Evanston Central Street station
| Company type | Commuter rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | 1911 |
| Headquarters | Evanston, Illinois , United States |
Area served | Evanston, Illinois |
| Products | Commuter rail services |
Evanston Central Street stands as the northernmost of three commuter rail stops within Evanston, Illinois. Positioned at the intersection of Green Bay Road and Central Street, it is surrounded by retail shops, dining establishments, and multi-level residential buildings. Just beyond the station, the railway tracks lower to ground level as they continue into Wilmette.
This station is part of the Metra network on the Union Pacific North Line, which offers travel southward to Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center and northward to Kenosha, Wisconsin. It lies from Ogilvie and falls within Metra's zone 2 fare category. In 2018 data, it was ranked as the 27th busiest out of Metra's 236 non-downtown stations, with an average weekday boarding count of 1,346. The facility features two side platforms: trains heading north utilize the west platform, while those going south stop at the east platform. The station building on the east side includes a ticket office and houses "Upstairs Cafe," a coffee and pastry venue operated by three local women, two of whom are professional bakers. This station house is open on weekdays from 5:15 a.m. until 1:15 p.m., with staff present during these hours.
As of February 16, 2024, service at Evanston Central Street comprises 59 trains on weekdays (30 inbound and 29 outbound), 22 trains on Saturdays (11 in each direction), and 16 trains on Sundays and holidays (eight each way). Additionally, during summer concert events, an extra weekend express train makes a stop here en route to .
This station serves as the nearest Metra access point to Northwestern University's athletic complex at Ryan Field. It also borders the fairway of the 15th hole and the tee box of the 16th hole at Canal Shores Golf Course. The Chicago Transit Authority's Central station on the Purple Line is located less than one mile to the east; however, a more straightforward transfer is available at the nearby Evanston Davis Street station.
Bus connections
- 201 Central/Ridge (operates Monday through Saturday)
- 206 Evanston Circulator (available during weekday rush hours)
- 213 Green Bay Road (runs Monday through Saturday)