What Is the Burlington Northern Line?
The Burlington Northern (BNSF) Line is one of Metras busiest commuter routes, linking Chicagos downtown Union Station with the western suburbs and the farwest city of Aurora. Operated by Metra under a contract with BNSF Railway, the line serves 27 stations over a 55mile stretch. It provides a vital commuting option for thousands of riders each weekday, connecting residential neighborhoods, business districts, and educational campuses along its route.
Typical Weekday Schedule
Metra runs a mixed schedule of inbound (to Chicago) and outbound (away from Chicago) trains. The schedule below reflects the most common service pattern; occasional adjustments may occur for holidays or track work.
| Departure Station | Direction | First Train | Last Train | Peak Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Station (Chicago) | Outbound | 4:50AM | 11:45PM | Every 1520min (7am9am & 4pm6pm) |
| Aurora | Inbound | 5:15AM | 12:10AM | Every 2030min (6am8am & 5pm7pm) |
| Elmhurst | Both | 5:00AM | 11:50PM | Every 30min (peak); every hour (offpeak) |
| Geneva | Both | 5:30AM | 12:20AM | Every 30min (peak); hourly (offpeak) |
All times are listed in local Central Time. Check Metras official schedule page for realtime updates and service alerts.
Weekend & Holiday Service
Weekends run a reduced schedule, typically 1012 trains each direction. The first outbound train departs Union Station around 6:00AM, and the last inbound train arrives in Chicago near 10:30PM. Holidays follow a holiday schedule that may combine weekend timings with a few additional morning runs for commuters returning early from work.
Key Stations and Connections
- Union Station Central hub for Amtrak, CTA L, and Metras other lines.
- Western Avenue Transfer to CTA Red Line.
- Elmhurst Large parking lot, bike racks, and a nearby Pace bus terminal.
- Geneva Near Genevas historic downtown and the Fox River Trail.
- Aurora End of the line, with connections to Pace routes and the Aurora Transportation Center.
Fares and Ticket Options
Metras fare structure for the BNSF Line is zonebased, with Union Station in Zone A and Aurora in Zone J. As of 2024, a oneway adult ticket from Chicago to Aurora costs $9.50. Riders can save money with the following options:
- Monthly Pass Unlimited rides for a calendar month; price varies by zone.
- 10Ride Ticket Discounted bundle for infrequent travelers.
- Weekend Pass Unlimited rides Saturday and Sunday for $12.
- Commuter Discount Eligible employees of participating companies receive a 10% discount.
All tickets can be purchased onboard (cash only), at ticket agents in the main stations, or via the Ventra app.
Tips for a Smooth Ride
- Check realtime status before leaving home; platform changes are common during rush hour.
- Arrive early at parkandride lots; many fill up quickly on weekdays.
- Use mobile tickets to avoid queues at ticket windows.
- Bring a reusable water bottle stations have water fountains.
- Watch for express trains during peak periods; they skip smaller stations and can shave 1015 minutes off your trip.
Recent Improvements
In the past two years Metra and BNSF have invested in several upgrades on the BNSF line:
- New LED lighting on platforms at Elmhurst, Oak Brook, and Aurora.
- Installation of realtime arrival screens at 12 stations.
- Expanded parking at Geneva and Naperville (additional 250 spots).
- Upgrade of the signaling system to improve ontime performance by 8%.
Contact & Additional Resources
For detailed timetables, service alerts, or to plan a trip, visit the official Metra website or call the rider help line.
- Website: https://metrarail.com
- Phone: 1800MAKEMETR (18006253637)
- Email: customer.service@metra.com
