Metra Train Station Travel

Travel between the downtown Metra train stations and the Streeterville campus is easy utilizing Chicago Transit Authority bus routes. Beginning Mar. 31, 2025, Northwestern and campus partners including Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have worked closely with CTA to offer current and enhanced safe options to travel between Metra stations and campus.

Train Station Shuttles - Service Ended Mar. 28

Train Station Shuttle service has ended as of Mar. 28. All riders need to transition to CTA. Information for the four Metra stations is outlined below.

Ogilvie Transportation Center

If your Metra train terminates at Ogilvie Transportation Center, you will want to utilize CTA bus route #120 Ogilvie/Streeterville Express. Route details:

Service hours: 6:05 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. and 2:39 p.m. to 6:29 p.m.
Frequency: Every 7 to 15 minutes in the morning and every 8 to 30 minutes in the afternoon
The boarding area at Ogilvie is a covered, off-street terminal. It can be accessed directly from the station on Canal Street. You can also wait indoors until the bus arrives.
CTA's Buses from Union Station & Ogilvie T.C. to Streeterville Medical Campus brochure

Union Station

If your Metra train terminates at Union Station, you will want to utilize CTA bus route #121 Union/Streeterville Express. Route details:

Service hours: 6:10 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 2:38 p.m. to 6:28 p.m.
Frequency: Every 8 to 15 minutes in the morning and every 8 to 30 minutes in the afternoon
The boarding area at Union is a covered, off-street terminal with dedicated space for the #121 bus. You can access the boarding area directly from the track area without needing to cross a street.
CTA's Buses from Union Station & Ogilvie T.C. to Streeterville Medical Campus brochure

Millennium Station

If your train terminates at Millennium Station, there are several CTA options.

#3 King Drive: service on Michigan Ave, Chicago Ave to Fairbanks Ct / Erie St
#26 South Shore Express: service along Michigan Ave to Chicago Ave / Fairbanks Ct
#124 Navy Pier: service on Michigan Ave to Fairbanks Ct / Grand Ave
#147 Outer DuSable Lake Shore Express: service along Michigan Ave
#151 Sheridan: service along Michigan Ave
#157 Streeterville/Taylor: service on Michigan Ave and Fairbanks Ct
CTA's Buses from LaSalle and Millennium stations to Streeterville Medical Campus brochure

LaSalle Station

If your Metra train terminates at LaSalle Station, there are several CTA options.

Red Line 'L'
#36 Broadway: service from station to along State St
#146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express: service along State St to Michigan Ave
#151 Sheridan: service along Jackson Blvd to Michigan Ave
CTA's Buses from LaSalle and Millennium stations to Streeterville Medical Campus brochure

FAQ

Why are the campus partners replacing the shuttle bus program when other organizations use private shuttles?

Other organizations such as University of Chicago and RUSH University System for Health are not located near frequent Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) routes to transport employees to and from train stations. The current shuttle bus program has been operating the same general routes as many CTA bus routes, duplicating services to Streeterville.

What are the benefits of this change?

This change will cost monthly riders less money, be a comparable price for daily riders, and be better for the environment by eliminating 52 bus runs from the Streeterville campus. The CTA is a reliable, sustainable service because it is an essential city function.

What if I am worried about my safety when it comes to riding the CTA?

CTA drivers are trained to handle various incidents, and all buses are equipped with multiple security cameras.

What is the price difference between the shuttle and CTA?

The current shuttle costs $21 for a 10-ride pack and $52 for a monthly pass. CTA prices:

The Regional Connect Pass is $30 per month (purchased with a monthly Metra pass).
Bus fare for one ride is $2.25, which includes free transfers for up to two additional rides within two hours (as deducted from a Ventra Transit Account or paid via “pay-as-you-go” direct contactless payment; cash is $2.50).

How do I purchase CTA rides?

You can use the Ventra app to purchase passes or load funds onto a Ventra card. Otherwise, you can pay-as-you-go with credit card and virtual wallets (no Ventra account required). Passes and CTA funds can be payroll deducted via Inspira, the University’s commuter benefits vendor.