Explore Elmhurst Express Trolley Celebrates 10th Season in 2026, Connecting Residents and Visitors to Dining, Shopping and Events Across the City
The Explore Elmhurst Express Trolley is celebrating a major milestone in 2026 as the beloved community experience returns for its 10th season, continuing to connect residents and visitors to Elmhurst’s dining, shopping, entertainment and events throughout the year.
Beginning Friday, June 5, the free seasonal trolley service will once again connect Elmhurst’s three business districts and key community destinations, making it easy to explore more than 500 local businesses, restaurants and attractions without the hassle of parking or driving. Over the past decade, the trolley has become a recognizable and anticipated part of the Elmhurst experience, encouraging residents and visitors alike to discover more of the community in one easy ride.
The trolley will operate Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m. through Sept. 19, with additional special event service and the return of the popular Holly Trolley during the holiday season.
“For the past 10 seasons, the Explore Elmhurst Express Trolley has helped create memorable experiences while supporting our local businesses and connecting people to everything Elmhurst has to offer,” said Michael Queroz, Communications Manager. “What began as a seasonal transportation amenity has grown into a signature community experience that residents and visitors look forward to each year.”
The trolley is designed to create a seamless and accessible experience for both residents and visitors. Conveniently located along the Union Pacific West Metra line, Elmhurst offers an easy destination for visitors traveling from Chicago and surrounding suburbs, with the trolley extending that convenience once riders arrive downtown.
Riders can hop on and off throughout the route to explore Elmhurst’s unique business districts, seasonal activities, restaurants, boutiques, entertainment venues and community destinations. The trolley completes the full route approximately every 30 minutes, and real-time trolley tracking will be available through ExploreElmhurst.com/Trolley to help riders plan their trips.
The trolley route includes convenient stops throughout Elmhurst, including:
- York & Park
- York & Schiller
- Second & Addison
- Cottage Hill & Virginia
- Spring Road & the Illinois Prairie Path
- York & Vallette
The 2026 Explore Elmhurst Express Trolley program includes:
- Summer Season: June 5–Sept. 19, Fridays and Saturdays, noon–11 p.m.
- Holly Trolley: Nov. 28–Dec. 26, Saturdays, 1–11 p.m.
- Special Event Service: Expanded trolley operations during Rock the Block, September 11 & 12
Riders will be encouraged to share their experiences on social media by tagging @ExploreElmhurst for opportunities to be featured throughout the season. Trolley riders will also be invited to participate in surveys for a chance to win gift cards.
The Explore Elmhurst Express Trolley supports the City’s broader tourism and economic development efforts by increasing connectivity between business districts, encouraging exploration beyond routine destinations and helping residents and visitors experience more of Elmhurst in a single trip.
“The trolley is a community experience,” said Queroz. “Every ride creates opportunities to discover a new restaurant, support a local shop, attend an event or experience Elmhurst from a different perspective.”
Additional information, including routes, schedules, maps and real-time tracking, will be available at ExploreElmhurst.com/Trolley prior to the season launch.
