If you’re excited for this St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Chicago, you’re not alone. Thousands are expected to witness the green river dyeing and attend the parades on Saturday and Sunday.
However, we can guarantee that driving or taking a rideshare will be a nightmare. So public transportation will be the best way to get where you need to go. Fortunately, the Metra is making it easier for Chicagoans.
For those heading to Saturday’s events, Metra will be adding extra trains on several lines. This includes BNSF, Milwaukee District North, Milwaukee District West, Rock Island, Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest, and Union Pacific West.
These additional trains will also run early in the morning, giving you plenty of time to get downtown and find a spot along the Chicago River to watch it being dyed green.
The South Shore Line will also provide extra service on Saturday, and the CTA will increase service on the Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, and Purple lines.
If your plans include celebrating at the largest community-based parade outside of Dublin on Sunday, the Rock Island Line’s 103rd Street/Beverly Hills and 111th Street/Morgan Park stations are within walking distance of the South Side Irish Parade route along Western Avenue.
Here’s what you need to know about taking the Metra St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in Chicago:
- Fares: $7 Day Pass or $10 Weekend Pass (Ventra App only).
- Restrictions: Alcohol is banned on all trains on Saturday and on the Rock Island Line on Sunday. No bikes are allowed, and there is limited space for bags.
- Tickets: Pre-boarding ticket checks will take place downtown on Saturday.
