Taking the train to Glenview, IL, is a smart option anytime you want to get away for the weekend or even for work. Glenview is a suburb about 20 miles from downtown Chicago and is one of the most accessible places in the Midwest thanks to excellent rail service. In this guide, we will provide all the information needed for travel to Glenview, including the train schedule, tickets, booking, the station, and travel tips.
Why Take a Train to Glenview? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel
Train travel from Glenview is more than an option for transportation – it’s a more efficient, more relaxing, more comfortable, and more environmentally sustainable method of journey. This is the reason why thousands of people choose to travel by train instead of other forms of transportation each year.
Relaxed Travel: As opposed to traveling on busy roads or having to deal with security queues, train travel lets you relax, sit back, and take in the scenery. You can read, do some work with your laptop, or just watch the scenery move along.
- Green Option: Trains emit significantly less carbon dioxide emissions for each passenger than automobiles and planes. Rail travel can be an important step towards reducing the carbon footprint of your travels.
- Central Station Glenview’s: Central Arrival Point Metra station puts you within the neighborhood, and is in easily reach of local eateries, businesses, and residential communities. No rental vehicle is required.
- Low-Cost Train Tickets: Train tickets to Glenview typically are much less expensive than flying or driving if you consider fuel costs along with parking fees and tolls.
- The comfort and amenities: Modern trains have comfortable seats with Wi-Fi available on board, meals, as well as ample storage space for luggage and other amenities that you cannot get on a road or in an aircraft’s tight cabin.
- Dependable Schedules: Metra trains that connect to Glenview operate on extremely regular schedules. This makes it effortless to plan your travel down to the second.
| Reasons to Choose Train | Benefit |
| No traffic congestion | Predictable, on-time arrival |
| Eco-friendly | Lower carbon footprint |
| Central station location | Easy access to Glenview downtown |
| Affordable tickets | Saves money vs. driving or flying |
| Comfortable seating | Productive and relaxing journey |
| Frequent departures | Flexible scheduling |
Which Trains Go to Glenview? Major Rail Services Explained
Most of Glenview’s transportation needs are met by Metra, a rail network that connects the suburbs to greater Chicago. The Metra line that services Glenview is the Union Pacific North (UP-N) Line, which stops at Glenview on its route from the Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago to Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Metra UP-N Line: The only rail service for Glenview is the Metra UP-N Line. Metra trains from Ogilvie take approximately 30 to 35 minutes to arrive at Glenview. This rail service is convenient for commuters and travelers to and from Chicago and other suburbs.
Amtrak Connections: Amtrak does not serve Glenview directly, but if travelers from other cities want to visit Glenview, they can take Amtrak to Union Station in Chicago and then Metra UP-N from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Glenview. Union Station and Ogilvie are a short walk (or taxi) from each other.
Key Rail Services Summary:
| Service | Operator | Route | Glenview Stop |
| UP-N Line | Metra | Chicago Ogilvie – Kenosha | Yes (direct) |
| Lake Shore Limited | Amtrak | NYC/Boston – Chicago | Connect at Chicago |
| California Zephyr | Amtrak | Chicago – San Francisco | Connects at Chicago |
| Capitol Limited | Amtrak | Washington, DC – Chicago | Connects at Chicago |
| Empire Builder | Amtrak | Chicago – Seattle/Portland | Connects at Chicago |
Popular Train Routes to Glenview From Major US Cities
Being a suburban stop vs a major intercity stop means that long-distance travelers will take Amtrak to downtown Chicago, and then transfer to Metra to complete their travel to Glenview. The most popular long-distance routes to Glenview are:
Glenview from New York City: Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited departs from Penn Station in New York City and arrives at Chicago Union Station in 19 to 20 hours. From Union Station, transfer to Metra UP-N from Ogilvie Transportation Center. The total travel time is approximately 20 to 21 hours.
Glenview from Washington, DC: Amtrak’s Capitol Limited departs from Washington, DC’s Union Station and arrives at Chicago in approximately 17 to 18 hours. Connect to Metra UP-N at Ogilvie to complete your travel to Glenview.
Glenview from Boston: Travel on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited, which stops in Boston South Station and connects through Albany. Travel time from Boston is 22 to 24 hours.
Glenview from Los Angeles: Amtrak’s Southwest Chief arrives in Chicago from LA Union Station in about 43 hours. Connect to Metra for Glenview.
