Is Amtrak and Metra the same?

METRA is a Chicago area heavy rail commuter railroad. Amtrak is a nationwide passenger non commuter railroad that serves all the states in the so called “lower 48”. There are 10 trip and monthly tickets on certain corridors for frequent riders.



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On shorter train journeys, Amtrak's Coach Class seats provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view. On long-distance journeys, you will find extra-spacious Coach Class seating with leg rests designed to enhance your comfort for long or overnight trips.

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Traditionally Metra trains have been viewed as safer, cleaner, and more orderly than the CTA 'L'. Conductors patrolling the cars on a regular basis discourages crime and problematic rule-breaking such as smoking and littering, which unfortunately seem to be fairly common on CTA trains nowadays.

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Their speed, however, will be limited by the complexities of the 457-mile route, which is old, curvy and carries a mix of freight, commuter and intercity trains. Most Amtrak trains travel between 110 mph to 145 mph in the corridor, depending on the track and proximity to stations.

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The 110-mph service will save passengers 15 minutes versus the previous speeds of 90 mph and 30 minutes on the corridor's initial speed of 79 mph before track, signaling and other enhancements to improve train speeds began. Illinois is the only state where all seven of the nation's largest railroads operate.

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Longer Trip Times It's typically faster to travel by plane than by train, especially when your destination is across the country. A three-hour flight might be two nights on a train.

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Metra. Metra (Metropolitan Rail) runs 12 commuter/suburban train lines from several downtown Chicago terminals. Rush hour service is frequent; otherwise trains generally operate every 1 to 2 hours and most routes run daily.

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Train crews also may deem it necessary to sound a horn as a warning when there is a vehicle, person or animal near the tracks. Track construction, workers within 25 feet of a live track or malfunctioning crossings, also require crews to sound the horn.

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You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.

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Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage. Each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and needs to be 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size.

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Here are 10 tips for overnight sleeping in Coach.
  1. Choose Your Seat Wisely. Your journey begins by choosing the right seat for sleep. ...
  2. Bring a Neck Pillow. ...
  3. Wear Comfortable Clothing (& Shoes) ...
  4. Pack Earplugs and Eye Mask. ...
  5. Bring a Blanket. ...
  6. Travel with a Friend. ...
  7. Bring Your Own Snacks and Water. ...
  8. Adjust Your Seat.


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