On the Ventra App
The Ventra app lets you buy and display Metra tickets on your smartphone using a credit or debit card or Ventra account. Download it free from the Apple App Store or Google Play to purchase tickets anytime, anywhere, and show them to the conductor during your ride.
At the Station
Most Metra tickets can be purchased from vending machines at downtown stations and the busiest outlying stations. These machines offer a quick and convenient way to buy tickets for your journey, including options for One-Way Tickets, Day Passes and Monthly Passes.
On the Train
Where no vending machine exists, passengers may board the train and purchase a One-Way Ticket or a Saturday/Sunday/Holiday Day Pass (on those days) with cash from the conductor. However, if a machine is available at the station where you boarded and you elect to purchase a One-Way Ticket on the train, the conductor will charge an additional $5.
See the table below for details on purchasing Metra tickets
| Ventra App | Ticket Vending Machine | Onboard the Train | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pass | Yes | Yes | No |
| One-Way Ticket | Yes | Yes | Yes* |
| Day Pass | Yes | Yes | No |
| Day Pass 5-Pack | Yes | No | No |
| Sat/Sun/Holiday Day Pass | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weekend Pass | Yes | No | No |
| Regional Connect Pass** | Yes | No | No |
*You will be charged an additional $5 surcharge for purchasing onboard the train if a vending machine was available at your station of origin. See a list of stations with vending machines here.
**The Regional Connect Pass for unlimited rides on the CTA and Pace is available only to Monthly Pass buyers and only in the Ventra app. To buy it in the app, you must have a Ventra card registered in the app to which the pass can be added.
