Quick Answer
The most convenient door-to-door option for most travelers is a ride-hailing service (Uber/Lyft) or taxi, taking 30-50 minutes and costing $45-$70. For the cheapest option, take the CTA Blue Line train to downtown Chicago, then transfer to the Purple Line to Evanston, costing just $5 but taking 90-120 minutes with transfers. The best balanced option is the Metra commuter rail from downtown, offering a faster, more comfortable ride than the CTA for a slightly higher fare.
Ride-Hailing & Taxi: Door-to-Door Convenience
For direct, hassle-free transportation, especially with luggage or in a group, a taxi or ride-hailing service is the top choice. Vehicles are readily available at all terminals.
Step-by-Step Process & Key Details
- Pickup Locations: Follow signs for “Taxi” or “Ride App Pickup” at your terminal. Designated排队 areas are outside the lower level baggage claim.
- Vehicle Types & Pricing:
- Taxi: Flat rate to Evanston is approximately $55-$70 (plus tolls ~$4 and tip). Confirm the rate with the driver before departure. (Official O'Hare Taxi Info)
- Uber/Lyft: Dynamic pricing. Expect $45-$65 for UberX/Lyft Standard to Evanston. Prices surge during peak hours, bad weather, or high demand. Pro Tip: Check both apps for the better rate.
- Travel Time: 30 to 50 minutes, heavily dependent on I-90 Kennedy Expressway traffic. Rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) can double travel time.
Who Should Choose This?
- Travelers with heavy or multiple bags.
- Groups of 3-4 people (cost-effective when split).
- Those arriving late at night or very early morning when public transit is limited.
- Visitors on a tight schedule or unwilling to navigate transfers.
Public Train: CTA & Metra (Best Budget & Balanced Options)
Chicago’s extensive rail network offers two distinct train options to reach Northwestern's Evanston campus: the urban CTA and the regional Metra.
Option A: CTA 'L' Train (The Cheapest Route)
This involves two train lines and is best for budget-conscious, light-pack travelers.
- Blue Line (O'Hare to Downtown): Take the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare station (located in Terminal 2, connected to all terminals via walkways/ATS) towards Forest Park. Ride to the Washington or Clark/Lake station (~40-50 mins). Fare: $5 (includes a transfer).
- Transfer to Purple Line: At Washington or Clark/Lake, follow signs to transfer to the Purple Line heading towards Linden. Ensure it's a Howard-bound train (not the Loop shuttle).
- Purple Line to Evanston: Take the Purple Line north. For Northwestern's main campus, disembark at the Foster or Noyes station (~25 mins from downtown). Both are a short walk to campus.
Total: ~$5, 90-120 minutes. Use a Ventra Card/App for easiest payment and transfers. (CTA O'Hare Guide)
Option B: Metra Commuter Rail (The Faster, More Comfortable Train)
A more direct and scenic route along the lake, often preferred over the CTA.
- Get to Ogilvie or Millennium Station: First, take the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare to Clark/Lake station (~45 mins). Walk (~10 mins) to either Ogilvie Transportation Center (for Union Pacific North Line) or Millennium Station (for Metra Electric).
- Board Metra: Take the Union Pacific North Line from Ogilvie to Evanston Davis Street station. Or, take the Metra Electric Line from Millennium to Evanston Main Street.
- Arrive in Evanston: Both stations are in downtown Evanston, a 10-15 minute walk or short bus ride to central campus.
Total Cost: CTA ($5) + Metra (~$5.25 one-way off-peak) = ~$10.25. Total Time: 75-100 minutes. Check the Metra website for schedules, as service is less frequent than CTA.
| Feature | CTA (Blue + Purple Line) | Metra (via Downtown) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | ~$5.00 | ~$10.25 |
| Travel Time | 90-120 min | 75-100 min |
| Comfort & Space | Urban transit, can be crowded, limited luggage space | Spacious seats, quiet cars, more luggage room |
| Scenery | Underground/elevated city views | Picturesque views of Lake Michigan |
| Best For | Ultra-budget travelers, light packers | Travelers seeking a balance of cost, comfort, and speed |
Shuttle & Bus Services
Shared shuttle vans and airport buses provide a middle-ground between cost and convenience.
1. Shared-Ride Airport Shuttles (e.g., GO Airport Express)
- Service: Door-to-door shared van service. You may share with others heading to nearby destinations.
- Cost: Approximately $35-$50 per person one-way to Evanston. Slightly cheaper for additional passengers in the same party.
- Process: Book online or at the counter in the baggage claim area. Wait for the next available van.
- Travel Time: 60-90 minutes, depending on other drop-offs.
- Best For: Solo travelers or pairs wanting door-to-door service at a lower cost than a private taxi.
2. Public Bus (Pace Bus Route 250)
A very low-cost but time-consuming option.
- Route: Pace Bus Route 250 runs from O'Hare's Bus/Shuttle Center to the Davis Street Metra station in Evanston.
- Cost: $2.00 (with Ventra). Transfers available.
- Travel Time: 90-120 minutes due to many local stops along the way.
- Note: Not recommended for those with significant luggage or time constraints.
Driving, Rental Car & Carpool
Renting a car is practical if you plan extensive travel outside Chicago. Otherwise, parking in Evanston is expensive and challenging.
Rental Car Process
- Rental Facilities: All major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) are located at the O'Hare Rental Car Center.
- Getting There: Take the free, 24/7 Airport Transit System (ATS) train from any terminal to the Rental Car Center station.
