Are you weighing Metra against driving from Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, or West Chicago to downtown? You want a commute that is predictable, affordable, and fits your routine. This guide gives you a clear framework to compare options, estimate your door-to-door time and costs, and make a confident choice for your lifestyle. Let’s dive in.

Quick snapshot: Western suburbs to downtown

Here is a simple overview of how each town connects to downtown and what to expect at a glance.

Review the official line timetables for current schedules and express options: the Union Pacific West line and the BNSF line both publish up-to-date timetables on Metra’s site. You can find the UP-West timetable on the Union Pacific West route page and the BNSF timetable on the BNSF route page.

• UP-West timetable: Union Pacific West route page
• BNSF timetable: BNSF route page

Metra vs. driving: What actually changes your day

Travel-time predictability. Morning congestion is typically heavier inbound between about 6:30 and 9:30 a.m., with outbound congestion from about 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. on key corridors like I-88, I-290, and I-294. Outside those windows, delays are often incident-driven. Metra can offer more predictable peak arrival times, but you need to plan around set train schedules, especially off-peak.

Cost and parking. If you drive regularly, factor in tolls on I-88 and portions of I-294, downtown parking fees, and vehicle wear-and-tear. If you ride Metra, compare your monthly pass plus station parking. Downtown parking near the office can add both time and cost to your day.

Lifestyle and flexibility. Metra lets you read, work, or rest while you travel. Driving gives you maximum flexibility for variable hours, late nights, school drop-offs, or midday errands. Many commuters blend both, taking the train on predictable days and driving when schedules shift.

How to estimate your door-to-door time

Use this simple model to estimate total travel time. Do one for Metra and one for driving, then compare.

Metra steps

1. Access time: Walk, bike, or drive to your station. Include time to park and get to the platform.
2. Wait time: On peak, plan a short wait if you board a specific train. Off-peak headways can mean a longer average wait.
3. In-train time: Use the scheduled time from your station to downtown on your chosen train. Confirm on the UP-West timetable or the BNSF timetable.
4. Last mile: From Ogilvie or Union Station, add walking time or a short CTA/bus transfer to your office.

Driving steps

1. Start-up time: Time to leave the driveway or garage and reach your first highway or arterial.
2. Highway time: Use typical times for your window, noting that peak periods are slower and more variable. IDOT’s resources provide regional traffic information at idot.illinois.gov.
3. Parking and walk: Add time to park near the office and walk to your building.

Worked example template for an 8:30 a.m. arrival

Fill in your own addresses and preferred train to compare apples to apples.

• Metra door-to-door

  • Home to station: ___ minutes
  • Average wait for chosen train: ___ minutes
  • In-train time (per timetable): ___ minutes
  • Terminal to office: ___ minutes
  • Total Metra time: ___ minutes

• Driving door-to-door

  • Home to highway: ___ minutes
  • Highway time in typical 7:15–8:30 a.m. window: ___ minutes
  • Parking search and walk: ___ minutes
  • Total driving time: ___ minutes

Tip: Repeat the exercise for your outbound window too. Travel-time variability often increases in the afternoon peak.

Costs: what to compare side by side

• Metra costs

  • Monthly pass or 10-ride tickets, plus station parking if applicable. Fare information is available on Metra’s fares page.

• Driving costs

  • Fuel, downtown parking, maintenance, and tolls where applicable. Tolls on I-88 and parts of I-294 are published by the Illinois Tollway.

Simple monthly cost template

• Metra monthly total = (Monthly pass) + (Station parking) + (Local transfers if any)
• Driving monthly total = (Fuel) + (Tolls) + (Downtown parking) + (Maintenance estimate)

Run both totals with your real numbers. Then compare against your time estimates and desired flexibility.

Town-by-town notes

Elmhurst

Elmhurst sits on Metra’s Union Pacific West line with service to Ogilvie Transportation Center. You will find frequent peak service that includes express and local trains, with reduced off-peak and weekend frequency. If you plan to park, check municipal and station pages for current daily rates or permit rules, as programs can change.

Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn is also on the UP-West line to Ogilvie. It follows a peak-focused schedule similar to Elmhurst, though in-train times are typically a bit longer because it is farther west. Confirm the timetable for express options and review village parking details if you expect to leave a car at the station.

Hinsdale

Hinsdale is on Metra’s BNSF line to Chicago Union Station, one of the region’s busiest commuter lines with many peak trains. The line’s strong peak frequency helps downtown commuters, while off-peak is more limited. Check station and village parking pages for current daily-fee and permit options.

West Chicago

West Chicago is served by the UP-West line. Trains are less frequent than inner-ring suburbs, so plan around the timetable, especially if you need off-peak flexibility. Review local parking rules and aim to align your schedule with trains that match your desired arrival time downtown.

Decision checklist: which option fits you

• Work location and hours

  • Downtown office and regular 8–5 schedule: Metra is often favorable if you are near a station.
  • Non-downtown job, variable hours, or frequent late nights: driving usually offers more reliability.

• Time and predictability

  • If Metra door-to-door is within 10–15 minutes of driving time, many commuters prefer the train for predictability and less stress.
  • If driving is significantly faster and you have simple parking, driving may be better.

• Cost

  • Compare Metra pass plus station parking against fuel, tolls, and downtown parking.

• Lifestyle priorities

  • Value productivity or downtime while traveling: Metra is a strong fit.
  • Need daytime mobility for errands or meetings: driving is more practical.

Hybrid strategies and last-mile options

You do not have to pick just one. Many residents take Metra on set office days and drive when schedules shift. Some combine park-and-ride with rideshare for late returns, or bike to the station when weather allows. Pace Suburban Bus provides station connections in some areas, and you can explore routes and schedules at pacebus.com.

For broader system maps and planning resources, the Regional Transportation Authority publishes regional tools at rtachicago.org. For typical congestion windows and highway conditions, start with IDOT’s site.

Bottom line

If your downtown hours are predictable and you live close to a station, Metra often matches or beats the stress of peak highway traffic. If your schedule varies or you need the car during the day, driving may be your better default. Run the time and cost templates above for your specific addresses, then test each option during your real commute window.

If you want local guidance on which neighborhoods and stations fit your routine, reach out to Jeff Proctor. Our team helps you match homes with the commute, schools, and amenities that support your day-to-day life.

FAQs

How do I find current Metra times from Elmhurst or Glen Ellyn?

• Check the Union Pacific West line on Metra’s site and select your station and target train on the UP-West timetable.

Which terminal will I use from Hinsdale on Metra?

• Hinsdale riders use the BNSF line, which arrives at Chicago Union Station; timetables are on the BNSF route page.

What are the typical Chicago-area peak traffic windows from the western suburbs?

• Expect heavier inbound congestion roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m. and outbound congestion 3:30–7:00 p.m., with additional variability due to incidents.

How do I compare Metra and driving costs each month?

• Add your Metra pass and station parking, then compare to your monthly fuel, tolls (see the Illinois Tollway), downtown parking, and maintenance.

What last-mile options exist from Ogilvie or Union Station?

• Many commuters walk or take a short CTA or bus ride from the terminal; rideshare and biking are also common depending on distance and weather.

Where can I see regional transit and planning resources for the Chicago area?

• The Regional Transportation Authority publishes system maps, planning documents, and tools at rtachicago.org.