Milwaukee District North Metra Schedule: 2026 Commuter Guide, Stations, And Fare Updates
Please note: Despite its name, the Metra Milwaukee District North (MD-N) line does not travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Commuters seeking direct transit to Milwaukee must utilize the Amtrak Hiawatha Service departing from Chicago Union Station.
The Metra Milwaukee District North (MD-N) line is a vital transit corridor connecting downtown Chicago's Union Station to the northern suburbs of Cook and Lake Counties, terminating at Fox Lake, Illinois. Operating across 49.5 miles of track, this route provides essential service for daily office commuters, students, and regional travelers.
As we navigate 2026, Metra has optimized its schedules to better align with evolving suburban travel patterns, hybrid work environments, and infrastructure improvements, including enhanced Positive Train Control (PTC) operations and ongoing platform modernizations.
Navigating the Milwaukee District North Route and Key Transit Hubs
The MD-N line runs from the heart of Chicago through several key municipal hubs, providing transit alternatives to the heavily congested Interstate 94 (Edens Expressway) and Route 41 corridors.
For travelers looking to connect across the region, several stations along the route serve as major transit hubs:
- Chicago Union Station: The southern terminus of the MD-N line, offering direct connections to all other Metra lines, Amtrak national and regional services, and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and L-train lines (via the Clinton Blue Line and Quincy Brown/Purple/Orange/Pink Line stations).
- Mayfair Station: Located in Chicago's Northwest Side, this station provides a walking transfer to the CTA Blue Line (Montrose Station) and the Montrose Avenue bus line, making it a critical connection for travelers heading toward O'Hare International Airport.
- Glenview Station: A major suburban stop that is shared with Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service and Empire Builder. This co-location allows passengers to seamlessly transfer from local Metra commuter trains to regional rail services heading north into Wisconsin or west toward Minneapolis and the Pacific Northwest.
- Lake Cook Road Station: Situated on the border of Northbrook and Deerfield, this station serves as a major corporate employment corridor. It features extensive Pace suburban bus connections tailored to local corporate campus shift schedules.
2026 Timetable Structure: Peak, Off-Peak, and Weekend Services
Metra’s 2026 scheduling framework for the MD-N line emphasizes consistent, clock-face scheduling during off-peak hours and robust express patterns during morning and evening rush hours.
Weekday Inbound and Outbound Patterns
During the morning peak (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM), inbound trains run at frequencies ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, with several express runs bypassing closer-in stations like Healy, Grayland, and Mayfair to expedite travel from Lake County.
The evening peak (3:30 PM to 6:30 PM) mirrors this pattern with outbound express services. Off-peak trains run approximately every 60 to 90 minutes in both directions, offering reliable mid-day and late-night mobility.
Weekend and Holiday Scheduling
Saturday and Sunday schedules are identical and operate at a reduced frequency, with trains running every two hours. Weekend schedules are optimized for leisure travelers heading to downtown cultural events or outdoor enthusiasts traveling north to the Chain O'Lakes region via the Fox Lake terminus.
Operational Standard Notice Scheduled departure times indicate the earliest moment a train will leave the station platform. Passengers are advised to arrive at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, especially during winter weather conditions when boarding procedures may take longer due to platform clearance protocols.
Metra Milwaukee District North Line Schedule Weekend Weekday Fares Stations
Station-by-Station Directory and 2026 Fare Zones
Metra utilizes a simplified four-zone fare structure. Zone 1 represents the downtown Chicago hub, while Zones 2, 3, and 4 represent progressive concentric distances from the city center. This system simplifies fare calculations and integrates smoothly with suburban Pace bus transfers.
| Station Name | Distance from CUS (Miles) | 2026 Fare Zone | Key Connections & Amenities | Parking Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Union Station | 0.0 | Zone 1 | CTA L & Bus, Amtrak, Regional Metra | Varied (Commercial garages) |
| Healy | 6.4 | Zone 2 | CTA Bus Route 74 | Daily fee applies |
| Grayland | 8.2 | Zone 2 | CTA Bus Route 152 | Daily fee applies |
| Mayfair | 9.0 | Zone 2 | CTA Blue Line, CTA Bus Route 78 | Daily fee applies |
| Forest Glen | 10.2 | Zone 2 | CTA Bus Route 92 | Daily fee applies |
| Edgebrook | 11.6 | Zone 2 | CTA Bus Route 84 | Daily fee / Monthly permit |
| Morton Grove | 14.1 | Zone 2 | Pace Bus Routes 210, 250 | Daily fee / Monthly permit |
| Golf | 16.0 | Zone 3 | Local municipal parking | Daily fee applies |
| Glenview | 17.4 | Zone 3 | Amtrak Hiawatha, Pace Route 210 | Daily fee / Monthly permit |
| Glen of North Glenview | 18.9 | Zone 3 | Pace Route 423 | Daily fee / Monthly permit |
| Northbrook | 21.0 | Zone 3 | Pace Route 422 | Daily fee / Monthly permit |
| Lake Cook Road | 22.8 | Zone 3 | Pace Shuttle Bug Routes | Daily fee / Monthly permit |
| Deerfield | 24.2 | Zone 3 | Pace Route 471 | Daily fee / Monthly permit |
| Lake Forest | 28.3 | Zone 4 | Local taxi/rideshare access | Permit required / Daily slots |
| Libertyville | 35.5 | Zone 4 | Pace Route 574 | Daily fee / Monthly permit |
| Grayslake | 41.1 | Zone 4 | Connection to Metra NCS Line | Daily fee / Monthly permit |
| Round Lake | 44.0 | Zone 4 | Local municipal parking | Daily fee applies |
| Long Lake | 46.0 | Zone 4 | Unmanned shelter, limited parking | Daily fee applies |
| Ingleside | 47.8 | Zone 4 | Unmanned shelter, local parking | Daily fee applies |
| Fox Lake | 49.5 | Zone 4 | Regional recreational access | Daily fee / Monthly permit |
Metra Fares, Ticketing Options, and Ventra Integration
Navigating fare payment on the Milwaukee District North line in 2026 is streamlined thanks to the full integration of the Ventra digital ecosystem. Fares are calculated based on your starting and ending zones.
