Planning a trip, visiting a student, or simply curious about the logistics of getting to Northwestern University from O'Hare Airport? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the precise distance to the various transportation options, costs, and travel times.
Let's dive in and make your journey as smooth as possible!
How Far is Northwestern University from O'Hare Airport?
The distance between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Northwestern University's Evanston campus is approximately 16 to 22 miles by road, depending on the exact route taken and traffic conditions. In terms of direct distance, it's about 24 miles. The travel time by car typically ranges from 25 to 60 minutes, again, highly dependent on the notorious Chicago traffic.
Now, let's explore your options!
Step 1: Choosing Your Mode of Transportation - Let's Get You Moving!
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, consider your priorities. Are you looking for the fastest option, the most budget-friendly, or perhaps the most convenient? Your choice will largely dictate the steps you take next.
Sub-heading: Factors to Consider
Budget: How much are you willing to spend?
Time: How quickly do you need to reach your destination?
Luggage: Are you traveling light or with heavy bags?
Companions: Are you traveling alone or with a group?
Comfort: Do you prefer a private ride or don't mind public transport?
Step 2: Private Transportation Options - The Direct Route
If speed and convenience are paramount, private transportation is likely your best bet.
Sub-heading: Taxi/Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft)
Availability: Taxis are readily available at designated stands outside each terminal at O'Hare. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also operate from O'Hare, with designated pick-up zones.
Cost: A taxi ride from O'Hare to Northwestern's Evanston campus typically costs between $50-$65, though this can fluctuate with traffic and surge pricing for rideshares. American Taxi offers a flat rate of around $31 to Evanston, which can be booked in advance.
Travel Time: Expect a travel time of 25-30 minutes without heavy traffic. During peak hours, this can easily extend to an hour or more.
Step-by-Step for Taxi/Rideshare:
Exit Baggage Claim: Once you've collected your luggage, follow the signs for "Ground Transportation" or "Taxis/Rideshares."
Locate Your Pick-up Zone:
Taxis: Head to the lower-level curb front outside baggage claim at your terminal.
Rideshares (Uber/Lyft): Open your app and follow the in-app directions to the designated rideshare pick-up zone. O'Hare offers 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi, which is helpful for ordering.
Confirm Your Ride: For rideshares, always verify the driver's name, car make/model, and license plate number against what's displayed in your app before getting into the vehicle.
Enjoy the Ride: Sit back, relax, and let your driver take you directly to Northwestern.
Sub-heading: Shuttle Services (GO Airport Express, etc.)
Availability: Several shuttle services operate between O'Hare and the Evanston area, including GO Airport Express. These often offer shared rides, which can be more cost-effective than a private taxi, especially for solo travelers.
Cost: Shared ride shuttles typically cost around $30-$40. Private shuttles will be significantly more expensive.
Travel Time: Travel time can vary widely depending on the number of stops the shuttle makes. Expect anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.
Booking: It's highly recommended to reserve your spot online at least 24 hours before your flight to ensure availability and potentially secure a better rate.
Step-by-Step for Shuttle Services:
Book in Advance: Visit the website of your chosen shuttle service (e.g., GO Airport Express) and make a reservation. Provide your flight details and destination (Northwestern University, Evanston).
Locate Shuttle Pick-up: Upon arrival at O'Hare, follow the signs for "Shuttles" or "Shared Ride Vans." Your booking confirmation will usually provide specific instructions on where to meet your shuttle.
Confirm Your Ride: Present your booking confirmation to the shuttle representative.
Relax and Ride: The shuttle will transport you and other passengers to their respective destinations, including Northwestern.
Step 3: Public Transportation Options - The Economical Journey
For budget-conscious travelers, public transportation offers a significantly cheaper alternative, though it usually involves transfers and more travel time.
Sub-heading: CTA Trains (Blue Line & Purple Line)
Availability: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates train services directly from O'Hare.
Cost: A single ride on the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare costs $5. Transfers within two hours are typically free or discounted with a Ventra card. The total cost to Evanston would be around $5-$10.
Travel Time: This option takes the longest, typically 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on transfer wait times and train schedules.
Step-by-Step for CTA Trains:
Locate the Blue Line Station at O'Hare:
If you arrive at Terminals 1, 2, or 3, follow the signs for "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City." The Blue Line station is located on the lower level concourse, directly connected to these terminals.
If you arrive at International Terminal 5, take the free Airport Transit System (ATS) to Terminal 2, then follow the signs to the Blue Line station.
Purchase a Ventra Card/Ticket: You can purchase a Ventra card or single-ride ticket at vending machines within the CTA station.
Take the Blue Line to Downtown: Board a Blue Line train towards Forest Park. This will take you directly into downtown Chicago.
Transfer to the Red Line: At the Jackson station (or any other convenient downtown station like Clark/Lake), transfer from the Blue Line to the Red Line (towards Howard).
Transfer to the Purple Line: At the Howard station, transfer from the Red Line to the Purple Line (towards Linden). This line serves Evanston, with stops including Davis, Foster, and Noyes, which are all close to the Northwestern campus.
Pro Tip: During weekday rush hours, some Purple Line trains operate as an express service directly downtown, bypassing the Red Line transfer at Howard. However, for getting to Northwestern from O'Hare, the Blue-Red-Purple transfer is the standard route.
Sub-heading: Pace Bus (Route 250)
Availability: Pace Bus Route 250 is a suburban bus service that connects O'Hare to Evanston.
