The South Shore Line is a commuter rail system operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District between Millennium Station in downtown Chicago, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana. It serves the Indiana side of the Chicago metropolitan area and runs on two service lines: the Lakeshore Corridor and the Monon Corridor. The system has 21 stations across 99 miles (159 km), uses standard-gauge track, and runs with 1,500 V DC overhead electrification.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | South Shore Line commuter rail |
| Operator | Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District |
| Main route | Millennium Station in Chicago to Northwest Indiana and South Bend International Airport |
| Lines | Lakeshore Corridor and Monon Corridor |
| Stations | 21 stations |
| Length | 99 miles (159 km) |
| Power | 1,500 V DC overhead electrification |
| Opened | 1903 |
| Ridership | 2,029,900 annual riders in 2025, about 6,300 weekday riders in the fourth quarter of 2025 |
South Shore Line Map
Map of the South Shore Line showing the Lakeshore Corridor and Monon Corridor routes, along with all stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the South Shore Line map in PDF format.
Lines, Corridors, and Stations
The South Shore Line route connects downtown Chicago with communities across Northwest Indiana, including Hammond, East Chicago, Gary, Michigan City, and South Bend. For trip planning, the stations list is easiest to understand as two corridors: the Lakeshore Corridor, which is the main Chicago–South Bend service, and the Monon Corridor, the branch serving Hammond, Munster, and Dyer.
All times are listed in Central Time except South Bend, which uses Eastern Time.
Lakeshore Corridor
The Lakeshore Corridor is the main South Shore Line corridor. It runs from Millennium Station in downtown Chicago to South Bend International Airport, serving Cook County, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana. The line shares tracks with the Metra Electric District from Millennium Station through Chicago’s South Side, then continues southeast toward Indiana and east across the region.
The corridor is 90 miles (140 km) long. It is quadruple-tracked on the shared section from Millennium Station to 115th Street/Kensington, double-tracked from Kensington to Michigan City, and single-tracked from Michigan City to South Bend International Airport.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Millennium Station | Downtown Chicago terminal near Millennium Park, the Loop, Navy Pier, and North Michigan Avenue |
| Van Buren Street | Downtown Chicago access near Grant Park and the court district |
| Museum Campus/11th Street | Best stop for the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Soldier Field |
| 57th Street | Convenient for the Museum of Science and Industry |
| 63rd Street | Chicago South Side station with service restrictions on some trains |
| Hegewisch | Chicago station near the Indiana state line |
| Hammond Gateway | Connection point between the Lakeshore Corridor and Monon Corridor |
| East Chicago | Major Northwest Indiana stop with parking access |
| Gary/Chicago Airport | Flag stop near Gary/Chicago International Airport |
| Gary Metro Center | Gary-area station with local transit connections |
| Miller | Gary-area stop on the Lakeshore Corridor |
| Portage/Ogden Dunes | Useful for lakeshore and dunes-area trips |
| Dune Park | Key station for Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan trips |
| Beverly Shores | Lakeshore and dune-area station |
| Michigan City | Station serving Michigan City |
| Carroll Avenue | Michigan City-area station |
| Hudson Lake | Serves the Hudson Lake area in LaPorte County |
| South Bend International Airport | Eastern terminus and airport connection in South Bend |
Monon Corridor
The Monon Corridor, formerly the West Lake Corridor project, is an 8-mile (13 km) southern extension of the South Shore Line in Lake County, Indiana. It branches south from Hammond Gateway Station and serves Hammond, Munster, and Dyer. Passenger service began at 11:45 am on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Some Monon Corridor trains run directly to Chicago. Others operate as shuttles and require a transfer at Hammond Gateway to continue on the Lakeshore Corridor. Riders do not need a separate ticket between the two corridors; the system issues one ticket for the full trip.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Hammond Gateway Station | Near Gostlin Street and Sheffield Avenue in Hammond, 4530 Sheffield Ave. |
| South Hammond Station | Near 173rd Street and Lyman Avenue in Hammond, 401 173rd St. |
| Munster Ridge Station | Near Ridge Road and Manor Avenue in Munster, 8216 Manor Ave. |
| Munster/Dyer Station | Near Main Street and Allison Road at the Munster/Dyer border, 10412 Allison Rd. |
The first southbound Monon Corridor train was Train 1109 from Hammond Gateway to Munster/Dyer. The first northbound train was Train 1024, a shuttle departing Munster/Dyer at 12:35 pm CDT. A Quiet Zone was approved before revenue service, though engineers may still sound horns when safety requires it.
