South Bend International · SBN
Start here when convenience matters most. The airport is close to Notre Dame, but its route network is smaller, so compare flights and rental cars as soon as the game is selected.
Current flights and airlines ↗
Before Notre Dame · After Notre Dame · A destination of its own
Chicago — Worldwide Gateway to Notre Dame.
For visitors arriving from across the country or around the world, Chicago offers flight flexibility, two major airports, and a remarkable city experience before the drive to campus.
Choose the gateway that fits the whole trip.
South Bend International is the simplest arrival when its schedule matches yours. O’Hare and Midway provide broader alternatives and make it possible to add architecture, museums, neighborhoods, food, theatre, sports, and the lakefront to a Notre Dame journey.
Chicago O’Hare · ORD
O’Hare offers extensive domestic and international connectivity. On-airport rental companies are centralized at the Multi-Modal Facility and reached by the Airport Transit System.
Official rental-car information ↗Chicago Midway · MDW
Midway can be a strong option for domestic itineraries. Its rental-car facility is off-terminal, with airport shuttles operating around the clock.
Official rental-car information ↗Protect the football weekend: Reserve the vehicle early, remember that Chicago is on Central Time while Notre Dame is on Eastern Time, and build a generous buffer for traffic, construction, weather, rental pickup, and gameday road controls.
Add a Chicago chapter.
One well-chosen day can make the trip feel much larger. Select experiences that belong together geographically instead of spending the visit crossing the city.
Architecture and the river
See the skyline from the Riverwalk or an architecture cruise. Chicago’s buildings and waterways make an excellent first introduction to the city.
Millennium Park and the Loop
Combine Cloud Gate, the Chicago Cultural Center, Grant Park, historic theatres, and central architecture in one walkable district.
Art and Museum Campus
Choose the Art Institute or build a South Loop day around the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and lakefront views.
The lakefront
Chicago’s parks, beaches, trails, and skyline views reveal why Lake Michigan is as important to the city’s identity as its architecture.
Neighborhood food
Go beyond downtown: West Loop for destination dining, Pilsen or Chinatown for culture and food, and Logan Square for restaurants and nightlife.
Sports and performance
Check current schedules for baseball, theatre, comedy, blues, jazz, and live music. Tickets and operating calendars should be confirmed before the trip.
Chicago through Matt’s eyes
A city of neighborhoods, architecture, and sports stories.
Chicago has shaped much of Matt’s life and career. These are not stock travel images—they are firsthand moments from the streets, ballparks, landmarks, and traditions that can become part of your own Notre Dame journey.
Pick a base by the experience you want.
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. A good hotel location can eliminate unnecessary transportation and make a short extension feel coherent.
Loop
Central, historic, and convenient for Millennium Park, the Art Institute, architecture, theatres, and CTA connections.
River North & Streeterville
Strong for river access, restaurants, nightlife, the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and downtown energy.
West Loop
A dining-centered stay with converted warehouses, galleries, and easy access to Fulton Market.
South Loop
Useful for Museum Campus, Grant Park, lakefront access, and a slightly more residential downtown base.
Lincoln Park & Lakeview
Neighborhood character, green space, the lakefront, family-friendly options, dining, and possible Wrigley Field time.
Hyde Park
A culturally rich South Side base near museums, parks, the lakefront, historic architecture, and the University of Chicago.
Car strategy: If Chicago comes first, compare using the CTA from the airport and collecting the rental car only when leaving for Notre Dame. Downtown hotel parking can add complexity and cost. O’Hare uses the Blue Line; Midway uses the Orange Line.
Three ways to sequence the journey.
Choose the version that protects the game while giving Chicago enough time to feel intentional.
City, then campus
Arrive one or two days early, explore without gameday pressure, collect the car, and drive east before the football crowds peak.
Game, then decompression
Handle the football weekend first, then return to Chicago for museums, restaurants, or the lakefront before the flight home.
Airport to campus
Reserve the car and route directly to Notre Dame, but leave a large disruption buffer and avoid landing too close to kickoff.