One of the most common questions people search when considering a move to Chicago’s North Shore is:
“How long is the Metra commute to downtown Chicago?”
For many buyers — especially families relocating from the city or out of state — commute time plays a major role in choosing the right town and neighborhood. The North Shore stands out because it offers direct Metra access, predictable travel times, and station areas that are often walkable and integrated into daily life.
Most North Shore communities are served by the Metra UP-North Line, which runs straight into Ogilvie Transportation Center. Several towns also offer multiple Metra stations, giving residents flexibility when choosing where to live and how they commute.
Metra Commute Times by North Shore Town
Evanston
Evanston offers one of the shortest Metra commutes on the North Shore and is unique in that it provides both Metra and CTA access. Because stations are spread throughout the city, buyers often choose neighborhoods based on walkability, downtown access, or school proximity.
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Stations: Davis Street, Main Street, Central Street
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Commute time: ~25–30 minutes
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Why it’s popular: Fast commute, walkable downtowns, multiple transit options
Wilmette
Wilmette is especially appealing to commuters because it has multiple Metra stations across town, making it easier to find a home within walking distance of the train. This flexibility is a big draw for daily and hybrid commuters alike.
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Stations: Wilmette, Central Street, Linden
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Commute time: ~30–35 minutes
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Why it’s popular: Several station choices, strong schools, consistent commute times
Kenilworth
Kenilworth is one of the smallest North Shore communities but offers excellent commuter access. Its single Metra station is centrally located and serves a highly walkable residential area.
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Station: Kenilworth
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Commute time: ~30–35 minutes
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Why it’s popular: Short commute, small-town feel, close proximity to Wilmette and Winnetka
Winnetka
Winnetka’s Metra stations are closely tied to its charming village centers. With multiple stops throughout town, residents can choose locations that best fit their daily routines and lifestyle preferences.
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Stations: Winnetka, Indian Hill, Hubbard Woods
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Commute time: ~35–40 minutes
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Why it’s popular: Village-style station areas, quieter neighborhoods, flexible commuting
Glencoe
Glencoe has a single Metra station that serves the entire community. While there’s only one stop, it’s centrally located and well integrated into the downtown area, making it easy to access from many neighborhoods.
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Station: Glencoe
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Commute time: ~40 minutes
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Why it’s popular: Simple station access, straightforward parking, classic North Shore layout
Highland Park
Highland Park offers multiple Metra stations and express train options, which helps offset its farther north location. This makes it a strong option for commuters who want lakefront living without sacrificing access to downtown.
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Stations: Ravinia Park, Braeside, Highland Park
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Commute time: ~45–50 minutes
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Why it’s popular: Lakefront lifestyle, express trains, vibrant downtown near the main station
Lake Forest
Lake Forest has the longest commute among these towns, but express trains make it manageable — especially for hybrid workers. Two stations serve different parts of town, giving residents more flexibility.
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Stations: Lake Forest, Lake Forest East
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Commute time: ~55–65 minutes
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Why it’s popular: Express service, larger homes and lots, ideal for fewer in-office days
Where Are the Metra Stations Located?
One of the biggest advantages of North Shore towns is that Metra stations are typically located right in the center of town.
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Many stations are walkable to downtown shops, coffee, and restaurants
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Homes within ½ mile of a station are highly searched by relocating buyers
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Towns like Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston, Highland Park, and Lake Forest offer multiple station options, adding flexibility
This setup allows commuters to integrate train travel seamlessly into daily life — whether that means grabbing coffee before boarding or walking home from the station after work.
Helpful Metra Tips for North Shore Commuters
Parking
Parking availability varies by town and station, so it’s an important factor to consider early.
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Most stations offer daily and permit parking
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Some towns (especially Wilmette and Winnetka) have permit waitlists, so it’s smart to check early
Express Trains
Not all trains are created equal, and express service can make a meaningful difference.
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Peak hours include express options from Highland Park and Lake Forest
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Express trains can cut 5–15 minutes off longer commutes
Hybrid Schedules
Hybrid work has changed how many buyers think about commute distance.
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Many residents commute 2–3 days per week, making longer towns like Lake Forest more appealing
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10-ride tickets and monthly passes work well for flexible schedules
Weather Reliability
Compared to driving, Metra often offers more predictability.
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Metra is often more reliable than driving during snow or bad weather
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Fewer variables than highways during peak winter months
Choosing the Right North Shore Commute
Every North Shore town offers a slightly different balance of commute time, lifestyle, and neighborhood feel. For some buyers, shaving five minutes off the train ride matters most. For others, access to the lake, schools, or a quiet village atmosphere outweighs a longer commute.
Understanding where the stations are located, how often trains run, and which towns offer multiple station options can make a huge difference when deciding where to live.
Thinking About a Move to the North Shore?
If you’re relocating to the North Shore — or considering a move within it — commute time is just one piece of the puzzle. Neighborhood layout, school boundaries, walkability, and daily routines all matter too.
I help buyers look at the full picture, from Metra access and parking logistics to finding the right block for their lifestyle. If you’d like help narrowing down which North Shore town (or station area) fits you best, I’m always happy to be a resource.
