How can I get around the South Bend area?
The most common ways to get around the greater South Bend area are to Uber or ask upperclassmen with cars for rides. Uber is typically not too expensive when split among friends or used sporadically for fun days off campus. Upperclassmen are usually more than willing to bring you along on trips to local stores or to lend you their cars for a few hours if necessary. The South Bend bus service, Transpo, is also an option with numerous routes, and you can request a stop anywhere along the route. It picks up passengers at Library Circle several times a day and is free with your student ID. You can also call a taxi, but be aware of pricing and potential surges during game weekends or Junior Parents Weekend. First-Years cannot have cars on campus first semester, but if you're in good academic standing, you are allowed to have a car second semester-- you'll just have to pay the parking fees.
If you want to get to Chicago, the South Shore Railroad leaves from the South Bend International Airport. Providing passenger service to the Loop in downtown Chicago three times a day, the South Shore ride lasts a bit over two hours and costs about $15 one way. Amtrak offers services to cities further away as well; you can visit their website for more information. If you plan to fly out of Chicago during the year, Coach USA Bus Service makes the trip to both Midway and O'Hare every two hours each day. Travel time is just under 3 hours and is typically $75 round-trip. The bus picks up by the bookstore and stops at both Chicago airports. If you choose to use the bus service, it can sometimes be helpful to chat with an upperclassman before hand just to get a few tips and make sure you're prepared so you don't miss you bus or encounter any issues along the way.
During primary travel times, like for Fall, Winter, or Spring Break, some students will share car services, professionally-driven vans, or Ubers for a slightly quicker ride to the Chicago airports. There is a Ride Board Facebook group you can easily join if you are interested in this option. You can also ask upperclassmen with cars about their travel plans to see if you can catch a ride to the airport or get connected with someone who may be driving to or through your hometown.
The South Bend International Airport is just across town and is serviced by four airlines that travel nonstop to twelve destinations. The airlines include Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and United. Several major bus lines have terminals at the airport as well.
If you want to get to Chicago, the South Shore Railroad leaves from the South Bend International Airport. Providing passenger service to the Loop in downtown Chicago three times a day, the South Shore ride lasts a bit over two hours and costs about $15 one way. Amtrak offers services to cities further away as well; you can visit their website for more information. If you plan to fly out of Chicago during the year, Coach USA Bus Service makes the trip to both Midway and O'Hare every two hours each day. Travel time is just under 3 hours and is typically $75 round-trip. The bus picks up by the bookstore and stops at both Chicago airports. If you choose to use the bus service, it can sometimes be helpful to chat with an upperclassman before hand just to get a few tips and make sure you're prepared so you don't miss you bus or encounter any issues along the way.
During primary travel times, like for Fall, Winter, or Spring Break, some students will share car services, professionally-driven vans, or Ubers for a slightly quicker ride to the Chicago airports. There is a Ride Board Facebook group you can easily join if you are interested in this option. You can also ask upperclassmen with cars about their travel plans to see if you can catch a ride to the airport or get connected with someone who may be driving to or through your hometown.
The South Bend International Airport is just across town and is serviced by four airlines that travel nonstop to twelve destinations. The airlines include Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and United. Several major bus lines have terminals at the airport as well.