Glenview from Seattle: The Empire Builder travels from Seattle to Chicago in about 46 hours. Connect to Metra UP-N at Ogilvie Transportation Center.
| Origin City | Amtrak Train | Duration to Chicago | Total Duration to Glenview |
| New York City | Lake Shore Limited | ~19–20 hrs | ~20–21 hrs |
| Washington DC | Capitol Limited | ~17–18 hrs | ~18–19 hrs |
| Boston | Lake Shore Limited | ~22–24 hrs | ~23–25 hrs |
| Los Angeles | Southwest Chief | ~43 hrs | ~44 hrs |
| Seattle | Empire Builder | ~46 hrs | ~47 hrs |
| San Francisco | California Zephyr | ~52 hrs | ~53 hrs |
NYC to Glenview Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
One of the most popular long-haul routes from NYC to the Midwest is the train from New York City to Glenview, IL. Here is all the information you need to know:
The Route: Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited leaves New York City Penn Station once per day, usually around the late afternoon or evening. This train passes through Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, and Toledo, eventually arriving in Chicago Union Station the next day.
On a typical Amtrak schedule:
- Leaves NYC Penn Station around 3:40 PM
- Arrives at Chicago Union Station around 9:45 AM (next day)
- Walk 15–20 minutes to Ogilvie to transfer to Metra UP-N
- Approximate 35-minute Metra UP-N journey to Glenview
Traveling from NYC to Glenview:
Book early: Amtrak prices increase the closer to departure. Booking 2–3 months in advance can lower the price of sleeper car reservations by 30–50%.
Saver fares: Amtrak releases limited saver fares for the cheapest coach seats. Snag one if you can.
Rail Pass: consider the USA Rail Pass if you are making several long-distance trips.
Sleeper vs Coach: sleeper cars (Roomettes) with included meal service for the 19–20-hour overnight trip are a good option.
| Travel Class | NYC to Chicago Approx. Cost | Includes |
| Coach Saver | $49–$89 | Seat only |
| Coach Flex | $99–$149 | Flexible changes |
| Roomette | $299–$499 | Meals, private room |
| Bedroom | $499–$799 | Larger room, meals |
Glenview Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
Traveling to Glenview via train for the first time? Check this list for a great experience:
Arrive on Time: Try to get to the Amtrak station at least 30 minutes before the train is scheduled to depart. Since Metra trains leave frequently, it is not the end of the world if you miss a train, but you should arrive at least 10 minutes before the train is scheduled to depart.
Get the Metra App: The Metra App is a great time saver! You no longer have to find a ticket machine or office, because you can buy your mobile ticket right on the app. The app also has the real-time schedule and lets you track your train.
Become Familiar With Your Stations: Amtrak drops you off at Chicago Union Station. Metra UP-N trains leave from Ogilvie Transportation Center, which is a 10-minute walk from Union Station.
Pack Wisely: Amtrak has a generous luggage policy and allows you to bring 2 carry-on and 2 checked bags (on select routes) with you. Metra doesn’t have a luggage policy, but you should keep your bags manageable.
Be Ready for Your Ticket to Be Checked: On Metra trains, conductors check tickets and ensure they are ready, so bring yours out.
Be Ready for the Long Journey: Pack your journey with plenty of snacks, a book, or some shows on your device. Long-distance Amtrak travel can take between 19 and 48 hours, and Wi-Fi is iffy.
Request the Window Seat: The train ride can be a scenic adventure, so you should request the window seat. The views are especially great traveling through Upstate New York and the Midwest in the fall and spring.
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Glenview
Knowing whether you have to make connections or if you are on a direct journey to Glenview is good to know for planning.
Direct Route (From Chicago Only):
The only direct train from Chicago to Glenview is the Metra UP-N Line from the Ogilvie Transportation Center. This line is about 30–35 minutes. It is a quick, direct train.
One Connection Route (Most US Cities):
The majority of travelers from other US cities arrive in Chicago on Amtrak at Union Station. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk, or a short taxi, to Ogilvie to catch the Metra UP-N Line to Glenview. Making this connection is very easy.
Two Connection Route (Some Smaller Cities):
If you are traveling from a small city that is not completely bypassed by Amtrak’s main long-distance lines, you will probably have to take a bus or a train to the nearest major Amtrak city (New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles), connect to Chicago, then take Metra to Glenview.
| Journey Type | Example Origin | Connections Required |
| Direct | Chicago (Ogilvie) | None |
| One Connection | NYC, DC, Boston | Chicago Union Station → Ogilvie → Glenview |
| Two Connections | Smaller US cities | Regional hub → Chicago → Glenview |
Business Class vs Coach on Glenview Trains
Knowing your class options lets you strike the right balance between finances and preferences.
