GENERAL INFORMATION
The wedding ceremony will be held at the University of Notre Dame, located in South Bend, Indiana, followed by a reception in Chicago, Illinois. We recommend spending the night of Friday, July 28, in South Bend, and the night of Saturday, July 29, in Chicago. Please keep in mind that South Bend observes Eastern Daylight Time, while Chicago observes Central Daylight Time.
Whenever possible, a rental car is the best form of transportation between Chicago and South Bend, taking less than two hours. For our guests who are unable to drive in the United States, we will be providing bus transportation following the wedding ceremony in South Bend to the reception venue in Chicago. However, transportation will not be provided to South Bend - but see below for some accessible options.
GETTING TO CHICAGO
By Air
Chicago plays host to two major commercial airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Chicago O'Hare is among the busiest airports in the world, and accessible by virtually any major airline.
For domestic guests, Chicago Midway is Southwest Airlines's top-served airport in the country, and a secondary airport for Delta Airlines.
Some guests might prefer to fly directly into South Bend - please see below for those options. However, we recommend booking your return flight from Chicago.
Getting Downtown
Should you want to spend some time in Chicago, there are several easy ways to get downtown.
Both airports are easily accessible by the CTA 'L' train system - take the Blue Line from O'Hare, or the Orange Line from Midway. Both airports are the terminus of their respective lines, so there's no way you can miss it! The trip downtown takes around 45 minutes from O'Hare or 25 minutes from Midway.
Additionally, Uber, Lyft, and taxis are readily available from either airport. We recommend checking the current traffic conditions on Google Maps prior to requesting a cab, as it can be extremely congested during peak hours.
GETTING TO SOUTH BEND
By Air
South Bend hosts a small regional airport, South Bend International Airport (SBN). But don't be fooled by the name - South Bend does not currently host any international flights.
The two major airlines that operate from South Bend are Delta and United. Delta has flights to its hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, and Minneapolis-St. Paul. United has flights to its hubs in Chicago-O'Hare and New York-Newark.
Estimated travel time from Chicago: 18 min
By Car
We recommend driving to South Bend whenever possible. Rental cars are readily available at Chicago's airports, at downtown locations, as well as at the South Shore Line station at South Bend International Airport. This will allow you to get around South Bend easily, where car transportation is a necessity.
You can check for affordable rental rates at AutoSlash, or your preferred online travel agency.
Estimated travel time from Chicago: 2 hr
By Rail
South Bend is accessible by two rail systems, South Shore Line from Chicago's Millenium Station, and Amtrak from Chicago's Union Station. South Shore Line offers cheaper and more frequent rides between Chicago and South Bend. Please be sure to check schedules ahead of time and plan accordingly.
Estimated travel time from Chicago: 2 hr 30 min
By Bus
Coach USA operates a bus from O'Hare or Midway to Notre Dame. This trip can be lengthy, but is the most direct way to get to South Bend from Chicago's airports for those who cannot drive. Please check the schedules carefully. Coach USA will drop off passengers outside the Hammes Bookstore on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.
Estimated travel time from Chicago: 3 hr 30 min
PARKING
SOUTH BEND
Parking in South Bend is readily available. Nearly all hotels offer complimentary parking in the area.
The University of Notre Dame campus is generally closed to vehicle traffic. Visitors can park in the visitor lots around campus - the most convenient will be the Bookstore Lot on Notre Dame Avenue.
Guests driving to the wedding ceremony on July 29 may park in on campus in the A9 / Grotto lot near the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. You may enter the campus through one of two guard gates: at the intersection of Holy Cross Drive and Notre Dame Avenue by the Hammes Bookstore, and at the intersection of Holy Cross Drive and Wilson Drive by Bulla Road.
You may find a parking map of campus online.
CHICAGO
Parking in downtown Chicago can be difficult and expensive. Limited street parking is available, but is generally limited to 2 hours. For this reason, it can be advantageous to make alternative arrangements for parking.
If you will be parking in Chicago, we recommend downloading the ParkWhiz or SpotHero apps for the most affordable parking nearby, or Luxe for on-demand valet app.
The Peninsula will offer complimentary valet parking during the event, or $71 parking for overnight guests.