Major Stations for Tourists and Commuters
For commuters, the line is a practical public transport link between Chicago and Northwest Indiana. For visitors, it is useful for museums, lakefront attractions, airport access, and day trips. Parking is free at most stations, which helps if your route plan starts with a park-and-ride stop.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Millennium Station | Best downtown stop for Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Loop, and North Michigan Avenue shopping |
| Museum Campus/11th Street | Use this station for the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Soldier Field |
| 57th Street | Closest South Shore Line stop for the Museum of Science and Industry |
| Hammond, Gary, and East Chicago stations | Key local transport stops for Northwest Indiana travel |
| South Bend International Airport | Eastern terminus and airport station for South Bend |
Schedule and Train Frequency
South Shore Line operating hours, opening times, working hours, and train frequency vary by direction, day of week, and service pattern. Always check the latest timetable before traveling, especially if you need the schedule today, timings today, the last train, or the current closing time for your trip plan.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday service | Westbound weekday trains are inbound toward Chicago; eastbound weekday trains are outbound. Regular and modified weekday train schedules may apply. |
| Off-peak weekday definition | Off-peak trains arrive at Millennium Station after 9:30 am CST and depart Millennium Station before 3:30 pm and after 6:30 pm CST. |
| Weekend and holiday service | Separate weekend and holiday schedules are published, with special service dates such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. |
| Time zones | South Bend uses Eastern Time. All other stations use Central Time. |
| Boarding restrictions | Westbound trains do not board passengers between 63rd St. and Millennium Station. Eastbound trains do not discharge passengers between Millennium Station and 63rd St. |
| Schedule changes | All times are subject to change without notice. |
Weekday, Weekend, and Holiday Service
The train schedule is organized by westbound and eastbound service, with separate weekday, weekend, and holiday timetables. If you are checking the route timetable online, refresh the page or clear your browser cache so you are not looking at old timings.
Holiday service is published in advance and may follow either a regular weekday schedule or a weekend/holiday schedule, depending on the date. During some holiday periods, the Kids Ride Free program is expanded so up to three children age 13 and under may ride free with a parent or guardian.
Peak, Off-Peak
South Shore Line service is divided into rush hour and off-peak trips. Off-peak weekday trains are the ones arriving at Millennium Station after 9:30 am CST and departing Millennium Station before 3:30 pm and after 6:30 pm CST. Weekend, holiday, and off-peak weekday trains are also the trips where the children’s free-ride rule may apply.
The Quiet Car is used on the last open car of rush hour trains. As with any commuter rail system, train frequency and running time can shift when modified schedules are in effect.
Fares, Tickets, and the South Shore App
South Shore Line fare and ticket options are based on zones, ticket type, and rider eligibility. You can check schedules, review the fare table, and buy a ticket through the South Shore mobile app or ticket vending machines on train platforms. The fare table works as the practical fare calculator: choose your departure and arrival stations, then match them with the correct ticket type.
Ticket vending machines accept cash, debit cards, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Transit Benefit Cards are accepted at Millennium Station, at ticket vending machines, and in the mobile app.
Fare Zones and Ticket Types
South Shore Line prices are determined by the zone system and the distance between stations. There are eleven fare zones, and ticket options include one-way, 10-ride, 25-ride, and monthly passes. Reduced 1-ride and reduced 25-ride fares are available for eligible riders.
One-way tickets can be purchased on trains, but a $1.00 (USD, local currency) penalty fee applies if a ticket agent was present at the departure station. For travel between Zone 1 and Zone 2, riders should use Metra; the South Shore Line is not intended for passenger travel between those zones.
One-way tickets expire 90 days from the date of purchase. Multiple-ride tickets expire one year from the date of purchase. Monthly tickets follow their own validity rules depending on whether they are paper or electronic.
Reduced Fares, Children, and Commuter Options
Reduced fares are available for eligible youth, seniors, active duty military personnel, students commuting to accredited schools, passengers with disabilities, and riders with RTA Reduced Fare Permits. Children must have tickets on rush hour trains.
