Transportation
The most convenient airport is the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (code: ORD).
From O’Hare, the most direct public transportation to Evanston would be the Pulse Dempster bus. This bus runs every 15-20 minutes and takes 45-60 minutes, ending at the Davis CTA Station in downtown Evanston. From there, it is within walking distance to many relevant places: 10 minute walk to Hyatt House, 15 minute walk to the Foster-Walker dormitories, 20 minute walk to Lunt Hall, and 25 minute walk to Pancoe Hall (where the talks will be held). To take this bus, take the Airport Transit System to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), and go to station #9 outside the MMF to wait for the Pulse Dempster bus.
We do not recommend taking the CTA (Blue Line) to get to Evanston, as the route takes a long time.
You can also take a rideshare, like Uber/Lyft, or a taxi from O’Hare. Some taxi services are listed here:
- 303 Taxi 1-847-303-0303
- American Taxi 1-847-272-8000
- Norshore Cab 1-847-864-7500
Call these numbers at the arrival level after you have picked up your checked-in baggage.
Taking one of these taxis to Northwestern University or the nearby hotels will be approximately 40 minutes and cost $35-$45.
The above taxi companies charge a flat rate. There are also the City of Chicago taxis, which charge a meter rate; this is likely to be higher.
For driving directions to Northwestern University see here. For a link to the full campus map, please click here.
Parking
For those of you driving, you may park on campus for free at the weekends as long as there is no special notice in the parking lot saying otherwise. There are parking lots and a garage very close to the conference lecture halls.
During the week the best option is to park in the City of Evanston Parking Garage on Clark Street, see here for a map.
Housing
Conference participants who have not already indicated interest in staying in the dorms are responsible for their own hotel reservations. The following hotels are within walking distance to campus, and you may obtain the Northwestern visitors rate by calling the hotel.
- Hilton Orrington/Evanston: 1710 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. Phone: (847) 866-8700
- Graduate Evanston: 1625 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. Phone: (847) 475-3300
- Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston: 1515 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. Phone: (847) 864-2300
- Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston: 1818 Maple Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. Phone: (847) 475-6400
- Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston: 1501 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. Phone: (847) 491-6400
Health and Safety Tips:
See here for health and safety tips while in the area.