Directions to the Department of Physics and Astronomy:

If you are driving, you can use Northwestern University's directions to Evanston, or click on this link [Google Map] for directions from O'Hare to the Physics and Astronomy Department

From O'Hare International Airport to Evanston: the drive takes 35-50 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

Taxi service: We recommend taking an Evanston taxi. They are cheaper and the drivers more knowledgeable. However, you must call their telephone number after your arrival at the airport, and after you have collected your checked bags. Tell them you want to be picked up at O'Hare airport to go to Evanston. They will ask you for your airline and your name. They will give you the taxicab number and then you should wait for the taxi at the arrival level (lower level) in the second lane across from the last door of your terminal (toward your right when exiting). The fare to Evanston is a flat rate of $33 for one person plus tip. It may take approximately 10-15 minutes for the taxi cab to come to the airport in order to pick you up after you call.

If you come by taxi, tell the driver to take you to the Technological Institute (TECH) at Northwestern University in Evanston — 2145 Sheridan Road. The Tech Institute is a large Prairie-style building made of white stone.  It lies along the east side of Sheridan Road, directly across from a parking lot that occupies the block between Noyes St. and Haven St. [If the driver needs additional coordinates (unlikely), we are 3.5 blocks south of Lincoln St. and 5 blocks north of Emerson St.]

Physics is in the "F" Wing.  Physics department offices are on the second floor of F-wing (Southwest Corner). Enter through the main entrance of the Institute, or through the side door on the right side of the plaza (Click here for a map of the Tech wings.)

Airport Taxis: The ride to Evanston takes 35-50 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

Norshore Taxi:  Light yellow color with red markings: Call them at 1-800-244-9200 or 1-847-864-7500. The charge is $33 plus tip.

303 Taxi:  Blue and white colors: Call them at 1-847-733-0303. The charge is $33 plus tip.

Chicago Taxis:  The fare to Evanston from O'Hare for the regular Chicago city cabs can be as high as $65. Some drivers do not know the Evanston area, and it is legal for Chicago city cabs to multiply the meter rate by 150% if they go to Evanston.

Shuttle Buses:  The overwhelming majority go to downtown Chicago.  However, there is a shuttle which goes to the Omni-Orrington Hotel in Evanston, only a couple of blocks from Northwestern. Disadvantage:  It can be a very long time between round trips for this shuttle.

From Midway Airport to Evanston: There are no good solutions here — select O'Hare if you possibly can. A taxi from Midway takes about an hour, and costs about $50.

Public transit: Take the Orange Line from Midway to downtown.  Then take the Red Line to Howard Street, and switch over to the Purple line to get from Howard Street to Noyes Street, close by the University.

Save some time by taking the Orange Line from Midway to downtown, then getting off at the Randolph and Wabash Street station where there's a cab stand.  Take a $20 cab ride from downtown to Evanston.