Traveling to a new place, especially from an airport to a university, can be a bit daunting, but don't worry! Northwestern University is easily accessible from Chicago's two major airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). This comprehensive guide will walk you through all your options, making your journey as smooth as possible.
Your Grand Arrival: Getting from Chicago Airports to Northwestern University
So, you've landed in the Windy City, perhaps a bit tired but excited for your Northwestern adventure. First things first, let's figure out where you are and how you want to get to Evanston, the charming lakeside city where Northwestern University is located. Chicago offers a variety of transportation choices, from budget-friendly public transit to convenient private options. Let's break them down.
From O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Northwestern University
O'Hare is the larger and generally busier of Chicago's two airports. It's located about 16-20 miles southwest of Evanston, depending on the exact route.
Step 1: Choosing Your Mode of Transport from O'Hare
Consider your budget, luggage, time of day, and how much you value convenience.
Sub-heading: Public Transportation (CTA "L" Train + Pace Bus or CTA Purple Line)
This is often the most economical option, but it involves transfers and takes longer.
Option 1: CTA Blue Line to Red Line to Purple Line
Step 1.1: Find the CTA Blue Line. The CTA Blue Line station at O'Hare is conveniently located on the lower level concourse, directly connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. If you arrive at Terminal 5 (international flights), take the free Airport Transit System (ATS) to Terminal 2, then follow signs for "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City."
Step 1.2: Take the Blue Line to the Loop. Board a Blue Line train towards Forest Park (or UIC-Halsted during some hours). You'll ride this for approximately 40-45 minutes to downtown Chicago.
Step 1.3: Transfer to the Red Line. Get off at the Washington stop (or Jackson, if more convenient). You'll then need to walk through a pedestrian tunnel to transfer to the Red Line's Washington (or Jackson) stop. Make sure you're heading northbound (towards Howard).
Step 1.4: Transfer to the Purple Line. Take the Red Line north to the Howard station. At Howard, you'll transfer to the Purple Line (towards Linden).
Step 1.5: Arrive in Evanston. Take the Purple Line to either the Foster or Davis stops in Evanston. Northwestern's campus is easily walkable from these stations.
Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Cost: Around $5 (for a single fare on a Ventra card).
Option 2: Pace Bus Route 250
Step 1.1: Get to the "Kiss-n-Fly" station. From your terminal, take the Airport Transit System (ATS) to the Multi-Modal Facility/Rental Car Center, which is also where the "Kiss-n-Fly" station for Pace buses is located.
Step 1.2: Board Pace Bus Route 250. This bus goes directly to the Davis Street CTA station in downtown Evanston.
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes.
Cost: Around $1.75.
Sub-heading: Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft)
A popular and convenient option, especially if you have luggage or are traveling with others.
Step 1.1: Download the App (if you haven't already). Ensure you have the Uber or Lyft app installed on your smartphone.
Step 1.2: Request Your Ride. Once you've collected your luggage, open the app and input "Northwestern University" or your specific Evanston destination. The app will direct you to a designated pickup zone at O'Hare.
Step 1.3: Confirm Your Ride. Double-check the car model, license plate, and driver's name before getting in.
Travel Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Cost: Typically $50-$60, but can surge significantly during peak hours (potentially $100+).
Sub-heading: Taxis
Traditional taxis are readily available at O'Hare.
Step 1.1: Head to the Taxi Stand. Follow signs for "Taxi" outside the baggage claim area of your terminal.
Step 1.2: Specify Your Destination. Tell the driver you're going to Northwestern University in Evanston. It's advisable to use suburban taxi companies (like 303 Taxi or American Taxi) for flat rates to Evanston, as City of Chicago taxis may meter the ride and could be more expensive.
Travel Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost: $40-$50 (including tip) with suburban taxis. City of Chicago taxis might be $50-$60 or more.
