Passenger Guide

Even though the original Joliet Union Station no longer serves as a passenger station, the city is still is a major rail passenger hub with frequent commuter and intercity passenger train service.

​The new Joliet Gateway Center is now open for railroad passengers, with an entrance a 90 W. Jefferson Street, at Art Schultz Drive, across from Silver Cross Field.  The new building provides a waiting area out of the elements, and ticket offices for both Amtrak and Metra.  Signage directs passengers to the appropriate platforms and stairs and elevators provide access to the boarding area.

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Joliet is Amtrak's second-busiest station in suburban Chicago, with ten trains each day on the Chicago - St. Louis corridor, including:
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• Lincoln Service 
  8 trains daily between Chicago and St. Louis
  
  
• The Texas Eagle 
  2 trains daily between Chicago and San Antonio with tri-weekly connections to 
  New Orleans and Los Angeles

Unlike other suburban Chicago stations served by the national passenger railroad, Amtrak sells tickets for trips between Joliet and Chicago.  An Amtrak agent is on-duty from early morning to mid-afternoon in the new building at street level on Mayor Art Schultz Drive, south of Jefferson Street.  There is no checked baggage service.  Trains load on the platform located north of the new station building, up at track level.  Access to the platform is available through station building, and through an entrance on Clinton Street, north of the depot -- follow posted signs for directions.  Elevators provide access for users with mobility issues.

For complete schedules and more information about Amtrak service, call 1-800-USA-RAIL or go to www.amtrak.com

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Rock Island Platform

Amtrak/Heritage Corridor Platform

Chicago's commuter rail system, Metra, has two lines that terminate at the depot:
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• The Rock Island District provides frequent weekday service, along with every two-hour service on weekends and holidays to and from Chicago's La Salle Street Station.  Rock Island District trains use a new platform east of the new station building, between Mayor Art Schultz Drive and Eastern Avenue.  Access for people with mobility issues is provided via an elevator at Eastern Avenue.
• The Heritage Corridor runs weekday-only rush hour service with three trains to Chicago's Union Station in the morning, a mid-afternoon trip to Joliet, and three trains returning in the evening.  Heritage Corridor trains use the Amtrak platform described above.
  
  

​Metra's ticket office is in the new station building on street level between the Rock Island and Heritage Corridor platforms.  A ticket agent is there from early morning to midday.
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There is an extra fee if you buy tickets on the train when the agent is on duty.  Metra riders who need to access the elevator or ramp, and possess an RTA Reduced Fare Card, may by-pass the temporary ticket trailer and purchase their one-way tickets on the train without a penalty.

For more information about Metra service and schedules, call (312) 836-7000 or go to www.metrarail.com

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Joliet Gateway Center

Although the original Joliet Union Station stopped serving passengers in 2014, work continues on the Joliet Gateway Center that is intended to replace it. 

In the Fall of 2016, ground was broken to move the project forward: 

• A permanent platform for Amtrak and Metra Heritage Corner trains is now open between tracks 3 and 4
• A permanent station building with enclosed waiting room and ticket office is now close to being completed
• A series of tunnels, ramps and elevators link the new station building to the permanent platforms

While construction work moves forward, passengers are advised that all the temporary facilities remain in place and should be used to get to the trains.

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