On Metra UP-N (Chicago to Glenview):
Metra has Quiet Cars on most trains. Quiet Cars have a silent, phone-free policy. Standard Metra seating has cushioned seats. Given the short duration of Metra trains, class is less significant.
On Amtrak Long-Distance Trains (to Chicago)
Coach Class: Features large, reclining seats with ample leg room. Passengers have access to the dining car for meals, available for purchase. It is the best option for budget-conscious travelers on short, sub-10-hour trips.
Business Class: Available on select Amtrak regional trains (like the Northeast Regional). Features wider, more legroom seating, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. The car also has a subdued, quieter environment.
Sleeper Accommodations (Roomette/Bedroom): Ideal for overnight trips to Chicago (i.e., Lake Shore Limited or Capitol Limited). Offers a private room, a fold-down bed, and dining car meals included.
| Class | Available On | Price Range | Best For |
| Coach | All trains | Budget-friendly | Short/medium journeys |
| Business Class | Select Amtrak trains | Mid-range | Comfort on regional routes |
| Roomette | Long-distance Amtrak | Higher cost | Overnight journeys |
| Bedroom | Long-distance Amtrak | Premium | Maximum comfort & privacy |
Glenview Train Station: Everything You Need to Know
Station Name: Glenview Metra Station
Address: 1300 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026
Served By: Metra Union Pacific North (UP-N) Line
The Glenview Metra Station is exceptionally designed and accommodates both commuters and tourists. The following is a description of some of the convenient features offered by the Glenview Metra Station:
Convenient Features:
- Waiting areas with seating and protection from the elements
- Ticket machines that accept cash and credit
- Departure boards that display departure times in real-time
- ADA-compliant accessible platforms
- Bicycle rack parking
- Parking available near the station
Transportation Options:
There are many options available to help you get to your desired location from Glenview Station:
Bus: the Pace Bus
Ride-share: Uber or Lyft
Taxi: phone-a-taxi
Walking: the Glenview town center is a short walk
Station Hours: Glenview Metra opens when the first Metra train departs (approx. 4:30 AM) and closes when the last train arrives (approx. 11:30 PM). Trains run every day.
| Feature | Details |
| Station Name | Glenview Metra Station |
| Address | 1300 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026 |
| Rail Line | Metra UP-N |
| Accessibility | ADA Compliant |
| Parking | Available nearby |
| Bike Parking | Yes |
| Nearby Transport | Pace Bus, Uber, Lyft |
How to Book Train Tickets to Glenview: Step-by-Step Guide
Booking a train to Glenview is simple. Here are steps for booking both the long-distance Amtrak and the Metra parts separately.
Booking Amtrak Tickets (For Travelers Outside Chicago):
- Go to Amtrak.com or download their app.
- Pick your city and select Chicago, IL for the destination.
- Select the travel date and class. (Choices include Coach, Business, or Sleeper.)
- After selecting the train, check the schedule and price.
- Sign up for an Amtrak Guest Rewards account to earn points and get special discounts.
- Complete the reservation by entering the rest of the information and payment.
- At the final step, either print the ticket or keep the electronic version.
Booking Metra Tickets (Chicago to Glenview):
- The Metra app (on both iOS and Android) is the best option for this.
- Go to “Buy Ticket” and select the UP-N line.
- Select Chicago Ogilvie as your starting stop and Glenview as your final.
- Choose between a one-way, round-trip, or 10-ride pass.
- Purchase the ticket using either a credit/debit card or Apple/Google Pay.
- Right before boarding, activate the ticket. Tickets will expire after a certain time if activated too early.
Other Options:
- Buy tickets at a Metra vending machine in Ogilvie Center.
- Purchase a monthly pass through Metra’s Ventra system.
- Some Metra ticket windows still sell paper tickets.
Glenview Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money
Knowing the full price that you will pay from your city to Glenview will help you set an accurate budget and help you find deals that will save the most money.
