HOW TO FIND US:

Directions to the Physics Department

    If you are driving, you can use Northwestern University's directions to Evanston.  If you come by taxi, tell the driver to take you to the Technological Institute (TECH) at Northwestern University in Evanston — 2145 Sheridan Road.  The Tech Institute is a large Prairie-style building made of white stone.  It lies along the east side of Sheridan Road, directly across from a parking lot that occupies the block between Noyes St. and Haven St.

    [If the driver needs additional coordinates (unlikely), we are about 4 blocks south of Lincoln St. and 4 blocks north of Church St.]

    Enter through the main entrance of the Institute, or through the side door on the right side of the plaza.  Physics is in the "F" Wing.

From O'Hare International Airport to Evanston:

    Airport Taxis:  The ride to Evanston takes 35-50 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.  Flag any cab at the taxi lane.  The fare to Evanston is about $30 but can range up to $65.  Disadvantage:  These are Chicago city cabs.  Sometimes the drivers don't know the north shore area.  Also, it is legal (though not required) for Chicago cabs to multiply the meter rate by 150% if they go to a destination outside the city of Chicago.

    Norshore Taxi:  Call them at 1-800-244-9200 or 1-847-864-7500.  The fare to Evanston is a flat rate of $25 for one person or $26 for two (plus tip).  It will probably take approximately 10-15 minutes for them to pick you up outside the baggage claim area.  Advantage:  Their prices are set, and they know the north shore area, including Evanston.

    Shuttle Buses:  The overwhelming majority go to downtown Chicago.  However, there is a shuttle which goes to the Omni-Orrington Hotel in Evanston, only a couple of blocks from Northwestern.  Disadvantage:  It can be a very long time between round trips for this shuttle.

    The "EL" (Chicago Transit Authority Train):  Finally, you might consider a scenic ride through the railyards of Chicago on the Elevated Train, or EL.  The EL is an option if you are traveling on a very low budget, because it is by far the cheapest form of transportation (under $3.00).  It is also by far the most time-consuming way to go from O'Hare to Evanston.  Excellent on-line maps of the EL routes are available at the CTA website.

      Take the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown Chicago (approximately 45 minutes).  Change at the Washington and State Street station to the Red Line, and take it northbound to Howard Street.  After approximately 45 minutes you will arrive at the Howard terminal.  Switch to the Purple Line (the Evanston Express).  After ten minutes more, exit at Noyes Street.  From here it is an eight minute walk eastbound along Noyes Street to the Tech Institute.

      During rush hours you can save 15 minutes by changing to the Purple Line at an earlier stop.  Rush hours are 5:30am to 9:30am, and 3:30pm to 5:30pm.  Take the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown Chicago.  Change at the Randolph and Clark Street station to the faster Purple Line (the Evanston Express).  After about 45 minutes exit at the Noyes Street station. From here it is an eight minute walk eastbound along Noyes Street to the Tech Institute.
From Midway Airport to Evanston:
There are no good solutions here — select O'Hare if you possibly can.
  • A taxi from Midway takes about an hour, and costs about $50.

  • Public transit: Take the Orange Line from Midway to downtown.  Then take the Red Line to Howard Street, and switch over to the Purple line to get from Howard Street to Noyes Street, close by the University.

  • Save some time by taking the Orange Line from Midway to downtown, then getting off at the Randolph and Wabash Street station where there's a cab stand.  Take a $20 cab ride from downtown to Evanston.

Other Resources