What Are the Best Ways to Travel From Chicago to South Bend?
Road trips are always fun, especially if they are within a couple of hours. Traveling between Chicago and South Bend is a fantastic weekend or mid-week journey to escape the hustle and bustle of city living. There are plenty of fun things to do and places to see around town in addition to the excitement of a Notre Dame Football weekend. So, pack your bags and get ready for a fun getaway.
Your Guide to Traveling From Chicago to South Bend
By Car
A road trip is the most common way to travel from Chicago to South Bend. Whether you live in the Windy City or flying into Chicago and driving from there, the journey takes about an hour and 45 minutes if you take I-90. This route has tolls along the way, but there are alternatives. If you take I-94 to exit 40, you can take US 20 East into South Bend and avoid the Toll Road altogether. If you have extra time along the way, you can visit the US’s Newest National Park; The Indiana Dunes National Park. (Exit 26B off of I-94 or Exit 31 off of I-90)
Another important thing to keep in mind when making the drive from Chicago to South Bend is the change in time zones. If you’re planning on visiting for an event, you’ll have to take into account that you lose an hour when you go from the Central Time Zone to the Eastern Time Zone.
By Train
Traveling from Chicago to South Bend by train is a fun and easy way to avoid traffic and parking. Several different lines run between both cities, but we recommend taking the South Shore line from downtown Chicago. The end of the line is the South Bend Regional Airport. You can also take an Amtrak train from Chicago’s Union Station. The trip only takes an hour and a half, and the Amtrak station is on the west side of South Bend. You can then take a ride share service to The Oliver Inn! This is a great way to save time and money while traveling between Chicago and South Bend, especially on a Notre Dame Football gameday weekend.
You can check the South Shore Line website for train times, tickets, parking information, and more!
Plan Your South Bend Getaway
The Oliver Inn is the ultimate weekend destination. Our beautiful Victorian-era mansion has everything you need for a relaxing getaway filled with incredible dining options, a beautiful riverfront area, and an extensive list of attractions and activities. Go for a hike, try your luck at whitewater kayaking, or enjoy a South Bend Cubs baseball game. Wake up to a delicious gourmet breakfast before heading out to explore our town. You can even enhance your experience with one of our specials and packages. Check out our Things to Do page for more exciting ways to fill your itinerary.
Start planning your South Bend getaway by booking one of our rooms today! We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful Inn.