The best Chicago suburbs for commuters combine reasonable Metra travel times, convenient station access, and a lifestyle that makes the move beyond the city worthwhile.
In the northwest corridor, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, and Palatine all offer direct service to Chicago on Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line.
Schaumburg and Buffalo Grove also have Metra stations, but their service, station locations, and daily routines are different. The best option depends on where you work, how often you commute, and whether you want to walk, drive, or bike to the train.
Key Takeaways
- The Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line serves Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, and Palatine, with direct service to Ogilvie Transportation Center.
- Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, and Palatine have stations located within or near their downtown areas.
- Park Ridge and Des Plaines generally offer some of the shortest train trips to downtown Chicago within the northwest corridor.
- Schaumburg is served by the Milwaukee District West Line, but its station is not near Woodfield Mall or the village’s main commercial district.
- Buffalo Grove is served by the North Central Service Line, which travels to Chicago Union Station rather than Ogilvie Transportation Center.
- Train schedules, frequency, parking, and the distance from home to the station matter just as much as the time spent on the train.
Why the Commute Matters So Much
Choosing a Chicago suburb often means balancing several priorities at once: housing costs, schools, space, community feel, and access to work.
For many people, the commute is the first filter.
A difference of 10 or 15 minutes may not seem significant when you look at one train ride. Over hundreds of trips, however, it can add up to many hours each year.
The distance between your home and the station also matters. Walking a few blocks to the platform feels very different from driving to the station, finding parking, and then beginning the train portion of the trip.
Chicago’s Metra system provides several options throughout the Northwest Suburbs. Here is what to consider when comparing them.
Northwest Suburb Commutes at a Glance
Suburb | Metra Line | Downtown Chicago Terminal | General Commute Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
Park Ridge | UP-NW | Ogilvie Transportation Center | Shorter train trip and a walkable station area |
Des Plaines | UP-NW | Ogilvie Transportation Center | Direct train access with a compact downtown station area |
Mount Prospect | UP-NW | Ogilvie Transportation Center | Walkable downtown station and strong commuter access |
Arlington Heights | UP-NW | Ogilvie Transportation Center | Downtown station surrounded by restaurants and local amenities |
Palatine | UP-NW | Ogilvie Transportation Center | Direct service with a longer trip from farther northwest |
Buffalo Grove | North Central Service | Chicago Union Station | Direct station access, but schedules may be more limited |
Schaumburg | Milwaukee District West | Chicago Union Station | Station is in southwest Schaumburg, away from the main commercial core |
Train schedules and travel times can change. Check the current Metra schedule for the specific train and time of day you expect to use.
Communities Along the Metra UP-NW Line
Park Ridge
Park Ridge is one of the closest northwest suburban options for commuters using the Union Pacific Northwest Line.
The station is located near Uptown Park Ridge, where residents can find restaurants, shops, local businesses, and community amenities. Some nearby homes and condominiums are within walking distance of the platform.
Park Ridge may appeal to people who want a shorter train ride and a close-in suburban setting. Housing prices may reflect that convenience and proximity to Chicago.
Best for: Commuters who value a shorter train trip, a walkable station area, and easy access to Chicago and O’Hare.
Des Plaines
Des Plaines offers direct UP-NW service and is closer to Chicago than many communities farther northwest.
The downtown station is near restaurants, housing, local businesses, Pace bus service, and the Des Plaines Public Library. Some residents may be able to walk to the train and complete many everyday errands without driving.
Des Plaines is also close to O’Hare International Airport, I-90, and I-294. That can make it practical for frequent travelers and people who work near the airport corridor.
My guide to car-free and car-light living in downtown Des Plaines looks more closely at walkability, transportation, and housing near the station.
Best for: People looking for a shorter train trip, airport access, and a compact downtown station area.
Mount Prospect
Mount Prospect is a strong commuter option that can sometimes be overlooked.
The Metra station sits in the center of a compact downtown with restaurants, housing, local businesses, and newer mixed-use development nearby.
Because Mount Prospect is closer to Chicago than Arlington Heights and Palatine, some train trips may be a little shorter. Actual travel times vary by schedule and whether the train operates as an express or local service.
Mount Prospect may be a good fit for someone who wants train convenience and a walkable station area but prefers a quieter downtown than Arlington Heights.
Best for: Commuters who want direct UP-NW service, a smaller downtown, and a more residential community feel.
Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights is one of the most commuter-friendly communities in the Northwest Suburbs.
The Metra station is located in the center of downtown along Northwest Highway. Depending on the home’s location, residents may be able to walk, bike, or take a short drive to the station.
What makes Arlington Heights stand out is what surrounds the platform. Restaurants, coffee shops, local businesses, community events, and the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre are all nearby.
That can make the end of the commute feel easier. Instead of arriving at a remote parking lot, you step into a downtown where you can meet someone for dinner, pick up food, or attend an event before heading home.
For a closer look at train schedules, parking, and neighborhoods near the station, read my guide to commuting from Arlington Heights to Chicago.
Best for: Commuters who want direct UP-NW service and an active, walkable downtown at the end of the day.
Palatine
Palatine is farther northwest on the same Union Pacific Northwest Line.
Its Metra station is located in a compact downtown with restaurants, apartments, local businesses, and community events nearby.
The train trip is generally longer than it is from Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, or Park Ridge. In return, buyers may find different housing options, larger lots, or more flexibility in certain price ranges.
For people who drive to the station, my Palatine Metra station parking guide explains parking locations, permit options, and other details.
Best for: Commuters who want direct UP-NW access and are comfortable trading a longer train trip for different housing or budget options.
Other Northwest Suburbs With Metra Service
Schaumburg
Schaumburg is served by Metra’s Milwaukee District West Line, which travels to Chicago Union Station.
