U-Pass: General Information and Distribution for U-Pass and U-Pass + METRA


U-Pass Video for New and Returning Students

  1. 0:53 – U-Pass fees
  2. 1:26 – Usage fees
  3. 1:37 – New students: U-Pass general info
  4. 2:21 - New students: Before getting the U-Pass
  5. 3:17 - New students: Getting the U-Pass
  6. 5:47 - Returning students
  7. 7:35 - Getting the U-Pass after class starts
  8. 9:35 - Replacement U-Pass
  9. 11:16 - More information

Quick Links


What is the U-Pass and the U-Pass+METRA Pass?

The Ventra U-Pass provides unlimited rides for eligible DePaul students on CTA buses and trains during the Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters

Metra is the commuter rail system serving the Chicago metropolitan area, connecting downtown Chicago to the surrounding suburbs and counties. The METRA Plus pass will provide students with unlimited rides on all METRA lines. Students completing this portion of the opt-in form will be charged the U-Pass fee as well as the additional fee for the METRA PLUS.

 

U-Pass Eligibility Summer 2026

All new and returning students must complete the U-Pass opt-in form to activate their U-Pass for the term. Students must complete this form before each term. To ensure that the U-Pass fee is covered by Financial Aid please complete the opt-in form before June 3rd. The last day that students can opt-in for the summer term is July 27, 2026. The U-Pass fee for Graduate and Undergraduate students is $108 per term and $89 for the summer term. The U-Pass fee for LAW students is $171 per term and $77 for the summer term. 

Key Details:

This updated process simplifies U-Pass distribution, eliminates unnecessary charges, and increases accessibility for more students.

U-Pass Availability Dates for Summer Term

Student Classification  Start Date End Date 
LAW  June 8, 2026 August 6, 2026
Undergrad and Graduate  June 15, 2026 August 21, 2026

Only students completing the Opt-In form will be enrolled in the U-Pass and charged the associated fee. Your U-Pass will be adjusted accordingly if your enrollment changes prior to the last day to drop courses. Students must have a DePaul-issued ID card before they can receive a U-Pass. You can find information on how to receive your DePaul ID Card by going here.

*It can take 3-10 business days for changes in eligibility to be reflected in the Ventra U-Pass system as it is not possible to directly link to the DePaul course enrollment system.  


U-Pass and METRA+ Eligibility 2026-2027

All new and returning students must complete the U-Pass and U-Pass + METRA opt-in form (This form will be active starting July 15th) to activate their U-Pass for the autumn term. Students must complete this form before each term. To ensure that the U-Pass fee is covered by Financial Aid please complete the opt-in form the week before the start of classes for that term. The last day that students can opt-in for the each term by the last day to drop classes for that term. 

U-PASS and U-PASS + METRA FEES     
TERM Graduate and Undergraduate (U-PASS/METRA) LAW (U-PASS/METRA)
FALL, WINTER, SPRING (LAW Does not have Winter term)  $108/$155 (Total: $263) $171/$220 (Total: $291)
Summer  $89/$130 (Total: $219) $71/$110 (Total: $181)

*Students requesting the METRA+ pass will pay both the U-Pass fee and the U-Pass +METRA fee

Key Details:

U-Pass and U-Pass + METRA Availability Dates for Fall Term

Student Classification  Start Date End Date 
LAW  August 17, 2026 December 17, 2026
Undergrad and Graduate  September 2, 2026 November 24, 2026

Only students who complete the Opt-In form will be enrolled in the U-Pass and U-Pass + Metra Pass programs and charged the applicable fees. Your U-Pass will be adjusted accordingly if your enrollment changes prior to the last day to drop courses. Students must have a DePaul-issued ID card before they can receive a U-Pass. You can find information on how to receive your DePaul ID Card by going here.

*It can take 3-10 business days for changes in eligibility to be reflected in the Ventra U-Pass system as it is not possible to directly link to the DePaul course enrollment system.  


How to get your U-Pass:


How to get your U-PASS + METRA PASS:

Unlike the U-Pass, the METRA Pass will be added to your Ventra Account through the Ventra APP on your phone. When filling out the Opt-In form students are required to include their Ventra username as well as their station of origin and their destination. If you are having trouble finding your Ventra Username please click here

Students can reach out to METRA directly if they are having issues:

Email: metratickethelp@metrarr.com

Phone: 312-MyMetra (696-3872) Menu option #3

Passenger Services hours are:

Monday through Friday - 7am to 9pm

Saturday - 7am to 5pm

Sunday - Closed


Request for replacement U-Pass: 

You can purchase a replacement U-Pass by adding $50.00 to your Blue Demon Express Account.

You can add funds to your account in several ways:

Instructions for Loading $50 to your Demon Express through eAccounts app

  1. Log into the eAccounts app on your phone.
  2. Click on Demon Express
  3. Tap “Add Money” and type “50”.
  4. Choose any preferred method: Apple Pay/Google Wallet or Credit/Debit card to complete the transaction.
  5. After a successful transaction, the app will show USD $50.00 for Demon Express.

You can also do the following:

Please be sure to contact upass@depaul.edu or the Blue Demon Card offices if you place money into Demon Express for a replacement U-Pass.


Fees

DePaul students who complete the OPT-IN form will see a U-Pass and the U-Pass + METRA fees on their tuition account. Students who complete the OPT-IN form are responsible for this fee regardless of benefit use or card pick-up. Students that are not enrolled in a minimum of four credit hours by the last date to Drop Classes will have their cards deactivated and the U-Pass fee will be credited to their student account. Fee administration and removal is an automated process based on registration. The Ventra U-Pass and U-Pass + METRA PASS Fee are based on a CTA daily rate plus DePaul's administrative fee. 

Additional U-Pass Fare Information: