<p>So my family and I flew over to Chicago a few days ago, and I’ve had the chance to visit the campus and downtown Evanston and all that. Obviously I’ve been doing a lot of studying of the area, but I’m still pretty clueless when it comes to using public transportation getting to Chicago from NU and getting around IN Chicago.</p>
<p>I’ve got a few questions for you experts out there:</p>
<li><p>What’s the difference between the CTA and Metra?</p></li>
<li><p>What are some ways to get to downtown Chicago from NU excluding cab rides and driving?</p></li>
<li><p>Is there like a deal for NU students to use the public transportation?</p></li>
<li><p>I think I’ve heard about an NU shuttle bus that runs every five minutes to and from Chicago for students? Can anyone fill me in on this?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>By the way, for you NU prospects, Chicago is absolutely beautiful and our campus is stunning as well. You’ve got to see it to know.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>What's the difference between the CTA and Metra?
Metra is more expensive and a little nicer of a train. I don't know specifics, but the only time I've used the Metra was to access the suburbs (to go to someone's house), and it cost like $10 or something. The El is $2 each way and is what everyone uses to get into Chicago. Both have stops in Evanston though, a block apart.</p></li>
<li><p>What are some ways to get to downtown Chicago from NU excluding cab rides and driving?
The El is probably your best bet. And during rush hour, you can take the express train that runs right from the Purple Line stop in Evanston into Chicago without having to transfer at Howard to the Red Line (all in all, a 20ish minute trip, as compared to the usual 30-40 minute trip). Another option is to take the Intercampus shuttle which runs from our campus to the NU Chicago campus, which is near where a lot of people take the El to anyway. I've never done this but it seems like a pretty effective way to get into Chicago, and for free with a Wildcard. </p></li>
<li><p>Is there like a deal for NU students to use the public transportation?
No, just the Intercampus shuttle will get you into Chicago for free. However, if you take a class or something that requires you to get into the city (I know Medill students who had to do broadcast projects and film in Chicago), you will be provided with a U Pass to do so. But otherwise, no sweet deals.</p></li>
<li><p>I think I've heard about an NU shuttle bus that runs every five minutes to and from Chicago for students? Can anyone fill me in on this?
Every 5 minutes? Hardly. The only NU shuttle that runs into Chicago is the Intercampus shuttle. It comes about every half hour during operating hours. Here is the schedule:
<a href="http://www.univsvcs.northwestern.edu/shuttles/inter2.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.univsvcs.northwestern.edu/shuttles/inter2.html</a></p></li>
</ol>
<p>dfleish summed it up pretty nicely, but I would add a couple things:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Metra is indeed nicer and bit more expensive, but it is also much faster than the Purple Line (albeit when the Purple Line is running express they are about the same.) One factor to consider when taking the Metra, however, is that it terminates at the Ogilve Transportation Center, which can sometimes be a bit inconvenient depending on where you are trying to get to in downtown.<br></li>
</ul>
<p>-Also, to be realistic, I would tack on some additional minutes to dfleishs estimates of the CTA Purple Line commutes. For example, when the train is not running express and a Red Line transfer is required, it is more like 45 minutes, and express is closer to 30. Of course, these times are assuming the trains dont get backed up, which they sometimes do. </p>
<p>-In my opinion, the best way to get into Chicago is the intercampus shuttle, for a variety of reasons. First, its free. Second, its only NU students, faculty, and staff, so one doesnt need to deal with the crap that sometimes goes on inside a CTA train. Third, it is a scenic trip along Lakeshore Drive. And fourth, it drops off at the NU Chicago campus, just off the Magnificent Mile and close to most anything you would likely want to get to.</p>
<p>The only thing with Metra and intercampus shuttle is that you'd want to check out the schedule first since they don't run as frequently as CTA. Metra is mainly a commuter train whereas CTA is more like the actual "subway" which runs more frequently but also has many more stops. </p>
<p>OP,</p>
<p>While downtown has all the landmarks and touristy sites, the uptown is where many Chicago residents hangout and socialize with their friends. I went to "New Chinatwon" (Argyle station) and Lakeview (Belmont Station) quite often. Those areas are closer than downtown (in case you don't know that already).</p>
<p>^Sam makes a good point. When people ask how long it takes to get to Chicago I often just assume they mean downtown, inside the loop. But, as Sam points out, there are some great areas (i.e. Wrigleyville, etc.) on the north side of Chicago that are a quick trip from Evanston.</p>
<p>I'm sure I'll eventually find out for myself, but I didn't see the CTA stop when I was exploring downtown Evanston.
Where exactly is this station and is it somewhat removed from the campus and its vicinity?</p>
<p>Also do the intercampus shuttles run on the weekends?</p>
<p>The CTA actually makes several stops throughout Evanston. The most accessible station to the main downtown area is located on Davis St. just a couple blocks off the southwest corner of campus (not far from the School of Music and Rebecca Crown Center if you know where those are). Of course, if one is in the middle or north part of campus then the best bet is probably to catch the train at Foster or Noyes, respectively. Both of these stations are just a couple blocks due west of campus. </p>
<p>As to your question about the intercampus shuttles, unfortunately they only run Monday through Friday. But, I do believe there are shuttles departing as late as around 9:00pm or so on Fridays, so you could always take the shuttle into Chicago on Friday night and then just catch a train back to Evanston.</p>
<p>Ah I think I've seen this stop actually. "Shady side" sparked my memory.</p>
<p>Well. So I just got back from Chicago by car. I've gone downtown two nights in a row and so far this city is reeeally growing on me. But besides restaurants and stores on the magnificent mile, and the Michigan avenue area, what are some good places to hang at?</p>
<p>Sam, you mentioned Belmont, I actually drove up to Evanston from Chicago on Lakeshore drive the other day (the area where Loyola is); is this where you're referring to? And is this new Chinatown area actually in Chicago? I haven't even been to the actual Chinatown yet, is it okay to drive down there, I've been told a few things about the southside of town but I'm insufficiently informed I'm sure. I can never tell when people are exaggerating.</p>
<p>Wrigleyville is where Wrigley Field is... a bunch of bars and restaurants and stuff its a cool place because its around the field. Lincoln Park is also a really nice and popular area to go with lots of food and bars etc. Also there is way more to the downtown area than just Michigan Ave. Ohio has tons of great restaurants and theres more stuff on State Street. Also there's the lake and Navy Pier and all the big parks like Millenium and Grant parks. Theres way more to do than 1 or 2 days can show. Also just some advise...driving around in Chicago can be dangerous because you can go from gorgeous downtown to bad neighborhoods in a couple blocks. There are a lot of bad areas on the Southside but there is also a lot of normal middle class neighborhoods too...you just have to be careful where you are in the city because a bad neighborhood can pop up out of nowhere no matter what side of the city.</p>
<p>How about getting to the airport? My mom needs a ride after helping me move into the dorm. What is the best way for her to get there? Money is an issue, time is not.</p>
<p>if your mom doesnt has too much stuff, she can just take the el-it goes from noyes/foster/davis stops and then she can go to the airport via blue line (either one or two transfers i think)</p>
<p>NewtoNU, I assume you mean getting to O'Hare. I wouldn't suggest taking the El to/from the airport. It takes a transfer and you have to go all the way downtown just to go back out to the NW suburbs -- at least an hour and a half the best of days. It might be a little more difficult to find at O'Hare, but there is a Pace Bus (#250) that leaves from the Park'n'Ride at O'Hare and goes to the Davis CTA (both stops are at the end of the route, so it's hard to miss the bus or get off at the wrong stop). The fare is only $1.50 and takes about an hour even during rush hour.</p>