Cost: A Pace bus ride costs $1.75.
Travel Time: This option takes approximately 1 hour.
Step-by-Step for Pace Bus:
Take the ATS to the "Kiss-n-Fly" station: From your O'Hare terminal, take the free Airport Transit System (ATS) to the "Kiss-n-Fly" station at Long Term Parking Lot E.
Locate Pace Bus Route 250 Stop: Look for the stop for Pace Bus Route 250 (Dempster St).
Board the Bus: Board the Pace Bus 250, which will take you directly to the CTA Davis station in Evanston, which is very close to Northwestern University.
Step 4: Driving Directions - For Those with Wheels
If you're driving or being driven, understanding the best routes can save you time. The distance typically ranges from 16 to 22 miles.
Sub-heading: Popular Driving Routes
There are a few common routes, and traffic can significantly impact which is fastest at any given time. It's always best to check real-time traffic conditions using a GPS app like Google Maps or Waze before you depart.
Route 1 (Approx. 16-17 miles, 25-40 minutes): This route often involves I-190 E to I-294 N (toll road), then exiting onto US-14 E/E Dempster St, continuing on Dempster St, and then making turns onto Prairie Rd, Church St, and Chicago Ave to reach Northwestern. This is often the most direct route mileage-wise.
Route 2 (Approx. 20-22 miles, 35-60 minutes): This route typically involves I-190 E, then I-90 E, followed by I-94 W, and then exiting for Old Orchard Rd or other local roads leading to Evanston. This route can be longer in mileage but sometimes avoids heavy tollway traffic.
Route 3 (Approx. 22-23 miles, 38-60 minutes): This route might take you via I-190 E, I-294 N (toll road), Willow Rd, and then I-94 E before turning onto US-41 S/Skokie Blvd and eventually Sheridan Road towards the campus.
Step-by-Step for Driving:
Exit O'Hare: Follow signs for I-190 East from the airport.
Follow GPS Navigation: Input "Northwestern University, Evanston, IL" into your preferred GPS app (Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps). This will give you the most up-to-date directions and traffic information.
Be Prepared for Tolls: Many routes from O'Hare involve toll roads (especially I-294). Ensure you have an I-Pass/E-ZPass or are prepared to pay cash (though cash lanes are becoming less common) or pay online within a specified timeframe.
Parking at Northwestern: Once you reach Evanston, be aware of parking regulations on and around the Northwestern campus. There are various parking garages and street parking options, but availability and restrictions can vary. It's advisable to check Northwestern's parking website if you plan to park on campus.
Step 5: Arriving at Northwestern University - Welcome to Campus!
Regardless of your chosen transportation, you'll eventually arrive in Evanston. Northwestern University has a sprawling campus. If you have a specific building or department in mind, be sure to have its address handy.
Sub-heading: On-Campus Navigation
Walking: The Evanston campus is very walkable. Once you're in the vicinity, getting around on foot is easy.
Campus Shuttles: Northwestern operates various shuttle services on campus, which can be useful for getting between different areas, especially if you have heavy luggage. Check the university's transportation website for routes and schedules.
Maps: Utilize online campus maps provided by Northwestern University to help you navigate to your exact destination.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to Get from O'Hare to Northwestern University by Public Transit?
Take the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown Chicago (e.g., Jackson station), transfer to the CTA Red Line (northbound towards Howard), and then transfer to the CTA Purple Line (northbound towards Linden) at Howard, which serves Evanston. Alternatively, take the ATS to the "Kiss-n-Fly" station and board Pace Bus Route 250 to the Davis CTA station in Evanston.
How to Find a Taxi at O'Hare Airport for Northwestern University?
Taxi stands are located on the lower level curb front outside of baggage claim at each terminal. Follow the "Taxi" signs upon exiting your terminal.
How to Book an Uber or Lyft from O'Hare to Northwestern University?
Open your Uber or Lyft app upon arrival at O'Hare. The app will guide you to the designated rideshare pick-up zones, usually located in specific parking garages or curb areas, depending on the terminal.
How to Estimate the Cost of a Taxi to Northwestern University from O'Hare?
A taxi ride generally costs between $50-$65, but traffic can increase the fare. For a flat rate option, consider pre-booking with companies like American Taxi, which may offer a rate around $31.
How to Use Public Transportation from O'Hare to Evanston?
For train travel, purchase a Ventra card at the O'Hare CTA station. For bus travel, you can use a Ventra card or exact cash fare.
How to Save Money on Transportation from O'Hare to Northwestern University?
Public transportation (CTA trains or Pace Bus) is the most economical option, costing significantly less than taxis or shuttles.
How to Determine the Fastest Way to Get from O'Hare to Northwestern University?
A taxi or rideshare service is typically the fastest option, especially outside of peak traffic hours, usually taking 25-30 minutes.
How to Find Shuttle Services from O'Hare to Northwestern University?
Companies like GO Airport Express offer shared ride shuttle services. It's best to book these in advance online. Look for "Shuttles" or "Shared Ride Vans" signs at the airport.
How to Navigate Northwestern University Campus Once I Arrive?
The Evanston campus is walkable. You can use online campus maps provided by Northwestern University, or utilize their on-campus shuttle services for longer distances.
How to Avoid Traffic Delays When Traveling from O'Hare to Northwestern University?
If driving, travel during off-peak hours (early mornings, late evenings, or weekends). For public transit, be aware that train and bus schedules can be affected by rush hour, so factor in extra time.