Transportation & Commuting Options

If you are considering living beyond walking distance to campus, please keep in mind that the average commuting time fluctuates during rush hour, accidents, road construction and/or bad weather. An average 12-mile trip may take a little under 30 minutes during non-peak times but can almost triple depending on what is happening on the roadway.

Driving

Resources such as Google Maps can provide you with accurate driving directions and average commute times during different times of the day.

Campus Parking

On-campus parking is available to students who live two miles outside of campus for about $300 per academic year. For more information about campus parking, visit the Apply for Campus Parking page.

Public Transportation

Feinberg medical students can sign up for the Ventra U-Pass to get discounted rates on unlimited Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and train passes. Learn more about enrolling here.

Most city buses and trains run throughout the day and night. One advantage to riding the train is that trains are reliable most of the time, as they travel below or above street level. However, it is not advisable to use public transportation during late-night hours, especially when traveling alone. Check out the CTA bus and train route schedules and transit fare information and the Metra train website.

University Shuttle Service

Northwestern offers shuttle bus services between the Chicago and Evanston campuses, three Chicago-area hospitals, and to and from the Metra Train station (see Metra information) For further information about University transportation, please visit the university services web page.