Getting from O'Hare to Northwestern University in Evanston? Here's what the trip looks like.
Distance and Route from O'Hare to Evanston
O'Hare to Northwestern's Evanston campus is approximately 18 miles. Via I-190 East to I-294 North to I-94 East (Edens Expressway), the drive takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. During rush hour, add 15-20 minutes. The Sheridan Road approach from the south drops you right at the campus gates.
Car Service vs CTA vs Rideshare
The CTA Blue Line from O'Hare connects to the Purple Line via downtown — that's 75-90 minutes with a transfer at Howard. Not ideal with luggage. Rideshare runs $35-55 depending on surge. A sedan from Chicago Airport Black Car is $99 flat to Evanston — no surge, flight tracked, door-to-door. For families doing move-in, an SUV at $129 handles the extra bags.
Group Transportation for Move-In and Parents Weekend
Parents Weekend fills every rideshare in Evanston. Book early. For groups of 4-6, our Escalade SUV seats everyone with luggage for $129. Larger groups doing a campus visit? A Sprinter van handles 8-14 passengers at $249. We drop off directly at the residence halls — no walking from a remote lot.
Pricing Comparison by Option
| Option | Cost | Time | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTA Blue + Purple | $5 | 75-90 min | Self-carry |
| Uber/Lyft | $35-55+ | 25-45 min | Trunk only |
| Sedan | $99 flat | 25-35 min | 3 large bags |
| SUV | $129 flat | 25-35 min | 6 large bags |
Book O'Hare to Northwestern
Call (224) 801-3090 or reserve at /book. We know every dorm drop-off circle on campus.