Whether you're taking the train, driving, or using a rideshare service, we've got you covered. Choose the option that works best for you and start planning your visit today.
By TrainBy CarBy Rideshare
Getting Here
Getting to Ravinia is simple! The Metra Union Pacific North Line stops right at our front gate during the summer, making arrival easy and hassle-free. We’re also easily accessible from major highways, with plenty of parking available. Plan your trip and enjoy a seamless experience!
Taking the Train to Ravinia
Ravinia Ticketholders Ride Free During the Summer 2024 Season!
In partnership with Metra, all trains on the Union Pacific North Line—running from Chicago (Ogilvie Transportation Center) to Kenosha, WI—will honor Summer 2024 Ravinia tickets as train fares. Guests can show their dated concert ticket for a free train ride to and from the park on the performance date.
In the fall, winter, and spring, trains stop at the nearby “Braeside” station, only a quarter-mile walk from the South Gate into the park, next to Bennett Gordon Hall. During the summer concert season, Metra trains stop right at the front gate of Ravinia*. The train is a highly convenient way to get to and from the park and avoid traffic!
- Please visit Metra.com or call 312-322-6777 (weekdays) or 312-836-7000 (weekends) for complete schedules and information.
- The nearby “Braeside” stop is only a quarter-mile walk from Ravinia along the Green Bay Trail and provides guests additional arrival and departure times.
- Check video screens at the Tyler Gate for train departure times when planning to exit the park.
- Some stations on the UP-N Line are not serviced by all trains. Check Metra’s schedule for details.
* The “Ravinia Park” stop is made only during evenings from early June through late September. The nearby “Braeside” stop is recommended outside of those dates.
Driving to Ravinia
Ravinia is in a residential neighborhood bordered by single-lane streets, so traffic may be slow when the park is opening and closing for highly attended performances.
Parking and pickups/dropoffs on the residential streets around Ravinia is strictly prohibited, and Highland Park Police will issue fines to violating drivers.
From Chicago
- Follow the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) west to the Edens Expressway (I-94) and US Route 41. Exit at Lake Cook Road and travel 1 mile east to Green Bay Road.
- Make a left on Green Bay Road, then a right into the West Parking Lot.
For Park and Ride, instead exit US Route 41 at Central Avenue. Follow Central east to St. Johns Avenue. Make a right on St. Johns and follow the blue Park and Ride signs to the designated lots.
From Milwaukee and northern Chicago suburbs
- Head south on US Route 41 or I-94. Exit at Lake Cook Road and travel east to Green Bay Road. Make a left on Green Bay Road, then a right into the West Parking Lot.
- For Park and Ride, instead exit US Route 41 at Central Avenue. Follow Central east to St. Johns Avenue. Make a right on St. Johns and follow the blue Park and Ride signs to the designated lots.
From the west
- From I-90, take I-294 toward Wisconsin. Exit at Lake Cook Road and travel 4.5 miles east to Green Bay Road. Make a left on Green Bay Road, and a right into the West Parking Lot.
- For Park and Ride, continue north on Green Bay to Central Avenue, then turn right. Follow Central east to St. Johns Avenue. Make a right on St. Johns and follow the blue Park and Ride signs to the designated lots.
From the south
- Take I-294 north, exit at Lake Cook Road and travel 4.5 miles east to Green Bay Road. Make a left on Green Bay Road, and a right into the West Parking Lot.
- For Park and Ride, continue north on Green Bay to Central Avenue, then turn right. Follow Central east to St. Johns Avenue. Make a right on St. Johns and follow the blue Park and Ride signs to the designated lots.
From Indiana
Take I-90 or I-80/94 to I-94 northbound to Chicago, then follow the directions from Chicago, above.
Summer Events
Ravinia’s main public parking area during the summer is the West Parking Lot at 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, IL.
For the most accurate directions, enter “Ravinia West Parking Lot” as the destination in your map service or GPS. A search for “Ravinia” or “Ravinia Festival” may direct you to the middle of the park, which is not accessible by car!
For performances in Bennett Gordon Hall, unless otherwise noted, parking is available only in the South Parking Lot at 201 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL.
Fall/Spring Events
Ravinia’s main public parking area during the fall and spring is the South Parking Lot at 201 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL.