Sub-heading: Airport Shuttle Services
These offer a comfortable and often more affordable alternative to a private taxi, especially for solo travelers.
Step 1.1: Book in Advance. Companies like Airport Express offer shared rides. It's highly recommended to reserve your spot online at least 24 hours before your flight to ensure availability and a smooth pick-up.
Step 1.2: Follow Instructions for Pickup. Your booking confirmation will provide details on where to meet your shuttle at O'Hare.
Travel Time: Varies depending on the number of stops, but generally 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Cost: Around $30-$40.
Sub-heading: Rental Car
If you plan on exploring beyond Evanston, a rental car might be a good option.
Step 1.1: Book in Advance. Reserve your car before you arrive at O'Hare.
Step 1.2: Take the ATS to the Rental Car Center. All rental car companies are located at the Multi-Modal Facility, accessible via the Airport Transit System (ATS).
Step 1.3: Drive to Northwestern. Once you have your car, follow navigation to Northwestern University. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour, and parking on campus or in Evanston can be challenging and costly.
Travel Time: 35-45 minutes without heavy traffic.
Cost: Rental car fees plus gas, tolls, and potential parking fees.
From Midway International Airport (MDW) to Northwestern University
Midway is smaller and generally less busy than O'Hare. It's located about 20-25 miles southwest of Evanston.
Step 2: Choosing Your Mode of Transport from Midway
Similar to O'Hare, consider your preferences for budget, time, and convenience.
Sub-heading: Public Transportation (CTA "L" Train)
This is a very popular and cost-effective method from Midway.
Step 2.1: Find the CTA Orange Line. The Midway CTA Orange Line station is easily accessible via an enclosed walkway from the airport terminal building. Follow signs for "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City."
Step 2.2: Take the Orange Line to the Loop. Board an Orange Line train towards the Loop. This ride typically takes 20-25 minutes.
Step 2.3: Transfer to the Red Line. Get off at the Roosevelt stop (or Harold Washington Library) just before the Loop. Transfer to the Red Line (northbound towards Howard).
Step 2.4: Transfer to the Purple Line. Take the Red Line north to the Howard station. At Howard, transfer to the Purple Line (towards Linden).
Step 2.5: Arrive in Evanston. Take the Purple Line to either the Foster or Davis stops in Evanston.
Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Cost: Around $5 (for a single fare on a Ventra card).
Sub-heading: Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft)
Convenient and often faster than public transit.
Step 2.1: Download the App (if needed).
Step 2.2: Request Your Ride. Open the app, input your destination, and follow the in-app instructions to the designated pickup zone at Midway.
Step 2.3: Confirm Your Ride. Always verify vehicle details and driver information.
Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost: Typically $45-$60, but subject to surge pricing.
Sub-heading: Taxis
Taxis are available at Midway, though perhaps not as many suburban cabs compared to O'Hare.
Step 2.1: Head to the Taxi Stand. Taxi stands are located at the lower level curb front outside of baggage claim.
Step 2.2: Specify Your Destination. As with O'Hare, if possible, opt for a suburban taxi company (like Norshore Cab, 303 Taxi, or American Taxi) for potentially better rates to Evanston.
Travel Time: Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Cost: $45-$55 (including tip) with suburban taxis. City of Chicago taxis might be more.
Sub-heading: Airport Shuttle Services
Several shuttle services operate from Midway as well.
Step 2.1: Book in Advance. Companies like Airport Express offer shared rides. Booking ahead is highly recommended.
Step 2.2: Follow Instructions for Pickup. Your booking will provide specific pickup details.
Travel Time: Varies depending on stops, generally 1 to 1.5 hours.
Cost: Around $30-$40.
Sub-heading: Rental Car
If you need a car for your stay, you can rent one at Midway.
Step 2.1: Book in Advance.
Step 2.2: Proceed to the Rental Car Counters. The rental car counters are usually within the terminal or a short shuttle ride away.
Step 2.3: Drive to Northwestern. Follow your navigation system.