2026 Ticket Pricing Breakdown
- One-Way Tickets: Calculated by travel distance across zones. A journey within Zone 1 to Zone 2 costs $3.75; Zone 1 to Zone 3 is $5.50; and a full-line trip from Zone 1 to Zone 4 (e.g., Chicago to Fox Lake) is priced at $6.75.
- Day Pass: Priced at $7.50 for unlimited travel between Zones 1 and 3, or $10.00 for unlimited daily travel across all four zones.
- Monthly Pass: Priced at $75.00, providing unlimited calendar-month travel across the entire Metra network, encouraging flexible commuting options for hybrid workforces.
- Regional Connect Pass: Available to Monthly Pass holders for $30.00, offering unlimited rides on CTA and Pace systems for seamless first-and-last-mile connectivity.
Ticketing Policy Warning Purchasing your ticket onboard the train from a conductor is permitted only if you boarded at a station that does not have an operating ticket agent or a functioning Ventra vending machine. If you board at an active station and choose to pay onboard, a five-dollar surcharge will be added to your fare.
Safety, Accessibility, and Commuter Amenities
Metra prioritizes passenger safety, accessibility, and modern convenience across all services on the MD-N line.
Accessibility (ADA Compliance)
The majority of stations on the MD-N line, including Chicago Union Station, Glenview, Lake Cook Road, and Fox Lake, are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. These stations feature low-profile boarding ramps, accessible pathways, and designated parking spaces. Fully accessible cars are identified by the international symbol of accessibility displayed near the center doors of the rail cars.
Bicycle Policy
Bicycles are permitted on all MD-N trains, including rush-hour runs, on a first-come, first-served basis. Train crews have the authority to restrict bicycles if a car becomes excessively crowded. Cyclists must secure their bicycles in the designated tie-down areas located in the wheelchair-accessible areas of the diesel passenger cars.
On-Time Performance (OTP)
Metra targets an average monthly On-Time Performance metric of 95% or higher across the MD-N line. Delays exceeding five minutes are tracked, cataloged, and reported transparently on the Metra tracking dashboard. Standard causes of operational variance include extreme weather, freight train interference (since Metra shares portions of this corridor with CPKC freight operations), and emergency signal maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MD-N Schedule
Does the Metra Milwaukee District North line go to Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
No, the Metra Milwaukee District North line terminates at Fox Lake, Illinois, and does not cross the state line into Wisconsin. Travelers who need to reach Milwaukee from Chicago must book a ticket on Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service, which departs from the same terminal at Chicago Union Station.
How can I view the real-time status of MD-N trains?
Real-time train tracking is available through the Ventra App, Metra’s official website GPS tracker, and physical digital signage located at major stations. These platforms display exact GPS locations, estimated arrival times, and immediate alerts regarding track adjustments or weather-related delays.
What is the cheapest ticket option for daily MD-N commuters in 2026?
The $75.00 Monthly Pass is the most cost-effective option for passengers commuting more than ten round-trips within a single calendar month. For less frequent hybrid commuters, the $10.00 Day Pass offers excellent flexibility for multi-zone travel.
Are pets allowed on the Milwaukee District North line?
Service animals are welcome on all Metra trains at all times. Small pets enclosed in carriers that fit beneath the passenger seats are permitted on off-peak weekday and weekend trains, provided they do not obstruct aisles or disturb other passengers.
How does parking payment work at suburban MD-N stations?
Parking lots at suburban Metra stations are typically owned and managed by the local municipalities, not Metra itself. Payment methods vary by station and include daily fee collection boxes, dedicated mobile apps (such as Passport Parking or ParkMobile), and monthly municipal permits.
Planning Your Journey
For the most reliable transit experience, passengers are encouraged to download the Ventra App to purchase mobile tickets, track train locations in real time, and receive instant service alerts. By aligning your travel plans with the 2026 scheduled departure windows, you can ensure a smooth, efficient, and stress-free commute across the northern suburbs of Chicago.