- Up to three children 13 years old and younger may ride free with a parent or legal guardian on weekends, holidays, and qualifying off-peak weekday trains.
- Additional children 13 and under ride at half fare at all times.
- Passengers 65 or older are eligible for reduced fares with proof of age.
- Active duty military personnel with a Uniformed Services Common Access Card may travel at reduced fare at all times.
- Reduced commuter fares are available for youth traveling to accredited elementary, middle, and high schools.
- Groups of 10 or more passengers may qualify for special group rates with advance coordination.
Connections with Other Transit Systems
The South Shore Line connects with regional rail, city transport, local transport, bus services, and airport transportation in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana area. In Chicago, it shares tracks and stations with the Metra Electric District between Millennium Station and 63rd Street. There is no transfer interchange program between the South Shore Line and local buses or CTA.
Connections in Downtown Chicago
Millennium Station is the main downtown Chicago terminal. From there, riders can walk to Loop destinations, nearby CTA rail lines, CTA buses, Metra connections, and major attractions. Van Buren Street also provides downtown access, while Museum Campus/11th Street is the station for the lakefront museum area and Soldier Field.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Millennium Station | Main downtown terminal near Millennium Park, the Loop, Navy Pier, and North Michigan Avenue |
| Van Buren Street | Downtown access near Grant Park and the court district |
| Museum Campus/11th Street | Closest station for the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field |
| 57th Street | Useful for the Museum of Science and Industry |
Connections with CTA, Metra, Pace, and Amtrak
South Shore trains serve Millennium Station, Van Buren Street, Museum Campus/11th Street, 57th Street, 63rd Street, and Kensington/115th Street on shared Metra Electric trackage. Metra also operates Hegewisch station, even though Metra trains do not serve it.
CTA connections are available near several Chicago stops. From Millennium Station, riders can reach nearby CTA Red, Green, Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple line service, depending on the downtown walking route. Pace bus service is part of the broader regional network, while Amtrak connections are available through Chicago Union Station and other regional rail points.
Airport Connections
The South Shore Line provides direct rail access to South Bend International Airport and a station near Gary/Chicago International Airport. For Chicago O’Hare and Midway, riders can connect through downtown Chicago using CTA rail service.
South Bend International Airport
South Bend International Airport is the eastern terminus of the South Shore Line. The station opened on November 20, 1992, replacing the former South Bend terminus at the Amtrak station. It is located about 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Downtown South Bend.
The station is built into the airport building, so passengers can use the waiting room, airport lounges, shops, and meditation room. It was built for $1.8 million (USD, local currency) as part of an intermodal transit center connecting rail service with passenger airlines, intercity buses, local Transpo buses, and other transportation options.
Tickets are available through a vending machine or the mobile app. The South Bend ticket agent office permanently closed on July 11, 2022. Airport parking includes several lots, including a Commuter Lot priced at $1.00 (USD, local currency) with no overnight parking.
Gary/Chicago Airport Area
Gary/Chicago Airport station, also known as Clark Road, is in the Brunswick neighborhood of Gary, Indiana. It sits on Clark Road about 1.1 miles (1.8 km) southeast of the Gary/Chicago International Airport terminal and is also described as approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) from the terminal.
The station has a single side platform on the north side of the two-track line and operates as a flag stop. Riders must be visible to the conductor for pickup, and passengers who want to get off should notify the conductor. Parking is free.
Connections to Chicago O’Hare and Midway Airports
To reach O’Hare Airport, ride the South Shore Line to Millennium Station, then transfer to the CTA Blue Line at Washington station. The Blue Line serves O’Hare directly, with the airport station connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3; Terminal 5 is reached by the free Airport Transit System.
To reach Midway Airport, take the South Shore Line to Millennium Station, then transfer to the CTA Orange Line at Washington/Wabash Station. The Orange Line serves Midway directly, and the station connects to the terminal by an enclosed walkway. Ventra cards can be purchased or loaded at CTA station machines.
Parking and Station Access
Station parking is available across the South Shore Line, and most lots are free. Paid parking and parking charges per day apply at some locations, including Hegewisch, Gary, and South Bend. Weekday lots can fill quickly at busy stations, so it is smart to arrive early when using station parking for a commute.
