Train Stations in Chicago Travel Guide 2026

Key Highlights

• See the main train stations in downtown Chicago. These include the big and famous Chicago Union Station and the new Millennium Station in the heart of the city.

• Find out about other key train stations. This list has Ogilvie Transportation Center, LaSalle Street Station, and Van Buren Street Station.

• Know about the train services in the city. There are Metra trains for people who go to work and Amtrak for longer trips.

• Get easy tips on how to use Chicago Transit Authority and Metra lines. This can help you plan your trip in and around the train station.

• Learn which lines cross at all the big train stations. That way, it will be easy for you to go from one line to another at Chicago Union Station, LaSalle Street Station, Van Buren Street, and Ogilvie Transportation Center.

Introduction

Welcome to your 2026 travel guide for Chicago’s train stations! Getting around a big city can look hard at first. But, in Chicago, the large rail network makes travel simple for people. The beauty of Union Station and the busy spaces at other downtown Chicago stops show just how much the city has to offer. Metra trains and the ‘L’ are the best ways to get around and see everything here.

This guide will show you the most important stops. It will help you ride with ease and feel sure about where to go. It does not matter if you visit for the first time or come back. You will know how to get the most out of your trip.

Essential Train Stations in Chicago for 2026 Travel

Chicago’s train system has a few main spots the people use every day. The city gets millions riders going in and out of these key stations. When you travel on these commuter trains, you will begin, finish, or stop at one of these large terminals. Each place is different and offers its own things. These stations help move people around Chicago and the country.

It is good to know about these main spots before you plan your trip. We will talk more about Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, Millennium Station, LaSalle Street Station on LaSalle Street, and Van Buren Street Station. You will see where they are and what you get at each one.

1. Chicago Union Station – The Heart of Intercity and Commuter Travel

Chicago Union Station sits on Canal Street in downtown Chicago. This station is the most well-known and busiest rail spot in the city. It acts as the main terminal for Amtrak’s intercity passenger trains. These trains help people travel from Chicago to many places across the United States. At the same time, it is a key stop for many Metra trains and commuter lines. That is why people use this station both for long trips and local rides in the city of Chicago.

The station is famous for its Great Hall waiting room, which is a real landmark. When you go there, you will see many things that help you with your trip. These include a ticket sales office, places to get tickets from vending machines, restrooms, and baggage help. If you are an eligible passenger, you can relax in the Metropolitan Lounge before your train leaves.

While small stations may have room for only Metra commuter lines, Union Station in downtown Chicago connects both Metra trains and Amtrak’s big network. This mix turns the station into the main place for rail travel in the city of Chicago.

2. Ogilvie Transportation Center – Gateway to the West Suburbs

The Ogilvie Transportation Center sits just a short walk from Union Station, close to the Chicago River. This station acts as a main stop for commuter trains. It links people to the northern and western suburbs. In the past, it belonged to the North Western Railway. Today, it still helps thousands of people get where they need to go each day.

Ogilvie is where you will find three main Metra lines. These are the Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest, and Union Pacific West. If you want to go to areas in these directions, this is where your trip will start. The station was built for large crowds, which helps things move fast even when it gets busy.

The Ogilvie Transportation Center does not work with Amtrak trains. But it connects right to the Chicago “L” through the Clinton station. The Green and Pink Lines stop at Clinton, so you can keep going around the city with ease.

3. Millennium Station – Downtown Access and South Shore Line

Millennium Station sits right under the beautiful Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. This train station gives you easy access to the city’s east side and to many southern suburbs. People once called it the Randolph Street Terminal. And even with a long history, it is one of the top spots for certain commuter lines. It is a good example of how a historic train station can work well for today’s travelers.

This is the main hub for the Metra Electric District line, which goes south to University Park. It is also where the South Shore Line starts in Chicago. This train connects the city with towns in northern Indiana and goes as far as South Bend. It gives people a special way to travel between the states, which is good for those who need to commute.

Millennium Station is easy to find on Randolph Street. When you step out, you are close to many famous spots. You can walk to Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Michigan Avenue. This makes the station a great place to start if you want to see the city.

4. LaSalle Street Station – Historic Hub for Metra Rock Island District

LaSalle Street Station has been an important part of Chicago’s train story for many years. You can find it in the busy financial district on LaSalle Street. This station shows how Chicago is at the heart of travel and transport in America. Even though it’s not as big as Union Station or Ogilvie, LaSalle Street Station is still very important. It helps thousands of people get to work each day.

