Transportation to Purdue

(from Purdue University — Visitor Information)

Purdue is accessible from all modes of transportation, including

• Plane
• Automobile
• Train
• Bus

By Plane (and Shuttle Service)

Purdue is accessible from the Indianapolis and Chicago O’hare international airports.  The Purdue University Airport is less than 1 mile from campus and is available for private planes, but does not currently serve commercial airlines.

• Indianapolis International Airport (code: IND) is serviced by most major airlines and their partner airlines. Ground transportation to Purdue from the Indianapolis International Airport includes:
  • Shuttle Services
    • Lafayette Limo
    • Star of America
  • Rental Cars
• Purdue University Airport (code: LAF) is less than 1 mile from campus and is available for private planes. It is currently not served by any commercial airlines.
• Chicago O’hare International Airport (code: ORD) is located approximately 140 miles north of Greater Lafayette and is approximately a 3 hour drive from the airport to Purdue. Ground transportation direct from the airport to campus is available from the shuttle services listed below.
  • Shuttle Services
    • Express Air Coach
    • NWI-Chicago Connection

By Automobile

From the South

Driving from the South (Indianapolis) West Lafayette is approximately 70 miles northwest of Indianapolis. Take I-65 North to Lafayette and exit on State Road 26 (exit 172). Turn left at the stop light on to State Road 26. Remain on State Rd 26 approx 5 miles. State Rd 26 follows South Street in Lafayette until you approach the downtown area. It then follows Columbia Street across the Wabash River. Once you cross the Wabash River, State Road 26 becomes State Street in West Lafayette. Proceed up State Street hill to Grant Street. Turn right on Grant Street, the Purdue Memorial Union will be on your left and the Grant Street Parking Garage will be on your right.

From the North

Driving from the North (Chicago) West Lafayette is approximately 140 miles southeast of Chicago. Take I-65 South to State Road 43 (exit 178). Turn right onto State Road 43. Drive South on State Road 43 (approximately 6 miles) to State St (State Road 26.) This will be the 4th stop light, and a McDonald’s will be on your right. Turn right onto State Street. You will want to remain in the right lane. Proceed up State Street hill to Grant Street ( 2nd stop light on State.) Turn right on Grant Street, the Purdue Memorial Union will be on your left and the Grant Street Parking Garage will be on your right.

By Train

Amtrak Train service to Lafayette is available from Indianapolis, Chicago, and several other cities. The most likely connection is via Chicago, and is described below. For directions from other departure points, consult Amtrak’s site. To get to the Amtrak Station or Greyhound Bus Terminal in Chicago from O’Hare Airport, take the Continental Express Shuttle (773 454-7800) to Union Station, 225 Canal Street, Chicago. For assistance, Continental’s uniformed ticket agents are located in the baggage claims areas of terminals 1, 2, and 3 as well as outside U.S. Customs in Terminal 5. From Union Station, take the Amtrak train bound for Lafayette, IN. It is best to book a seat in advance. The toll-free number is (800) 872-7245.

By Bus

Greyhound Bus services the Greater Lafayette area from the Chicago, Gary, Hammond, and Indianapolis hubs. Schedules and fares vary, so consult the Greyhound site or call 800-231-2222.

NWI-Chicago Connection offers service to Purdue from Chicago, Gary, and Crown Point. Service also is available to South Bend via a train connection with the South Shore Line at Gary.