Millennium Station
| Company type | Commuter rail terminal |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Predecessor | Randolph Street Terminal |
| Founded | 19th century |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Commuter rail services (Metra Electric District, South Shore Line) |
| Owner | Metra (Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation) |
Millennium Station—previously known as Randolph Street Terminal—functions as a key commuter rail hub situated in Chicago's Loop district. It operates as the northern endpoint for the Metra Electric District line, providing transit access from the city's southern suburbs, while also serving as the western terminus for the South Shore Line, which connects to Gary, Michigan City, and South Bend in Indiana.
Initially constructed in the 19th century by the Illinois Central Railroad, this terminal has experienced several transformations over time, with its most recent reconstruction occurring beneath Millennium Park during the early 2000s. Owned by Metra through the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation, Millennium Station accommodates more than 18,000 Metra passengers daily. During rush hours, train departures can occur as often as every 30 seconds. This facility ranks as the third most trafficked train station within Chicago.
History
Originally called Great Central Station, Randolph Street Terminal, alongside Van Buren Street located a few blocks to the south, served as the primary downtown terminal for Illinois Central (IC) until 1893. That year marked the opening of Central Station just south of Grant Park at what is now Roosevelt Road. Although Randolph Street continued operations, it assumed a secondary role. Its prominence increased significantly in 1926 when IC electrified its main line and branches to Blue Island and South Chicago, redirecting commuter rail traffic from these routes into Randolph Street Terminal while intercity services remained at Central Station.
For many years, station platforms were uncovered, with ticketing and waiting areas housed in an adjoining structure. The creation of Millennium Park later necessitated relocating the station underground. Between the mid-1980s and 2005, Millennium Station underwent ongoing renovations that left it with exposed steel beams, unfinished plywood walls, raw concrete floors, and minimal lighting—resulting in an unwelcoming atmosphere. The architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill led a comprehensive redesign that culminated in 2005 with the renaming to Millennium Station; however, numerous residents continue to call it "Randolph Street Terminal."
Station layout
The principal entrance is positioned at the southwest intersection of Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue. From there, a concourse featuring retail outlets and dining options guides passengers to the main waiting area, which provides seating, ticket vending machines, a staffed Metra ticket office, and an information center.
A corridor from the waiting room leads to the upper-level platforms serving the South Shore Line; along this passage are ticket counters. Additional ticket vending machines are located at the northern extremity of these platforms. The lower level contains Metra tracks accessible via stairs or ramps originating from the concourse. Metra platforms include a secondary exit on Lower South Water Street toward their northern end; this exit is slated for reconstruction to improve accessibility.
Bus connections
- 3 King Drive
- 4 Cottage Grove (Owl Service)
- X4 Cottage Grove Express
- 6 Jackson Park Express
- 19 United Center Express
- 20 Madison
- 26 South Shore Express
- 60 Blue Island/26th
- N66 Chicago (Owl Service)
- 124 Navy Pier
- 143 Stockton/Michigan Express
- 147 Outer DuSable Lake Shore Express
- 148 Clarendon/Michigan Express
- 151 Sheridan
- 157 Streeterville/Taylor
- 855 Plainfield-East Loop Express
- Shuttle service connecting Downtown Chicago with Valparaiso (operates during rush hours only)
Pedway connections
Millennium Station functions as a central node within the Chicago Pedway, linking various hotels, residential and commercial buildings, "L" transit stations, and prominent landmarks. This pedestrian network features retail outlets, dining options, and other amenities. While certain areas remain accessible around the clock, the majority of the pedway closes by 7:00 PM on weekdays and by 6:00 PM during weekends.
Westbound corridor
- Smurfit–Stone Building
- Chicago Cultural Center
- The Heritage at Millennium Park
- Washington/Wabash station
- Macy's
- Lake/State station
- Block 37
- Washington/Dearborn station
- Richard J. Daley Center
- Cook County Building
Eastbound corridor
Northbound corridor
- Two Prudential Plaza
- Aon Center
- Lakeshore Athletic Club
- Fairmont Hotel
- Park Millennium Condominiums
- Aqua building
Via South Water Street exit
- Boulevard Towers
- Illinois Center
- Hyatt Regency Chicago
- Columbus Plaza
- Renaissance Hotel
- Swissotel Chicago
- Aqua building
In popular culture
Millennium Station’s concourse is briefly showcased in the 2008 movie The Dark Knight during a high-speed Batpod pursuit sequence.