Metra commute times- UP NW line (Chicago, Arlington Heights: schools, buses, moving to)

[ryansto]

I've searched all over, and can't find a good estimate of commute times on the METRA from specific stops. Essentially, My family is moving to the Chicago area soon. We are looking for a nice suburb with great schools (esp elementary) that leaves me a 30 min or less ride downtown (I will be working on Michigan Ave- Miracle Mile). I have been looking at Arlington Heights. The schools look outstanding and, geographically, it looks close enough to downtown. Can anyone tell me the average commute time I should expect on METRA from AH station? Thanks

[oakparkdude]

Have you looked at the UP-NW timetables? Union Pacific / Northwest (UP-NW) Schedule

The timetable shows the time the train arrives at Arlington Heights and the time it arrives in the Loop (Ogilvie Transportation Center). Looks like most trains take about 50 minutes but a few of the express trains (#618 and 628) take about 30-40 minutes.

Also, its called the Magnificent Mile. The Miracle Mile is in LA.

[ToriaT]

Keep in mind that once you get off the train you will either have to walk or take a bus to your final destination. Just add in the time. Its quite a hike from the train stations to the Michigan avenue area. Of course many do it every day. There are buses you can catch from the train station that will take you there during rush hours. Note that the buses do not depart from the front of the station. Many depart from the sides and some you have to go behind the escalators and go outside to catch, depending on where you are going.

[ChicagoMeO]

Originally Posted by ryansto

I've searched all over, and can't find a good estimate of commute times on the METRA from specific stops. Essentially, My family is moving to the Chicago area soon. We are looking for a nice suburb with great schools (esp elementary) that leaves me a 30 min or less ride downtown (I will be working on Michigan Ave- Miracle Mile). I have been looking at Arlington Heights. The schools look outstanding and, geographically, it looks close enough to downtown. Can anyone tell me the average commute time I should expect on METRA from AH station? Thanks

Well all you have to do is check their schedule which you can go to their website and see the time tables they put for all train lines. but from that train line, the Arlington Heights stop is 45 minutes. It also depends on whether you have an express train or a local train.. so check the schedule as that stop can differ depending on the time and which track they use.

If you want another train line, Evanston has a half hour (it is on the UP North Line)… and Elmhurst on the UP West line, but that might be too far south, has one half hour if you take the express at around 7:25 a.m.

When you go into the metra schedule, just pick the UP northwest line and check the Timetables.. It will show you everything. Again, it depends on if it is more express or local that will make the difference.