This is the downtown station for the Rock Island District of Metra. If you are going to or from the southwest suburbs, you will use this station. The design features an island platform. This helps people get on and off metra trains with ease, and it keeps things moving smoothly.

Because of the station’s history and the way people still use it every day, it is a landmark in the city. You can also get straight on the Chicago “L” train here. Just take the short walk to the LaSalle/Van Buren or LaSalle stations. This gives you a fast and handy way to reach the Blue, Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines.

5. Van Buren Street Station – Convenient Loop and Metra Access

Van Buren Street Station puts you close to many of downtown Chicago’s best spots. It’s a top pick if you need easy access to places around town. This station sits on the Metra Electric line, which has commuter trains that go south from the downtown Chicago loop. People use it for both getting to work and for fun days out.

This stop is next to Grant Park, so it’s good for visiting landmarks along the lakefront. You can walk from here to Buckingham Fountain or the Museum Campus. If you want to look up the nearest station to where you want to go, check out a transit app or use the CTA and Metra websites. They show which Metra lines or stops are close to the big sights.

Van Buren Street Station links right to Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren ‘L’ station. That way, you can switch easily between the different Metra lines and ‘L’ trains. This makes it easy to see the southern parts of the Loop and go even farther in the city.

Navigating Train Maps and Connecting Lines in Chicago

With so many Metra trains and lines from the Chicago Transit Authority, it is important to have a good map. The train system is made so the different lines connect, but it helps to know where they cross. If you can see these spots, you will save time. The map lets you know the route you need to take, how far the train station is from where you want to go, and how many city blocks you may need to walk.

When you look at the system maps, it is much easier to spot where you can switch between services, like moving from a Metra line to the CTA Red Line or Blue Line. In the next part, you will learn where you can get these maps and tips for how to use them, so you can plan your trip well and get to your place with less trouble.

Finding and Using Maps for the Chicago Train System

Finding maps and times for the Chicago train system is easy when you know where to get them. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra handle all the trains in the city. They have everything you need to plan your ride. You can get a map at a train station or online, so you can see how Metra trains link up with ‘L’ lines such as the Red Line and Blue Line.

To get this info, look up train station times and system maps on the Chicago Transit Authority and Metra websites. The sites show the latest news, service alerts, and arrival times. When you go to many stations, they have mapped routes and printed times set out for people to use.

Here are the top ways to get your maps and times:

• Official Websites: Go to the CTA and Metra websites to get maps you can save and see real-time updates for Metra trains.

• Transit Apps: You can use apps on your phone that show when CTA buses and trains leave, including Red Line, Blue Line, and Metra lines.

• At the Station: Along every train station, you will find big system maps and little schedule books you can take with you.

Major Train Lines and Transfers at Chicago’s Key Stations

Knowing which lines serve each major station is crucial for planning an efficient trip. A transfer between Metra commuter lines and Amtrak’s long-distance service typically happens at Chicago Union Station, while transfers between different Metra lines often require a short walk to another downtown station.

For example, if you arrive at Ogilvie Transportation Center on a Union Pacific Northwest line, you would need to walk a few blocks to connect with an Amtrak train at Union Station. Similarly, a traveler on the Metra Electric line arriving at Millennium Station can easily transfer to ‘L’ lines to reach other parts of the city.

This table shows some of the major lines connecting at Chicago’s key stations:

Station	Key Train Lines
Chicago Union Station	Amtrak (all services), Metra (BNSF, MD-N, MD-W, NCS, SWS, HC)
Ogilvie Transportation Center	Metra (Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest, Union Pacific West)
Millennium Station	Metra (Metra Electric), South Shore Line
LaSalle Street Station	Metra (Rock Island District)

Conclusion

To sum up, visiting train stations in Chicago is more than just getting on a train. It is a big part of the city’s busy culture and how people stay connected. Each station lets you get to many places. This makes your trip easy and fun. For example, union station, chicago union station, and lasalle street station all have their own features. Places like chicago union station and lasalle street station give you services and things you need as you travel.

When you move through this lively city, be sure to use the maps and other tools. These can help you switch trains or buses without trouble. Enjoy your journey, and if you need help or want some travel ideas, do not wait to ask!