We created this New Riders Guide page for those who are new to, or want to get reacquainted with the Metra system. It is our goal that this guide is as easy to understand as is traveling aboard Metra.

SOME BASICS
Trains run frequently during rush hour and about every hour during off-peak times. To read a schedule, you'll need to know the line on which you would like to travel. If you're not sure which line is closest to your home, don't worry, just take a look at our system map. Once you find your line, click anywhere on that line to be taken to its page. For departure and arrival information, find the timetable on that page, and click on the appropriate direction (To/From Chicago) and the day of the week you plan to travel (Weekday, Saturday or Sunday [Sunday schedules are also in effect on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas]). Next, identify the station at which you will be boarding. Follow the line across to the right to determine the departure times of trains at that station. Select the train time that best meets your needs. To identify arrival times, follow that column down to where it meets your desired destination.

YOUR FARE
Finding your fare is easy with the FareCheck function on our site. Once you have found the line on which you would like to travel, all you need to know is from which station you would like to leave and to which station you would like to go. If you prefer to speak with a live voice, you can call our Passenger Services Department @ 312.322.6777 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. or the Travel Information Center, evenings and weekends, @ 836.7000, city or suburbs. They'll be happy to answer your questions.

PURCHASING TICKETS
Metra offers a few different ticket options including Monthly Tickets (unlimited travel between fare zones indicated), 10-Ride Tickets (ten one way trips at a savings of 15%), One-Way Tickets (a single, one-way ride), and an unlimited ride $5 Weekend Pass. Metra also has different fare programs for seniors, customers with disabilities, families, students and children. For detailed information regarding all of Metra's Fare Programs, click here.

SENIORS RIDE FREE PROGRAM
Metra is currently working with the RTA regarding the implementation of the Seniors Ride Free program which begins March 17th. Seniors living in the six-county region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will) can use their current RTA reduced fare card; Seniors without the fare cards can register for one at any of the RTA’s service locations which can be found by calling (312) 836-7000 or by visiting rtachicago.com.

With most of Metra's ticket options, special reduced fares are also available to eligible customers who are part of the RTA Reduced Fare Program.

There are several ways to purchase tickets.

Ticket-by-Internet
Ticket-by-Internet, or TBI, is a one-time process, which involves completing and mailing an application and receipt of a PIN (Personal Identification Number). Once that is complete, you may go online and order your Monthly Pass or 10-Ride Ticket at any time, day or night. Click here to start the TBI application process.

Ticket-by-Mail
Our Monthly Ticket-by-Mail (TBM) program is the convenient way for a frequent rider to purchase a ticket. With TBM, your ticket, along with an invoice and a return envelope, will arrive in your mailbox well before the first of the month, so you'll never have to wait in a ticket line. Click here to see a TBM application.

Ten-Ride TBM envelopes are also available at stations. Simply enclose your check in the envelope with your order information. It can either be mailed back to Metra or dropped off at our downtown TBM boxes.

Ticket Sales Clerk
All ticket types may be purchased at stations where a ticket agent is on duty. To determine if an agent is on duty at the station where you plan to board the train, click here. Cash and checks (in the amount of $10 or more) are accepted. We're sorry, but Metra does not accept credit cards.

On The Train
One-way tickets can be purchased on the train. However, if a sales clerk was on duty at your time of boarding, a service fee of $2 will be charged for purchasing a ticket on the train.

RIDING THE TRAIN
Be sure to arrive at the station early so that you have time to park your car and purchase your ticket. When the train arrives, simply get on board, find a seat and place your ticket in the metal clip in front of you. (If you are riding on the upper level, the clip is on the side of the privacy panel.) Let the conductor know it's your first time traveling aboard Metra, and they'll be happy to help you if you have any questions or concerns about your trip. Announcements are made before each stop. When you hear the message announcing the approach of your stop, pick up your ticket and any items you brought with you and head to the vestibule to disembark at your final destination. Customers who are hearing impaired may want to notify a conductor of their stop during ticket collection.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

• All Metra's train lines are fully accessible. Most stations are also fully accessible or have partial ADA accessibility. If you are in need of assistance, you should call ahead to check the level of accessibility at the stations you plan to use, or click here for a listing of stations and their accessibility.
• Monthly permit and daily fee parking is available at each station. However, Metra does not administer permit parking at the stations. Each township, municipality or city in which the station is located has different parking rules and regulations. For further information, see the appropriate station's section on this site.
• We offer reduced rates for groups. Call our Group Travel Office at 312.322.6772 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to help with your travel plans. Please be advised that your group's information and payment must be received at least two weeks prior to your trip.