Metra commute from Downers Grove (Aurora, Naperville: new home, construction, to live)

[intrdznr]

I have posted a similar question before about Naperville and Wheaton, but we are still trying to narrow down our new hometown. Does the Downers train share with Naperville, and if so, are there seats available into the city by the time it gets from Naperville to Downers? Also, what is the parking situation at the Downers stations? We're hoping to find a house within walking distance to the train, but I'd like to be able to drive to the station if I have to.

[Naperville77]

Yes they are on the same line (run by BNSF) and I'd say the parking in Downers isn't as open as Naper but then again it's very difficult to get a spot at both 59 and 5th Ave if you aren't getting downtown really early in the AM. Especially Downers Grove Main st...my history of parking there isn't very positive.

Also keep in mind you'll miss out on some express trains since they usually run to Naperville for their first stop. Not that I'm biased to Naper or anything.

[chet everett]

Actually DG Mainstreet has a great selection of express trains too. There are only three or four that bypass directly to Naperville -- this means there are more options to get to DG (and a somewhat less crowded train...) Metra / BNSF Monday - Friday Outbound

Parking is not on the same scale as out west, but between the lots at Belmont and Fairview, as well as the new garage DG has lots of options. Due to the more compact nature of DG the Pace and DG Shuttles serve a greater percentage of riders too. I have heard that the drivers also tend to be a more 'forgiving' if there is someone running for the bus and such...

[Naperville77]

I assumed Fairview was a lot better than Main St...that's good to know that it's that way.

[Chummy Waters]

I used to live by the Fairview station, there is a smallish lot. I recall people parking by Pepperidge farm as well. I miss the smell of cookies in the air everyday.

[OakBrookMom]

Downers Main fills up fast, parking at Belmont limited now because of the underpass project, Fairview never had many spots. But at least there are three stations to walk to unlike downtown Naperville with just one (route 59 really doesn't have many SF homes walking distance in the winter). I got a permit for Westmont slots w/in a year but had no problem parking in a church lot or on the street along the tracks. So Westmont could be an option even if you choose other towns like Downers, Darien, Clarendon,etc. Clarendon Hills has a small lot but many homes are walking distance.

[pvande55]

The infamous standing-room only trains run express from Naperville. The trains from Downers Grove you should be able to get a seat. Belmont usually has spaces until 7:00 A.M. However, it is a mess right now due to underpass construction.

[jamaicabound60565]

The train starts in Downtown Aurora, then hits 59 and then hits Naperville before hitting downers. Often times I couldt get as spot getting on from the dtown naperville station so unless its an express nad downers is thesecond maybe third stop you'll probably wind up standing in between cars, i actually prefer to stand there een when their are spots.

nice thing about downers is theres three train stations. its actually quite annoying if you dont catch an express you stop at all three and it actually feels like the back of the train is at the previous stop while the front is at the next downers spot lol. the nice thing about that is you pretty much never have to wait for an express even if the train you want to take doesnt hit your stop it hits a spot thats a $4 cab ride away from so you should never have to wait for a train

[mattywo85]

Downers Grove fills up pretty quick in the AM(anytime after 7-7:30 is chancing it). I know the train fills up fairly fast at RT. 59, Naperville, and Lisle but there should still be seats available.