Summer Events
When the West Parking Lot is filled, guests will be redirected to the surface lots and multi-level structure at 1710 St. Johns Avenue, the “Highland Park” Metra station in nearby downtown Highland Park. Shuttle buses start to run from Park and Ride 30 minutes before gates open at Ravinia, and continue to operate throughout the evening. Park and Ride operates for select performances only, depending on attendance. Availability is listed in the parking information on each performance’s webpage.
Fall/Spring Events
Park and Ride shuttles and remote parking lots do not operate outside of the summer season. Onsite parking can accomodate all guests at fall/spring performances.
Main Parking Lot (West Lot)
Ravinia's main public parking area is located at 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, IL, which we refer to as the West Lot (see map below). That lot can can reach capacity quickly. When filled, cars will be directed to a Park and Ride lot.
The West Lot is closed during the Fall/Spring series of concerts.
TIP: Do not simply type "Ravinia" into Google Maps or GPS. Instead type in "Ravinia West Parking Lot"
Fall/Spring Series and BGH Concerts
Public parking is FREE for Fall/Spring Series and BGH concerts and is available in our South Parking Lot located at 201 St. Johns Ave which is adjacent to the venue.
View more details about BGH parking and directions.
Note: The West Lot is closed for Fall/Spring Series and BGH concerts.
Parking Details
- Free for Fall/Spring series
- $25 for most non-classical events
- $10 for Chicago Symphony and guest orchestra concerts and Carousel Concerts
- Free for classical chamber music concerts, Kids Concerts, and dance events
- Lot opens one hour prior to published public park opening time, 30 minutes prior for Kids Concerts
No Street Parking
Please remember that Ravinia is located within a residential neighborhood. Parking on the residential streets surrounding Ravinia is strictly prohibited. Highland Park Police will issue tickets to violators. The fine is $100.
Drop-Offs / Rideshare
General Public Drop Offs
*Please note, taxis, limos and ride share services must comply with the drop off instructions below.
On most nights, patrons can be dropped off at the following locations, however Highland Park Police and Ravinia staff may need to redirect for various reasons. Please follow those instructions.
- Ravinia’s West Lot (201 Ravinia Park Rd.)—inbound access allowed up to 30 minutes prior to the end of the performance
- Braeside Train Station (1/4 mile from Ravinia)—(10 N. St. Johns Ave.)
- Ravinia Train Station (1/2 mile from Ravinia) (680 St. Johns Avenue; 1/2 mile from Ravinia)—south section of the Ravinia Station Metra lot, at Dean Avenue & St. Johns
- No drop offs are allowed on public streets
For Fall/Spring Series:
- Dropoffs are permitted in the South Lot located at 201 St. Johns Ave for all Fall/Spring Series concerts.
Buses
Paid parking nights:
- No buses are allowed in the North Lot or South Lot, inclusive of those carrying customers with limited mobility and/or displaying a disability parking placard
- Drop off, pick-up and parking are available in the West Lot via the Green Bay and/or Blackstone entrances
- Wheelchair assistance is free and available in the West Lot
Free parking nights:
- Buses are allowed to drop-off and pick-up in any lot
- All bus parking is in the West Lot only
Donor (Opus level and above) and Accessible Drop-Offs
*Please note, taxis, limos and ride share services must comply with the drop off instructions below. Patrons utilizing these services must present the appropriate credentials to gain access to the Priority Parking Lots.
Donors holding a Priority Parking Pass and patrons holding disabilty parking placard can be dropped off at the following locations, however Highland Park Police and Ravinia staff may need to redirect for various reasons. Please follow those instructions.
- Ravinia’s South Priority Lot (inbound access allowed up to 30 minutes prior to the end of the performance)
- Ravinia’s North Priority Lot (inbound access allowed up to 30 minutes prior to the end of the performance)
Park and Ride Shuttle Service
When our main lots fill up, please consider using our free Park and Ride lots. Shuttle buses start to run from the remote lots 30 minutes before the opening of the Park each evening, and continue to operate throughout the evening. Park and Ride is available for select performances only depending on attendance. Be sure to check the webpage for your performance for availability.
- FREE and convenient bus ride to Ravinia Festival
- Accessible buses are available
- Buses are able to accommodate your picnic gear
- Lots are located along St. Johns Avenue.
Park and Ride Locations
- LOT “C” : Central Metra Station (1710 St. Johns)