Travel Time: 45-60 minutes without heavy traffic.
Cost: Rental car fees plus gas, tolls, and potential parking fees.
Step 3: Navigating Northwestern University Campus
Once you arrive in Evanston, Northwestern's campus is quite sprawling but very walkable.
Sub-heading: Getting Around Evanston and Campus
Walking: Many campus buildings and the downtown Evanston area (including CTA stations) are within easy walking distance.
University Shuttles: Northwestern operates several free campus shuttles that can take you between different parts of the Evanston campus and even to the Chicago campus (Intercampus Shuttle). Check the Northwestern Transportation & Parking website for routes and schedules. This can be a lifesaver for getting around quickly!
Public Transit (Pace Buses in Evanston): Local Pace bus routes serve various parts of Evanston and surrounding suburbs, complementing the CTA "L" train.
Biking: Evanston is a bike-friendly city, and biking is a popular way to get around campus and town.
Step 4: Important Considerations for Your Journey
Traffic: Chicago traffic, especially on weekdays during rush hours (roughly 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM), can significantly impact travel times, particularly for car-based options. Factor this into your planning.
Tolls: If you're driving or taking a taxi/rideshare, be aware that some routes to Evanston involve toll roads (e.g., I-294 from O'Hare). The cost of tolls is usually included in taxi/rideshare fares, but ask if you're unsure.
Luggage: Consider how much luggage you have when choosing your transport. Public transit can be challenging with multiple large bags.
Time of Day/Night: Public transit frequency decreases in the late evening and overnight. If you arrive late, a taxi or rideshare might be your best bet.
Ventra Card: For public transit, consider purchasing a Ventra card at the airport CTA station. You can load money onto it and use it for all CTA and Pace bus services, offering convenient transfers.
Connectivity: Both O'Hare and Midway offer free Wi-Fi, which is useful for ordering rideshares or checking transit schedules.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further plan your journey:
How to find the CTA Blue Line at O'Hare?
The CTA Blue Line station at O'Hare is located on the lower level concourse, directly connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Follow signs for "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City."
How to transfer from the Blue Line to the Red Line in Chicago?
You can transfer from the Blue Line to the Red Line at downtown stations like Washington or Jackson. Look for pedestrian tunnels connecting the two lines.
How to get from the Howard CTA station to Northwestern University?
From the Howard CTA station, take the Purple Line (towards Linden). The Foster and Davis stops in Evanston are both within walking distance of Northwestern's campus.
How to book an airport shuttle to Northwestern University?
You can book airport shuttle services, such as Airport Express, online in advance. It's recommended to reserve at least 24 hours before your flight.
How to estimate taxi fare from O'Hare to Northwestern University?
A taxi from O'Hare to Northwestern University typically costs $40-$50 with suburban taxi companies (like 303 Taxi or American Taxi), including tip. City of Chicago taxis may be $50-$60+.
How to estimate ride-share fare from Midway to Northwestern University?
An Uber or Lyft from Midway to Northwestern University usually costs $45-$60, but prices can surge higher during peak demand.
How to use the Ventra card for public transit?
You can purchase a Ventra card at any CTA station, including the airports. Load money onto it and tap it at the turnstiles or bus farebox for convenient payment and free transfers within two hours.
How to find public transport schedules for CTA and Pace?
You can find real-time schedules and trip planners on the official CTA (transitchicago.com) and Pace (pacebus.com) websites, or by using popular mapping apps like Google Maps.
How to access the Northwestern University campus shuttles?
Northwestern University offers free campus shuttles. You can find their routes and schedules on the Northwestern Transportation & Parking website. Some shuttles operate year-round, while others are seasonal.
How to get to Northwestern University's Chicago campus from the Evanston campus?
Northwestern operates an Intercampus Shuttle that provides service between the Evanston and Chicago campuses. Check the university's transportation website for detailed schedules.