The Yorktown ReserveBlog
The Lombard-to-Chicago Metra Commute: A Renter’s Guide
Like the hundreds of commuters who take the Metra every day, most live in the suburbs and are required to be in the office a few days a week. The good news is, when you live in a place like Lombard, getting to the city to show your face once or twice a week in the office is easy, cheap, and reliable. Lombard sits right on a Metra line, and the station is right in the middle of a very walkable downtown area. Your money definitely stretches a lot farther in Lombard than it will in the West Loop.
If you commute, you still have access to Chicago and can enjoy a full social life with the comfort of convenience. Suburban living is the best of both worlds, with Lombard being a great destination for those who want affordability, accessibility, and amazing perks. Here’s everything a renter needs to know before signing a lease and a life of commuting.
The Metra Line
Delivering you right downtown to Ogilvie Station, the Metra’s Union Pacific West line runs between Elburn and the city and stops in Lombard on the way. Located right in the West Loop, you can pretty much get anywhere you need to downtown from Ogilvie Station. With trains running in both directions all day, seven days a week, rush hour in the mornings and evenings sees the biggest spikes in users. And if your office is closer to Union Station, don’t panic too much; Ogilvie is right across the street.
Metra Travel Times
Depending on what time of day you’re taking the train, it depends on how long it’ll take to get to your destination. On average, it takes under an hour to get downtown, but with the walking in and out of the stations and actually getting to where you need to go, those variables can change that timing on a day-to-day basis.
Compared to sitting in an hour and a half of traffic on the I-290, most people will choose the Metra. This way you’re relaxing, not driving, and hopefully listening to a podcast or some music you like to start and end your day.
According to optionpremier.com: “The Metra Union Pacific West line provides direct access to downtown Chicago, with commute times typically between 35 and 50 minutes. For drivers, access to I-88 and I-355 makes it easy to reach nearby suburbs, business districts, and areas like Oak Brook and Naperville.”
Metra Commuting Prices
Lombard is in Metra Zone 3, so you buy a Zone 1 to 3 fare to reach downtown and to get back home. Unfortunately, Metra prices went up this year, and they explained in a budget announcement that “The RTA required Metra, CTA, and Pace to raise fares by a minimum of 10 percent next year to help address deficits brought on by the exhaustion of federal COVID-relief funds. It would be the first across-the-board fare increase since 2018.”
So what does that look like on a day-to-day basis? Essentially, a one-way ticket is $6.25, and a monthly pass is $125. It really depends on how often you need to be downtown to determine what package, or if any, would be right for you.
If you have to be in the office five days a week, a monthly pass is a no-brainer. If you only have to be there one or two days a week and it’s flexible, buying two one-ways a day is the most financially responsible option. With that being said, it’s still cheaper than renting a downtown parking spot or buying a daily spot on Spot Hero. And that doesn’t count the wear and tear on your car and all the gas it takes to get there as well.
Perks of Living Near the Metra
Here’s where living downtown becomes really rewarding: You can actually live within walking distance of the Lombard Metra stop. Not only are you near the Metra stop, but you’re also near a ton of coffee shops and early morning breakfast joints. Stroll to the train, grab a bite to eat or a coffee on the way while your friends are sitting in traffic. Enjoy the pastry and coffee while riding in leisure on your way to work. Optimizing your life in this way will make it feel easy to commute instead of a burden.
If you have a car and you don’t want to walk, even better. The Yorktown area has a ton of new apartment communities with resort-style amenities that just take a quick drive to the station. 5 to 10 minutes to get there, and all the same benefits occur. No matter if you live in Lombard or Yorktown, There’s a reason this area keeps getting mentioned on the best places for young professionals to live lists.
Movoto put it this way: “This village is about as postcard perfect as it gets. It’s called the Lilac Village because each year in May, Lilacia Park essentially turns into Fantasia when lilac bushes, nearly 100,000 tulips, and other spring flowers bloom.” And who doesn’t want to smell fresh lilacs on their way to work?