Metra (Chicago to Glenview) Ticket Prices:
| Ticket Type | Price (Approx.) |
| One-Way (Adult) | $5.00–$7.00 |
| Round-Trip (Adult) | $10.00–$14.00 |
| 10-Ride Pass | $45.00–$63.00 |
| Monthly Pass | $130.00–$165.00 |
| Senior/Disabled (One-Way) | $2.50–$3.50 |
| Children (Under 12) | Free (with adult) |
Amtrak Long-Distance Fares (to Chicago — varies by origin):
| Route | Coach Saver | Coach Flex | Roomette |
| NYC to Chicago | $49–$89 | $99–$149 | $299–$499 |
| DC to Chicago | $49–$79 | $89–$139 | $279–$449 |
| LA to Chicago | $79–$129 | $149–$199 | $399–$599 |
Booking Advice:
- Amtrak saves you money when you buy tickets 60 – 90 days in advance
- Join the Amtrak Guest Rewards to earn free points for every trip you take
- Use the 10-ride Metra pass for frequent trips between Chicago and Glenview
- You’ll find cheaper Amtrak fares if you choose to travel midweek
- If you are an AAA member, you can check AAA discounts because Amtrak has a 10% offer
- Amtrak and Metra have discounts for students and seniors
Best Time to Visit Glenview by Train: Season Travel Guide
Glenview has something to offer for every season. Here are the seasonal highlights to help you plan:
Spring: The moderate temperatures and blooming flora make Glenview an ideal spring destination. The Park District has full programming, and spring offers lower fare traveling compared to the summer peak.
Summer: The traveling peak season, summer brings even more community activity to Glenview with multiple events and outdoor festivals. The peak travel season makes Amtrak ticket availability a challenge; Metra accommodates the demand with more frequent departures.
Fall: Of all the seasons, fall has the best train travel scenery with the leaves changing along many of Amtrak’s longer routes. Travel after peak summer season and you might find more affordable fares. The fall foliage does not disappoint.
Winter: Traveling to Glenview during winter can mean braving low temperatures and cold, tough weather, but Metra’s services stay on track throughout most of the winter. Glenview gets a bit more charming during the holidays, and if you book early, Amtrak’s holiday tickets can be pretty affordable.
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Ticket Prices | Best For |
| Spring | Mild, pleasant | Low–Moderate | Moderate | Leisure sightseeing |
| Summer | Warm, sunny | High | Higher | Festivals, outdoor events |
| Fall | Cool, scenic | Moderate | Moderate | Scenic train travel |
| Winter | Cold, snowy | Low | Lower (off-peak) | Budget travelers, holidays |
Train vs Bus vs Car to Glenview: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?
Your preferred mode of transport will depend on which of the following is most important to you: cost, comfort, time, or convenience. Here is a summary for you to compare each option:
Train:
- Journey is comfortable and stress-free
- No traffic to worry about
- Drop-off location is in central Glenview
- Good for the environment
- Best for travelers coming from Chicago and those arriving by Amtrak from other cities
Bus:
- Greyhound for long-distance travel is usually cheaper than Amtrak
- Bus is less comfortable than the train for long-distance travel
- No dedicated Glenview bus stop for major cities, so transfer in Chicago is required
- Best for cheap travelers who do not mind a lack of comfort
Car:
- Ultimate flexibility for stops and timing
- Traffic on I-94 near Chicago is notorious
- Glenview Parking is relatively cheap
- Long drives incur steep tolls and combined fuel costs
- Best for families who are traveling with lots of luggage and those coming from the suburbs
| Mode | Cost | Comfort | Time (from Chicago) | Environmental Impact |
| Train (Metra) | $5–$7 | High | 30–35 min | Low |
| Bus | $2–$5 (Pace/CTA) | Moderate | 45–75 min | Low–Moderate |
| Car | $10–$30 (fuel+parking) | Variable | 30–60 min (traffic) | High |
| Ride-share | $30–$60 | High | 30–60 min (traffic) | Moderate |
Verdict: Most travelers should opt for the train. Its speed, price, comfort, and environmental impact are all better. Only large groups or those needing more flexibility at the destination should travel by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What train goes straight to Glenview?
Ans. The Metra Union Pacific North (UP-N) Line provides direct service from Chicago to Glenview.
2. How long does the train travel from Chicago to Glenview?
Ans. The ride is approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
3. Does Amtrak go to Glenview?
Ans. No. Amtrak riders must travel to Chicago and transfer to the Metra UP-N Line.
4. What is the cost of a ticket to Glenview on Metra?
Ans. The cost of an adult one-way ticket is usually $5 to $7.
5. What is the Glenview Metra Station address?
Ans. The address is 1300 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026.
6. What is the best time of year to travel on the train to Glenview?
Ans. The best time to visit Glenview is in the Spring and Fall because of the weather and views.
7. Are train tickets available for purchase online?
Ans. Yes. Tickets are available on the Metra App, Amtrak website, and the Amtrak App.
8. What are the benefits of a train to Glenview?
Ans. A train is a comfortable, affordable, green, and congestion-free option.
9. Does Glenview Station have a parking lot?
Ans. Yes. Glenview Metra Station has parking and bike parking available.
10. Is a train to Glenview better than driving?
Ans. Trains are affordable and comfortable and free of delays, so they are a better option for most.