Park-and-Ride Stations
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Millennium Station | Downtown location at Randolph St. and Michigan Ave.; nearby garages serve the area |
| Van Buren Street | Downtown station with numerous parking garages nearby |
| 57th Street | Limited parking along S. Lake Park Ave. |
| 63rd Street | No parking |
| Hegewisch | Paid parking managed near the railroad by IMPark, with additional parking near Brainard Ave. and Ave. O managed by CPS |
| Hammond Gateway, South Hammond, Munster Ridge, and Munster/Dyer | Free parking at the Monon Corridor stations |
| East Chicago, Miller, Dune Park, and Portage/Ogden Dunes | Stations with free parking access |
| Gary Metro Center | Parking managed by the Gary Public Transportation Corporation with a daily fee |
| South Bend International Airport | Several airport parking lots with posted rates, including commuter and overnight options |
Some stations have overflow lots or special access directions. At East Chicago, the overflow lot is north of Toll Rd. at Indianapolis Blvd. At Michigan City and Carroll Ave., parking is free, though lots can fill quickly.
Overnight and Extended Parking
Overnight parking is available at some lots, but it is not encouraged. Passengers who park overnight do so at their own risk. Cars left at stations for more than four days require additional information for extended parking.
For extended parking, riders must provide their full name, station, vehicle information, departure date, return date, and emergency contact information to NICTD Transit Police through the contact process. Advance notice is not required for parking under four days.
Accessibility and Rider Rules
The South Shore Line provides ADA-related access information for stations and attempts to make reasonable accommodations when needed. Not every station is wheelchair accessible, so passengers should check station access before traveling, especially when making a close connection.
Accessible stations with level platforms include Millennium Station, Van Buren St., Museum Campus/11th St., 57th St., Hegewisch, Hammond Gateway, South Hammond, Munster Ridge, Munster/Dyer, East Chicago, Miller, Portage/Ogden Dunes, Dune Park, Michigan City/11th St., and South Bend International Airport. Gary Metro Center, Beverly Shores, and Carroll Ave. use a portable lift to access the center door of the car. Hudson Lake and Gary/Chicago Airport are not wheelchair accessible.
Portable lifts have a space limit of 34 inches by 42 inches and a maximum lifting weight of 600 pounds for an occupied wheelchair. For Metra Electric station elevator status, riders should check before traveling.
- The last car of rush hour trains between Michigan City and Chicago is designated as a Quiet Car.
- Passengers should mute devices, turn off ringers, and keep conversations brief and quiet in Quiet Cars.
- Disorderly conduct, profanity, and disruptive behavior are not tolerated.
- Smoking, glass containers, skates, audible audio devices, and saving seats are prohibited.
- Allowed animals are limited to police dogs, ADA service animals, or small animals in carry-on travel cages stowed under the seat.
- Children traveling alone must be at least 10 years old.
- All riders should keep their ticket or receipt until they have left the train.
- Conductors do not take bills over $20.00 (USD, local currency).
Safety and Travel Tips
The South Shore Line asks riders to stay alert in stations, parking lots, on platforms, and onboard trains. A safe trip starts before the train arrives: keep back from the platform edge, use designated crossings, and never run to catch a train.
- Use handrails when boarding, exiting, or using stairs.
- Watch the gap between the platform and the train.
- Never board or leave a moving train.
- Let passengers exit before you board.
- Stay seated when possible until your station is announced.
- Do not place hands, feet, bags, or other objects between train doors.
- Never ride between cars or lean on train doors.
- Keep aisles clear of luggage and parcels.
- Never leave children unattended.
- Cross tracks only at designated crossings.
- At railroad crossings, stop when gates are coming down and lights or bells are active.
- Always expect a train on any track, at any time, in either direction.
In an emergency, call 911 or NICTD Police at (219) 398-6000. Every car has clearly marked emergency exit windows and doors. Stay calm, listen for crew announcements, and remain on the train unless NICTD or emergency personnel instruct you to leave.
If there is fire or smoke in your car, move to the next car and inform a station or train employee. Trains carry fire extinguishers, fire axes, and first aid kits for train crew use. Report medical emergencies, suspicious behavior, or unsafe conditions to the crew.
Brief History of the South Shore Line
The South Shore Line began as an interurban railway built between 1901 and 1908. Revenue service between Michigan City and South Bend started on July 1, 1908, and the line later reached Chicago through the Kensington and Eastern Railroad. In 1912, electric cars began running to downtown Chicago with help from Illinois Central steam locomotives before the service was reworked for direct electric operation.
