Evanston Davis Street station
| Company type | Commuter rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Headquarters | Evanston, Illinois , United States |
Area served | Evanston, Illinois and surrounding areas |
| Products | Commuter rail services (Metra Union Pacific North Line) |
Evanston Davis Street serves as a commuter rail stop located in the heart of downtown Evanston, Illinois. It is part of Metra's Union Pacific North Line, connecting passengers southbound to Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center and northbound to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Positioned within zone 2 of Metra's fare structure, this station was the 12th most frequented among 236 non-downtown stations in 2018, with an average of 1,876 boardings on weekdays. Adjacent to it is the Davis station on the Chicago Transit Authority's Purple Line, which also functions as a terminus for CTA and Pace bus routes. Between these transit points stands 909 Davis Street, a six-story facility featuring a kiss-and-ride area.
Located at the intersection of Davis Street and Maple Avenue, the station consists of two elevated side platforms: the west platform serves northbound trains, while the east platform, which contains the ticket office, accommodates southbound services. At ground level, passengers can find Chef's Station restaurant nearby. The vicinity also includes the 12-story Sherman Avenue Garage.
As of February 16, 2024, all 70 weekday trains (35 in each direction) stop at Evanston Davis Street. On Saturdays, 24 trains (12 per direction) serve the station, while Sundays and holidays see all 18 trains (nine each way) making stops here. During summer concert events, an extra weekend train bound for also calls at this station.
For most of Northwestern University's Evanston campus, Evanston Davis Street represents the nearest Metra access point; however, Ryan Field is closer to the station.
History
Originally constructed as a single-track line by the Chicago & Milwaukee railroad—the forerunner of the Chicago and North Western Railway—stations were positioned on the north side of the tracks along what was then the Chicago and Galena Union route. These facilities were oriented to serve inbound passengers traveling to Chicago.
Davis Street station was historically the only Evanston stop for intercity trains operated by the Chicago and North Western Railway, including services such as the Twin Cities 400. Subsequently, Union Pacific took ownership of C&NW's properties.
Transportation
The Davis Street Metra stop is directly connected to the CTA Purple Line's Davis station via a pedestrian bridge, creating an integrated transit hub that facilitates convenient transfers.
Rail
Bus
- 93 California/Dodge (operates Monday through Saturday)
- 201 Central/Ridge (operates Monday through Saturday)
- 206 Evanston Circulator (available on school days only)
- 208 Golf Road
- 213 Green Bay Road (Monday through Saturday service)
- 250 Dempster Street
- Pulse Dempster Line