What's Allowed on Metra Trains

Back to What to Expect Onboard

Jump to

    Back to What to Expect Onboard

    Bikes and E-Scooters

    Attention: Metra has temporarily relaxed its bikes on trains policy and is allowing bikes and folding e-scooters on all trains across all 11 lines. There are still limits to the number of bicycles allowed and cyclists should be advised there is no guarantee that bikes or e-scooters can be accommodated on an initial or return trip (particularly on rush-hour trains), and crews have the right to refuse bikes or e-scooters in the event of overcrowding or depending on the needs of customers with disabilities.

    Click here for information about Metra's new Bike Cars. The information below is about bringing bikes on regular cars.

    Standard sized bikes and e-scooters can be accommodated in the priority seating area of each ADA-accessible railcar. Up to five bikes or e-scooters are allowed per accessible diesel railcar and two bikes are allowed per Metra Electric car, all of which are accessible. An ADA symbol on the outside of the railcars indicates accessibility.  

    Bikes on Trains

    Bikes on Electric Trains

    Gasoline-powered bicycles or vehicles of any kind are not permitted on any trains. Tricycles, tandems, trailers, bulky attachments or training wheels are also prohibited. Bikes and e-scooters are not to exceed 70 inches and are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis, and those with mobility devices always receive priority. There is no guarantee that bikes or e-scooters can be accommodated on an initial or return trip (including late-night trains), and crews have the right to refuse bikes or e-scooters in the event of overcrowding or depending on the needs of customers with disabilities.

    During special events, there is an increased likelihood that bikes and e-scooters cannot be accommodated. Warnings are in place for these annual events:

    • St. Patrick's Day Parade
    • Blues Festival
    • Taste of Chicago
    • Lollapalooza
    • Air and Water Show

    Notice of any additional bike and e-scooter warning dates will be published on this website.

    Cyclists and e-scooter users should allow passengers (including those with mobility devices) to board and detrain prior to carrying a bike on or off the train. Once on board, cyclists and e-scooter users must secure their bike or e-scooter to the lower railing of the folding seat with a bungee cord or other device that they provide and accompany their bike or e-scooter at all times.

    Additional Info

    • During an emergency in which a train needs to be evacuated, customers must leave their bikes or e-scooters on the train.
    • In the case that cyclists or e-scooter users are required to get off the train before their destination, reimbursement will be based on the fare product used for that trip.
    • Train crews are not required to assist with the boarding of bikes or e-scooters - their primary responsibilities are for passenger safety and assisting those with disabilities. Bicyclists and e-scooter users must be able to board and detrain without assistance from conductors.
    • The wheelchair lift cannot be used to load or unload bikes or e-scooters.
    • There is no additional charge for bikes or e-scooters.
    • Bikes and e-scooters should be free of dirt and grease prior to boarding.

    Resources

    Bike Cars

    Bike Car

    Metra has introduced Bike Cars on some of its lines. The cars can carry 16 bicycles instead of the usual five allowed on Metra’s accessible diesel railcars. For full details, click here.

    Alcohol

    Alcohol is generally allowed on Metra trains, in moderation. Metra reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who is intoxicated or impaired. Unruly behavior will be not tolerated and all riders are required to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Underage drinking on Metra trains will not be tolerated.

    During the festival season, Metra prohibits alcohol and glass bottles on trains after 7 p.m. or all day on specific dates. Those dates are announced in advance. For 2023 dates, click here.

    During restricted times, no alcoholic beverages or glass bottles will be allowed on Metra trains. Passengers on trains found with alcohol may be removed or arrested. All bags carried into the train stations or onto the train will be subject to inspection by police personnel. Metra reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who is intoxicated or impaired. Unruly behavior will be not tolerated and all riders are required to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Underage drinking on Metra trains will not be tolerated. Anyone failing to follow these rules should anticipate that they may be detained or arrested.

    Metra prides itself on providing safe and efficient transportation. To that end, Metra Police officers and off-duty municipal police patrol stations and trains. We intend to maintain a safe travel environment for our customers. Thank you for your cooperation.

    Pets

    Service animals are allowed on all Metra trains at all times.

    Small pets in enclosed carriers are permitted on non-peak period weekday trains arriving in Chicago before 6:31 a.m. and after 9:30 a.m., departing Chicago before 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m., and on all weekend trains. However, there is no guarantee that pets can be accommodated. Train crews have the right to refuse pets in the event of overcrowding. 

    Metra’s rules for pets are as follows:

    • Only small pets in enclosed protective carriers are allowed.
    • Carriers will not be allowed to take up seats, seating areas or obstruct pathways on trains or in stations and must be small enough to be carried on by a single person. They must fit in a passenger’s lap or under the seat at all times.
    • Metra reserves the right to remove passengers with pets that are noisy or disturb other customers.
    • Owners will be responsible for the behavior and cleanup of their pets.

    During special events, there is an increased likelihood that pets cannot be accommodated due to overcrowding. Such events include:

    • St. Patrick's Day Parade
    • Blues Festival
    • Taste of Chicago
    • Lollapalooza
    • Air and Water Show

    Additional Information

    • During an emergency requiring the evacuation of a train, passengers with pets may be required to leave their pet on the train.
    • In the case that passengers with pets are required to get off the train before their destination, reimbursement will be based on the fare product used for that trip.
    • Train crews are not required to assist with the boarding of pets. Passengers with pets must be able to board and detrain without assistance.
    • There is no additional charge for passengers with pets.