General directions to the physics department:

If you are driving, check Northwestern University directions to Evanston. If you come by taxi, tell the driver to bring you to the Technological Institute (TECH) at Northwestern University - 2145 Sheridan Road. The TECH institute is a large neo-gothic, 1942 building. It is a sprawling complex on 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, tell him that the address on Sheridan Road is about 4 blocks south of Lincoln St. or 4 blocks north of Church St.] Enter through the main entrance of the TECH institute.

• Physics department offices: Turn right, go up to the second floor, then right at the end of the entry hallway. Offices are on your right.

Members of the Physics and Astronomy Department primarily located in the F-wing of the Technological Institute, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, and Dearborn. Below is a picture of the Tech building from Sheridan Road.
	<--- Sheridan Road --->

Taxi is by far the fastest form of ground transportation, shuttle buses to the suburbs are next. Last but not least you might think about taking a scenic ride along the backyards of Chicago on the magnificent 'EL'. The 'EL' is recommended only if you are traveling on a low budget or wish to stop over in downtown Chicago, though it is the cheapest form of public transportation (train fare: $1.50).

• Taxis: The ride to Evanston takes from 35-50 minutes, depending on traffic congestion and weather conditions.
  • Flag any cab at the taxi lane. The fare to Evanston is roughly $28 and sometimes up to 150% that value.
    Disadvantage: These are Chicago cabs. Sometimes the drivers don't know the north shore area and sometimes they try to `gouge' you by multiplying the meter rate by 1.5 or worse. Proof added: Multiplying the meter rate by 1.5 is legal for Chicago cabs when they cross the city limits, e.g., by going from the airport to the suburbs. You find more on taxi fares here.
  • Jim's tip: Call Norshore Taxi (1-800-244-9200). The fare to Evanston is a flat rate of $20 (plus tip). It takes approx. 5-10 minutes to pick you up, usually in the middle lane for domestic flights (Note: 1-800-numbers are free).
    Advantage: They know the north shore area including Evanston.
    

    They have a staging area just off the airport. It works like this. Proceed to the baggage claim area and locate a nearby phone (do this after you have claimed your baggage!). The number is 1-800-244-9200. They will ask you, what airline you came in on, and the nearest exit to your baggage area. The exit number (e.g. E3) is over the exit door. They pick you up at the middle island and it usually takes approximately 5 minutes for them to appear. Norshore cabs are light yellow-green and the dispatcher will give you the cab number and ask for your name.

• On-Airport Car Rental: Call your travel or rental agency.
• Downtown and Suburban Shuttles: Call a shuttle bus.
• The 'EL' (Chicago Transit Authority): Plan your itinerary here.
  • Take the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown (approx. 45 min.). Change at Washington/State to the Red Line, which is going northbound to Howard. After approx. 45 minutes you arrive at Howard (terminal), switch to the Purple Line (Evanston Express). After ten more minutes exit at Noyes Street. From here it is eight more minutes walking eastbound to the TECH institute.
  • During rush hours you can save 15 minutes by changing to the Purple Line at an earlier stop. Rush hours are between 5:30 am - 9:30 am and 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm. You will have to pay a surcharge. It is $0.50 on the train and $0.25 at the ticket booth. Take the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown (approx. 40 min.). Change at Randolph/Clark to the faster Purple Line (Evanston Express). After approx. 45 minutes exit at Noyes. From here it is eight more minutes walking eastbound to the TECH institute.

There are no good solutions here - pick O'Hare if you can.

• J.J. Limo, 1-800-548-3793
  45-60 minutes depending on traffic - 45$/person
• A taxi from Midway takes about an hour, costs about $40 or $45
• Public transit: take the Orange line from Midway to the Loop, and then take the Red Line to Howard street, switching to the purple line to get from Howard to Evanston.
• Save money and maybe some time by taking the Orange line from Midway to the Loop, getting off at Randolph and Wabash where there's a cab stand, then take a $20 cab ride from the Loop to Evanston.
• Another alternative: Take Orange line to the Loop, then take cab to Metra North station, and take North Line commuter train to Evanston (get off at Davis). Disadvantage: trains don't run that often. could be a long wait at the Madison st. station.

Directions to The Omni Orrington Hotel:
Located in the heart of downtown Evanston. Tell the cab driver to drop you off at the Orrington Hotel on 1710 Orrington Avenue in downtown Evanston. Their telephone number is 847-866-8700.

Directions to the Holyday Inn/Evanston:
Located in the heart of downtown Evanston. Tell the cab driver to drop you off at the Holyday Inn on 1501 Sherman Avenue. Their telephone number is 847-491-6400.

When you get through immigration and customs at O'Hare Int'l. Airport, try to get some money changed into smaller denominations. A few dollar bills < $50 and at least a few coins of quarters ($0.25) and dimes ($0.10).
Local phone calls are 35 cents - you insert them into the pay phone, then dial the 7-digit number. For long distance calls (e.g. from O'Hare to downtown Chicago) dial 1+(area code)+(7-digit-number). If the call does not go thru, the money is returned to you when you hang up the receiver. Calling Evanston from the airport is a long distance call, so the Evanston numbers need the area code prefix 1 847.

• Northwestern Universities Directions Page.
• Directions to NU from the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
• Chicago Area Map.
• Expressway Congestion.
• campus map.

Last Updated: 98/01/23