The railroad entered bankruptcy in 1925 and was purchased by Samuel Insull’s Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad. In 1926, the power system changed from 6,600 volts AC to 1,500 volts DC, allowing trains to operate directly to Randolph Street Terminal, now Millennium Station, without an engine change.
The line remained important during World War II because of industrial traffic in Northern Indiana, but ridership later declined as highways expanded and automobile use increased. Indiana created the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District in the 1970s to subsidize passenger operations. NICTD assumed passenger service on December 29, 1989, and purchased the track in December 1990.
The South Bend terminus moved to the airport in 1992. Today, the South Shore Line remains one of the last surviving interurban railroads in the United States, even as it functions as modern commuter rail rather than a tramway or city tram service.
Current Projects and Future Improvements
South Shore Line expansion and improvement projects are focused on shorter travel times, better reliability, and improved access in Northwest Indiana and South Bend. The Double Track Northwest Indiana project was completed in May 2024, adding a second track between Gary and Michigan City and supporting 14 additional weekday trains.
Select special event service has also been planned for Soldier Field events, including stops at Metra’s 18th Street Station for direct pedestrian access to the stadium area.
Monon Corridor
The Monon Corridor, formerly the West Lake Corridor Project, is the South Shore Line’s first branch line. It extends service 8 miles (13 km) south from Hammond Gateway Station to Hammond, Munster, and Dyer. The branch serves growing areas of Lake County and gives riders more public transport options for commuting and regional trips.
Some trains run directly to Chicago, while others operate as shuttles requiring a transfer at Hammond Gateway. The timetable, mobile app, posters, and rider notices identify which trains require a transfer.
South Bend Airport Realignment
The South Shore Line Airport Realignment is a planned project to move the Indiana terminus from the east side of South Bend International Airport to a new station on the west side. The project includes new approach tracks designed to replace the current slower route with many grade crossings.
The realignment is expected to remove about 2.5 miles (4 km) of track and reduce the number of rail crossings between the airport and Grandview Avenue from 22 to 3. Together with other improvements, it is expected to reduce travel time between Chicago and South Bend to around 90 minutes. NICTD has not ruled out a future connection to Downtown South Bend.
Best Destinations and Attractions by Station
The South Shore Line connects downtown Chicago, lakefront museums, airport stops, Lake Michigan destinations, and Northwest Indiana communities. The best station depends on the trip: Chicago sightseeing, Indiana Dunes, airport travel, or a local Northwest Indiana stop.
Chicago Attractions
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Millennium Station | Best for Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Loop, North Michigan Avenue shopping, the Chicago Theatre, and the Magnificent Mile |
| Van Buren Street | Convenient for the Art Institute and Grant Park |
| Museum Campus/11th Street | Use for the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Soldier Field |
| 57th Street | Use for the Museum of Science and Industry |
For a simple city day out, Millennium Station and Museum Campus/11th Street are usually the most useful stops. For museum trips, 57th Street and Museum Campus/11th Street are the most direct choices.
Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan Stops
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Dune Park | Key station for the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline |
| Portage/Ogden Dunes | Useful for reaching the lakeshore and surrounding dunes area |
| Beverly Shores | Serves the lakeshore and dune landscape |
| Miller | Gary-area station west of the dune region |
| Michigan City and Carroll Avenue | Stations serving the Michigan City area |
The South Shore Line is a useful day-trip option along Lake Michigan’s South Shore, with service connecting Chicago and Northwest Indiana through stations such as Dune Park and East Chicago.
South Bend and Northwest Indiana Destinations
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Hammond Gateway | Major connection point for the Lakeshore Corridor and Monon Corridor |
| East Chicago | Northwest Indiana station with parking access |
| Gary Metro Center | Gary-area stop with local transit connections |
| Gary/Chicago Airport | Flag stop near Gary/Chicago International Airport |
| Hudson Lake | Serves the Hudson Lake area in LaPorte County |
| South Bend International Airport | Eastern terminus for South Bend and airport access |
Along the Indiana portion of the route, South Bend, Michigan City, Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago are the key local stops. Since parking is free at most stations, the line works well for regional day trips and everyday commuting.