Good news: Getting to The Bend is easy. Whether you’re flying, taking the train or driving, making your way here isn’t a complicated process.
Flying
South Bend (SBN)
South Bend International Airport is serviced by major three airlines, United, Delta & American with direct flights to 13 destinations. Although flying into South Bend can be a little more expensive it does ease a lot of stress of getting transportation from a larger airport. By flying South Bend International, you are one connection from anywhere. Further, South Bend is within close proximity to many other international airports, including Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis.
Chicago (ORD)
Chicago International Airport is located 2 1/2 hours west of Notre Dame and serviced by almost every major airline with many direct flight options. This can be an excellent option if you want a more affordable flight or if you would like to fly direct. Below are a list of options for you to get from Chicago to South Bend, Indiana.
Your Guide to Traveling From Chicago (ORD) to South Bend
By Car
A road trip is the most common way to travel from Chicago to South Bend. Whether you live in the Windy City or flying into Chicago and driving from there, the journey takes about an hour and 45 minutes if you take I-90. This route has tolls along the way, but there are alternatives. If you take I-94 to exit 40, you can take US 20 East into South Bend and avoid the Toll Road altogether. If you have extra time along the way, you can visit the US’s Newest National Park; The Indiana Dunes National Park. (Exit 26B off of I-94 or Exit 31 off of I-90)
You can also order an Uber from Chicago to Notre Dame if you prefer not to drive and would like an affordable car option.
Another important thing to keep in mind when making the drive from Chicago to South Bend is the change in time zones. If you’re planning on visiting for an event, you’ll have to take into account that you lose an hour when you go from the Central Time Zone to the Eastern Time Zone.
By Train
Traveling from Chicago to South Bend by train is a fun and easy way to avoid traffic and parking. Several different lines run between both cities, but we recommend taking the South Shore line from downtown Chicago. The end of the line is the South Bend Regional Airport. You can also take an Amtrak train from Chicago’s Union Station. The trip only takes an hour and a half, and the Amtrak station is on the west side of South Bend. You can then take a ride share service to The Oliver Inn! This is a great way to save time and money while traveling between Chicago and South Bend, especially on a Notre Dame Football gameday weekend.
You can check the South Shore Line website for train times, tickets, parking information, and more!