Drive Less. Wear Green. Get to the Parade.
Metra is proud to join the festivities as a participant in Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15 starting at noon. While you enjoy the celebration, spot the Metra float featuring our employees and their families as they showcase our commitment to serving and connecting communities.
Let Metra Be Your Designated Driver.
Metra is a safe, affordable, and convenient way to travel to and from the event. Click here to see added service to the parade on may lines. Stay up to date with real-time train information by using Metra Tracker and conveniently purchase your tickets through the Ventra App, ticket vending machines, or on board with cash.
**Please be advised that alcohol and glass bottles are prohibited on ALL Metra trains on Saturday, March 15. Additionally, due to expected high ridership, there may not be room for bicycles on trains.
Traveling to the Parade is Easy.
From Millennium & Van Buren Street Station:
To view the parade: Take the Metra Electric Line to the Van Buren Street Station. Exit at Jackson Street and walk east to Columbus Drive to enjoy the festivities.
To view the river dyeing: Take the Metra Electric Line to Millennium Station. Exit at Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue, then, head north on Michigan to Upper Wacker Drive for the perfect view.
From Chicago Union Station:
To view the parade: Exit at Jackson Boulevard and walk east across the bridge. Continue heading east on Jackson to Columbus Drive. To view the parade's start, walk south on Columbus Drive to Balbo and Columbus.
To view the river dyeing: Exit at Jackson Boulevard and walk east across the bridge to Wells Street. Head north on Wells Street to the CTA Quincy Station. Take the Orange Line outbound toward Midway, ride three stops, and exit at State/Lake Station. Walk north on Lake Street to Upper Wacker Drive for the perfect view.
From Ogilvie Transportation Center:
To view the parade: Exit the Ogilvie Transportation Center Clinton Street, walk north to the Clinton CTA Station, and take the Green or Pink Line inbound for four stops to Adams/Wabash. Exit, head south on Wabash to Jackson, then walk east to Columbus Drive. Follow Columbus south to Balbo for the parade start.
To view the river dyeing: Exit the Ogilvie Transportation Center onto Clinton Street and walk north to the CTA Clinton Station at Clinton and Lake Street. Take the Green or Pink Line inbound to Ashland/63rd, Cottage Grove, or Loop and ride two stops to the State/Lake Station. Walk north on State Street to Upper Wacker Drive.
From LaSalle Street Station:
To view the parade: Exit LaSalle Street Station down the stairs to the left of the platform onto Ida B. Wells Drive. Walk east on Ida B. Wells to Columbus Drive. Walk south on Columbus Drive, to the parade’s start at Balbo and Columbus.
To view the river dyeing: Exit LaSalle Street Station down the stairs to the left of the platform onto Ida B. Wells Drive and walk east to LaSalle Street. Walk north on LaSalle to the CTA LaSalle/Van Buren Station. Take the Brown Line outbound toward Kimball and ride four stops to the State/Lake Station. Walk north on State Street to Upper Wacker Drive.
**Please note: The lower Riverwalk will be closed, but spectators can enjoy the view from Upper Wacker Drive and the surrounding bridges.
Plan Your Trip
Get help navigating with Google Maps or the RTA Trip Planner for smooth connections, including CTA services from all downtown stations. Check transitchicago.com for updates on rerouted bus services due to the event.
Purchase Tickets
Buying Metra tickets is easy—use the Ventra App, ticket vending machines, or pay on board with cash.. Whether it's a game or an event, having your ticket ready keeps your trip simple and stress-free.
New to Metra?
Metra makes city trips easy—plan your route, check fares, and find helpful tips for riders. Enjoy a smooth ride to downtown fun and exciting events!