The Schaumburg station is located on Springinsguth Road in the southwest portion of the village, near Wintrust Field. It is not close to Woodfield Mall, the I-90 corporate corridor, or Schaumburg’s main commercial areas.
That means the usefulness of the station depends heavily on where you live within the village. Some residents may have a convenient drive, while others may find a station in Roselle, Arlington Heights, or another nearby community more practical.
Schaumburg is also a major suburban employment center with access to I-90 and Route 53. For people who work near Woodfield Mall, in a corporate office, or elsewhere along the Golden Corridor, driving may be more useful than taking the train.
Best for: People who work in the suburbs or who can conveniently reach the Schaumburg MD-W station.
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove is served by Metra’s North Central Service Line, which travels to Chicago Union Station.
The village has access to the Buffalo Grove station and, depending on the home’s location, the Prairie View station may also be useful.
The North Central Service schedule differs from the more heavily used UP-NW Line, so it is important to look at the exact departure and return times that match your workday.
Some Buffalo Grove residents also drive to stations in Arlington Heights, Palatine, or Wheeling when those schedules or destinations work better.
Best for: Commuters whose schedules align with the North Central Service or who are comfortable comparing several nearby station options.
Other Chicago Suburbs Commuters Often Consider
A few communities outside the northwest corridor also come up regularly during commuter-focused home searches.
Elmhurst
Elmhurst is served by Metra’s Union Pacific West Line, with direct service to Ogilvie Transportation Center.
It offers a walkable downtown, restaurants, shopping, parks, and a shorter trip to Chicago than many farther-out suburbs. Home prices often reflect its location and commuter convenience.
Oak Park
Oak Park offers several public transportation options, including Metra’s Union Pacific West Line and the CTA Green and Blue Lines.
It is one of the closest suburban communities to Chicago and offers a level of transit access and walkability that is uncommon outside the city.
Naperville
Naperville is served by the BNSF Line, with trains traveling to Chicago Union Station.
Travel times vary by station and train, but the commute is generally longer than from many closer-in suburbs. Naperville may still appeal to people who commute less often and place a high value on its downtown, housing options, and broader community amenities.
The Metra system map provides the most current overview of lines and stations throughout the Chicago region.
What to Consider Beyond Time on the Train
The number of minutes between the station and downtown Chicago is only one part of the commute.
How You Will Reach the Station
Walking to the platform can simplify the day. Driving adds time for traffic, parking, and getting from the lot to the train.
Before buying a home, test the actual route during the time you expect to commute.
Train Frequency
Not every Metra line offers the same number of trains or the same level of evening and weekend service.
A shorter ride may not be as useful if the schedule does not match your workday or social plans.
Which Downtown Terminal You Need
UP-NW trains arrive at Ogilvie Transportation Center. Milwaukee District West and North Central Service trains arrive at Chicago Union Station.
The distance between your terminal and workplace can add another walking, bus, or CTA connection to the trip.
Parking Availability and Cost
Parking rules vary by station. Some lots require permits, some offer daily parking, and some may have waiting lists or limited availability.
Check parking before choosing a home based on access to a particular station.
What the Community Offers After Work
The station may be the starting point, but what surrounds it affects everyday life.
Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, and Palatine each offer some level of dining, housing, and local activity near the train. The size and energy of those downtown areas vary.
Housing Costs and Priorities
Communities with shorter commutes and walkable station areas often carry higher housing costs.
The right question is not simply, “Which suburb has the shortest commute?” It is, “Which suburb gives me the best balance of commute, home, budget, and daily life?”
For a broader comparison of housing, schools, transportation, and community feel, read my town-by-town guide to Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs.
Thinking About the Northwest Suburbs?
The commute is an important starting point, but it is only part of choosing where to live.
The neighborhood, housing options, budget, station routine, and community waiting for you at the end of the day all matter too.
I share suburb comparisons, neighborhood tours, and practical local guidance on my YouTube channel, Life in the NW Burbs.
You can also schedule a consultation to talk through your commute, housing priorities, and the communities that may fit your move.
Reach me directly at [email protected] or visit MyRealtorMari.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which northwest suburb has the shortest Metra commute to Chicago?
Park Ridge and Des Plaines generally offer some of the shortest train trips along the Union Pacific Northwest Line because they are closer to Chicago. Actual travel times depend on the train, schedule, and whether the service is local or express.
Is Arlington Heights a good suburb for commuters?
Yes. Arlington Heights has direct UP-NW service to Ogilvie Transportation Center, and the station is located in the center of a walkable downtown. Depending on the home’s location, residents may be able to walk, bike, or take a short drive to the platform.
Do most Northwest Suburbs have Metra stations?
Several do. Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, and Palatine have UP-NW stations. Schaumburg has a Milwaukee District West station, and Buffalo Grove is served by the North Central Service. The convenience of each station depends on its location, schedule, parking, and distance from the home.
Does Schaumburg have a Metra station?
Yes. Schaumburg has a station on the Milwaukee District West Line at 2000 South Springinsguth Road. It is in the southwest portion of the village and is not near Woodfield Mall or Schaumburg’s primary commercial district.
Does Buffalo Grove have Metra service?
Yes. Buffalo Grove is served by the North Central Service Line, with trains traveling to Chicago Union Station. Service frequency and schedules differ from the Union Pacific Northwest Line, so commuters should review the specific trains that match their work hours.
What should I check before buying near a Metra station?
Check the current train schedule, downtown terminal, parking rules, permit availability, walking route, noise near the tracks, and the time it takes to reach the station during your actual commute. It is also helpful to test the trip on a typical weekday before making a decision.
