Trains

Question

We will be taking the Rock Island to the south side parade and BNSF out to Downers grove. Will we buy tickets in the station or on the train and best to buy round trips to save time?

Answer

When using the Rock Island or BNSF lines in Chicago, there are a few options for buying your tickets, and you can certainly save time by purchasing round-trip tickets in advance. Here’s a breakdown of how to go about it:

Ticket Purchase Options:

Ticket Vending Machines: At most stations, you will find ticket vending machines where you can purchase tickets for the Rock Island and BNSF lines. These machines accept both cash and cards, and you can buy one-way or round-trip tickets. It’s a quick option, but you may need to queue during busy times.
Online or Mobile App: The Metra mobile app is a great way to buy your tickets ahead of time. You can purchase both one-way and round-trip tickets through the app, and then simply show the ticket on your phone when boarding. This is an easy and time-saving option as you don’t need to wait in line at the station.
On the Train: You can buy tickets on the train, but this is usually not the best option as it can be more time-consuming. If you do decide to buy on the train, the conductor will come around and issue you a ticket, but there may be a small surcharge for purchasing onboard. Keep in mind that on crowded trains, the conductor might not always get to you immediately, so it's better to be proactive and purchase before boarding.

Round-Trip Tickets:

Buying round-trip tickets in advance is often the most convenient and cost-effective option. With round-trip tickets, you don’t have to worry about buying a second ticket on your way back, and you can just hop on the train at your return time. Most stations and the mobile app will allow you to select the round-trip option when you purchase your tickets. You’ll typically save a little time and avoid waiting in line at the ticket machine for the return trip.

Best Approach:

If you’re looking for convenience and efficiency, using the mobile app to purchase round-trip tickets is the fastest and most hassle-free method. You won’t need to worry about finding a ticket machine or getting your ticket on the train.
If you prefer buying your tickets in person, use the ticket vending machines at the station for the quickest experience. Just be sure to allow yourself a little extra time to purchase and validate your ticket before you board.
Buying tickets on the train is available, but it may add some extra time to your journey, especially if the train is crowded or the conductor takes time to reach you.

To make the process smoother, consider buying your tickets in advance (either online, via the app, or from the vending machines) to save time and avoid potential delays.