- Drive to Evanston: Follow I-90 East (Kennedy Expy) to I-94 West (Edens Expy) and exit at Dempster Street or other Evanston exits. Expect tolls (~$4-6) via I-Pass/E-ZPass.
Cost & Parking Reality Check
- Rental + Gas + Tolls: $50-$100+ per day.
- Northwestern Campus Parking: Visitor parking is extremely limited, often requires permits, and can cost over $15/day. (NU Parking Info)
- Verdict: Only rent a car if your visit necessitates it. For just campus and Chicago exploration, use public transit/ride-hailing.
Ticket & Cost Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all your options from O'Hare (ORD) to Northwestern University's Evanston campus.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Travel Time | Convenience / Effort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ride-Hailing (UberX/Lyft) | $45 - $65 | 30 - 50 min | Very High (Door-to-door) | Most travelers, groups, those with luggage |
| Taxi | $55 - $70 + tip & tolls | 30 - 50 min | Very High (Door-to-door) | Immediate pickup, no app needed |
| Metra Commuter Rail (via Downtown) | ~$10.25 | 75 - 100 min | Medium (One transfer, scenic) | Best value balance of cost, speed & comfort |
| Shared Shuttle (e.g., GO) | $35 - $50 per person | 60 - 90 min | Medium-High (Door-to-door, shared) | Solo travelers wanting direct service |
| CTA 'L' Train (Blue + Purple) | ~$5.00 | 90 - 120 min | Low (Two trains, transfers, stairs) | The cheapest option, light packers |
| Pace Public Bus (250) | $2.00 | 90 - 120 min | Low (Many stops, no luggage space) | Ultra-budget, no time constraints |
| Rental Car | $50+ per day + parking + tolls | 30 - 50 min | Varies (Freedom vs. parking hassle) | Travelers exploring beyond the city |
Our Top Recommendations: 1) Uber/Lyft for convenience, 2) Metra for best overall value, 3) CTA for the lowest cost.
Traveler Tips & Insider Insights
Luggage Strategy
- On Trains/Buses: Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) if you have large suitcases. Space is limited.
- Consider Shipping: If moving to campus with multiple bags, services like UPS/FedEx can ship directly to your residence, freeing you for an easy train ride.
Navigation & Transfers
- Use Transit Apps: Ventra App for CTA/Pace fares and tracking. Google Maps or Apple Maps are excellent for real-time transit directions.
- CTA Transfer Note: The $5 O'Hare fare includes two transfers within 2 hours. Use your Ventra card/tap for the Purple Line transfer.
Cost-Saving for Students/Visitors
- Northwestern Shuttle (During Academic Year): Check if the Intercampus Shuttle from the Chicago campus to Evanston is running. It's free with a WildCARD.
- Visitor Passes: If staying several days, a CTA/Pace 1-Day ($5) or 3-Day ($15) pass may offer savings.
Arrival Time Considerations
- Late Night Arrival (After 1 AM): CTA Blue Line runs 24/7, but Purple Line service to Evanston ends around 1:30 AM on weekdays and 2:00 AM on weekends. After this, your only train option is a long Blue Line ride + night bus transfer or a taxi/ride-hail.
- Rush Hour Arrival: If you land at 4-6 PM, a taxi/Uber will likely be stuck in traffic. The train may be faster despite more steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a direct train from O'Hare to Northwestern University?
No. There is no single direct train. The most direct public transit route requires at least one transfer: from the CTA Blue Line to either the CTA Purple Line or a Metra commuter train downtown.
What's the best option if I arrive at O'Hare after midnight?
Your most reliable option for a late-night arrival is a taxi or ride-hailing service (Uber/Lyft). The CTA Blue Line runs 24/7, but connecting to Evanston via the Purple Line or bus becomes very difficult and time-consuming after about 1:30 AM.
Is taking the CTA train safe with luggage?
Generally, yes, especially during daylight and evening hours. The O'Hare Blue Line is used by many airport travelers. Stay alert, keep your bags close, and try to board cars with more people. For greater peace of mind or with very valuable items, Metra or a ride-hail may be preferable.
Is it faster to fly into Midway (MDW) instead of O'Hare (ORD) for Northwestern?
No, not typically. While Midway is geographically closer to Evanston, O'Hare has vastly superior and more frequent public transit connections (direct Blue Line). From Midway, you'd need to take the Orange Line downtown and then transfer north, making the total trip longer than from O'Hare in most cases.
Should I take the train if I'm traveling with young kids or a lot of luggage?
It can be challenging. Navigating stations with stairs, crowds, and multiple suitcases or strollers is difficult. For families or travelers with more than one large bag, the extra cost of a taxi, Uber, or shared shuttle is usually worth the significant convenience.
Can I use a credit card to pay for the CTA train at O'Hare?
Yes. You can use a contactless credit/debit card (with the RFID symbol) or mobile wallet (Apple/Google Pay) to tap directly at the fare readers. It will charge the standard $5 fare. For multiple rides, a Ventra card (purchasable at the station) is more manageable.
What is the single biggest mistake travelers make on this route?
Underestimating the door-to-door time of public transit. A 90-minute train ride can easily become 2+ hours with waits, walk times, and potential navigation errors. Always add a 30-45 minute buffer to any Google Maps transit estimate if you have a critical appointment on campus.
Is the "L" train (CTA) or Metra more scenic?
Metra is significantly more scenic. The Union Pacific North Line offers beautiful views of the Chicago skyline and the shores of Lake Michigan for much of the ride to Evanston. The CTA's Blue and Purple Lines are mostly elevated or underground with urban neighborhood views.