How to Get from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Notre Dame?
The distance from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Notre Dame, Indiana, is around 100 miles. To cover this distance comfortably and on time, you must know the route, transportation options, and costs.
Currently, there are many ways to get from Chicago Midway Airport to Notre Dame. However, some popular options include shuttles, trains, rental cars, taxis, and rideshares. Depending on your budget, comfort, and purpose, you can choose. Before that, check out this guide to learn more.
Distance and Duration to Travel between MDW Airport and Notre Dame
Before deciding on the transportation, you must know the travel distance and the journey’s duration. Here are the details:
The total driving distance from MDW Airport to Notre Dame is 99.8 miles.
In general, it will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes to cover the distance.
However, the duration will increase up to 2 to 2.5 hours if traffic is heavy.
The travel distance also depends on the transport option selected.
For instance, if you travel via bus or train, it will take up to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Remember, the waiting time and transfers are not included.
For a faster and safer journey, choose a rental car and try to travel during off-peak hours.
Exploring the 4 Best Transportation Options to Travel from MDW to Notre Dame
Between Midway Airport and Notre Dame, many transportation options are available. You can compare the following and choose the one that aligns well with your needs and budget:
1. Buses/Shuttles
Buses or Shuttles are the most affordable option. It is considered a great choice for solo travelers who do not have multiple bags with them. However, you must consider the following beforehand:
Pros:
Direct route to the university
No more parking hassles
Cost-effective
Cons:
Fixed schedule
Traffic dependent
Duration:
Normal Hours: 2.5 Hours
Holidays/Heavy Traffic: 3.5 Hours
Charges:
Coach USA: USD 41 (one-way) | USD 73 (round-trip)
University Shuttles: USD 69.50 per transfer
2. Trains
There is no direct train between MDW Airport and Notre Dame. You will need to board the CTA Orange Line, Amtrak (South Shore Line), and other local transports to reach your destination.
Pros:
Cost-effective
Traffic-free navigation
Cons:
No direct transfer
Extended hours of travel
Duration:
Total Journey: 3.5 to 4 hours
Charges:
CTA Orange Line: USD 5
Amtrek: USD 13 to USD 15
Local Transits: USD 15 to USD 30
3. Rental Cars
To avoid the noisy and crowded public transit, you can rent a car at Midway Airport. You can take I-90E (toll road) and US 20 to cover the distance within 2 hours. However, considering the following will help you decide better:
Pros:
Highly convenient and flexible
Time saving
More comfort and privacy
Freedom of exploration
Cons:
One-way rental fees
Traffic dependent
Fuel and other costs
Duration:
Normal Hours: 90-120 minutes
During Traffic: 180+ minutes
Charges:
Standard Daily Rates: USD 40 to USD 80
Tolls: USD 10 to USD 15
Fuel: USD 10 to 15
One-Way Rentals: USD 50 to USD 150+
4. Ridesharing
You can use Lyft and Uber to travel from Midway Airport to Notre Dame. It is also a convenient and comfortable option when traveling in groups or with families. Before you book, check out the following:
Pros:
Door-to-door convenience
Direct travel
No hassle with luggage
Cons:
Higher travel cost
State line crossing makes availability a bit difficult
Duration:
Normal Hours: 2 hours
Rush Hours: 2.5-3 hours
Charges:
Total Cost: USD 150 to USD 220+
Comparison Table of Transportation Options Between MDW and Notre Dame
Here is the quick comparison of available transit options to help you decide the most suitable one:
Travel Option | Average Time | Average Cost | Why Choose |
Bus/Shuttle | 2.5-3.5 hours | USD 41 (one-way) | Affordable and direct |
Trains | 3.5-4 hours | USD 35-50 | Traffic-free and budget-friendly |
Rental Cars | 2.5 hours | USD 40-80 (excluding toll rates, fuel fees, etc.) | Comfort, privacy, and door-to-door facility |
Rideshares | 2-3 hours | USD 150-220+ | Convenient and direct |
Tip: Before choosing rental cars in Chicago or Indiana, compare live prices on ZadCars to get the best deals on your next booking.
Benefits of Renting Cars for Getting from Chicago Midway Airport to Notre Dame
Undeniably, rental cars are the best way to cover the 99.8 miles due to unparalleled comfort and flexibility. However, it also has many benefits, and some of them have been mentioned below:
It is a direct and point-to-point transit option. Unlike the bus or ‘South Shore Line,’ where an extra transfer is included, you can rent the car directly from the Rental Car Facility of MDW.
Although the total driving time is around 120 minutes to 190 minutes, you have full control over your travel. Simply put, you can decide when to stop and when to leave.
If you are traveling to Notre Dame for a business meeting or university-related work, you will have enough trunk space to carry extra luggage.
On platforms such as ZadCars, you can get many deals and discounts. This will help you save on travel costs.
By using rental cars, you can travel beyond Chicago and Indiana to explore the country’s oldest streets, prominent zoos, and beautiful churches.
Note: Before you book a rental car at ZadCars, you should check out the toll roads, traffic rules, road signs, etc., to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Final Thoughts
Planning smartly is the key to a smooth trip from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Notre Dame. Comparing transportation costs and travel times to locating convenient routes and correct information will ensure the best experience.
In case you need maximum convenience, flexibility, and cost-saving when traveling with a group or family, you must check out the ongoing deals on rental cars at ZadCars.
