You're standing at Union Station in Chicago, staring at the massive departure board. It's clicking and whirring, flipping through destinations like Naperville, Aurora, and—most importantly—Downers Grove. But here is where it gets tricky. If you just tell the ticket agent you’re taking the Metra to Downers Grove, they’re going to ask you which of the three stations you actually want.
Yeah, three.
Downers Grove is a bit of an overachiever on the BNSF Line. You’ve got Fairview Avenue, Main Street, and Belmont. Pick the wrong one, and you’re looking at a very long, very annoying walk with your bags.
The Three-Station Dilemma: Where to Actually Get Off
Honestly, most people just default to Main Street because it sounds like the center of everything. And it kind of is. The Main Street station drops you right into the heart of a picture-perfect downtown. We're talking boutiques, a classic movie theater (the Tivoli), and enough coffee shops to keep a small army caffeinated.
But if you're commuting for work or visiting someone in the residential pockets, the other two might be better.
- Fairview Avenue: This is the easternmost stop in town. It’s smaller, quieter, and basically nestled in a neighborhood. If you’re heading to the Pepperidge Farm factory or some of the office parks on the east side, this is your stop.
- Main Street: The big one. It's the sixth busiest station in the entire Metra system (outside of downtown). If you want to grab a beer at Ballydoyle or hit the library, get off here.
- Belmont: This is the western edge. It’s the "parking" station. If you’re driving in from a neighboring town to catch the train, Belmont usually has the most breathing room for your car.
Timing Your Trip (and Avoiding the "Freight Hold")
The BNSF Line is the workhorse of the Metra system. On a typical weekday in 2026, you’ve got trains running constantly. During rush hour, they basically come every 15 to 20 minutes. It's great.
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But there’s a catch.
Since this is a BNSF-owned track, Metra shares the rails with giant freight trains. Usually, things run like clockwork, but every once in a while, you’ll be sitting just outside the station while a mile-long line of cargo containers slowly rumbles past. It’s the local version of a traffic jam.
If you're taking the Metra to Downers Grove on the weekend, the pace slows down significantly. Expect trains every hour or two. Don't just wing it; check the Ventra app before you leave the house.
What it Costs: The 2026 Fare Reality
Metra recently updated their fare structure, so if you haven't ridden in a few years, the old "Zone" system might look a little different. Downers Grove sits in the current Zone 4.
For a one-way ticket from Union Station, you're looking at $7.75.
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If you're a regular, the Monthly Pass is the way to go at $155. Honestly, if you're coming from the city more than twice a week, the math usually favors the pass or at least the Day Pass 5-Pack.
Pro tip: Buy your ticket on the Ventra app. If you wait to buy it on the train from the conductor, they'll hit you with a $5 surcharge if the station you boarded at had an open ticket office or a working vending machine. That’s an expensive mistake.
The Parking Situation is... Complicated
Let’s talk about Belmont. It’s got over 800 spaces, which sounds like a lot until it’s 7:45 AM on a Tuesday.
Main Street and Fairview are much tighter. The Village of Downers Grove manages these lots, and many spots are permit-only until after 11:00 AM. If you don't have a permit, look for the daily fee spots, which usually run about $3.
If you're visiting on a weekend? You're in luck. Most of those permit restrictions vanish, and parking becomes a lot easier. Just read the signs carefully because the parking enforcement officers in Downers Grove are legendary for their efficiency.
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How to Not Look Like a Tourist
When the train pulls into Downers Grove, the "inbound" (to Chicago) trains usually use Platform 2, while "outbound" (from Chicago) use Platform 1.
But here's a weird quirk: Sometimes, due to maintenance or freight traffic, they'll do a "cross-over." You’ll see everyone suddenly stand up and run through the pedestrian tunnel to the other side of the tracks. If you see a crowd of commuters suddenly sprinting, follow them. They know something you don't.
Also, the "Quiet Car" is a real thing. On morning and evening rush hour trains, the second car from the engine and the second car from the end of the train are designated for silence. No phone calls. No loud music. No "kinda" whispering to your friend. The regulars will give you a death stare that could melt steel if you break the silence.
Actionable Steps for Your First Trip
- Download Ventra: Do not mess with paper tickets. Buy your fare on your phone and just "activate" it when you see the conductor coming down the aisle.
- Pick Your Stop: Use Google Maps to see which station is actually closest to your destination. Walking from Belmont to Fairview is a three-mile hike you don't want to do.
- Check the Alerts: Follow @MetraBNSF on X (Twitter) or check the "Service Alerts" in the app. If there's a delay, they're usually pretty good about posting it within minutes.
- Arrive Early: Especially at Main Street. The platforms get crowded, and if you want a seat on the lower level (where the outlets are), you need to be at the front of the line.
The ride from Union Station to Downers Grove takes about 35 minutes on an express train and up to 55 minutes on a local that stops at every "Berwyn" and "Brookfield" along the way. Grab a window seat on the upper level, look out at the suburbs, and enjoy the ride.