide lists 18 stations, including Ogilvie Transportation Center and Elburn.
Does the Union Pacific West Line go to Elburn?
Yes. Elburn is the western terminal of the UP-W Line.
Does the UP-W Line go to Geneva?
Yes. Geneva is one of the stations on the Union Pacific West Line.
Does the UP-W Line go to Wheaton?
Yes. Wheaton is served by the Union Pacific West Line.
Does the Union Pacific West Line go to Elmhurst?
Yes. Elmhurst is one of the UP-W stations.
Is the UP-W Line the same as the Union Pacific Northwest Line?
No. They are separate Metra lines. UP-W runs between Chicago and Elburn, while UP-NW serves the northwest corridor toward Harvard, with a McHenry branch.
Where do UP-W trains arrive in Chicago?
UP-W trains use Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago.
Does every UP-W train stop at every station?
Not necessarily. Train stopping patterns can differ, so passengers should check the current timetable for their particular train.
Is the Union Pacific West Line accessible?
Accessibility varies by station. Metra’s station guide provides accessibility information for individual UP-W stations.
Where can I check the current UP-W schedule?
The safest option is to use Metra’s current official schedule and service-alert information because train times and service patterns can change.
Final Takeaway
The Metra Union Pacific West Line is a key commuter rail route connecting downtown Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center with Elburn and communities throughout the western suburbs. Its stations serve areas including Oak Park, Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, West Chicago, Geneva, La Fox, and Elburn.
