Navigate to the lot
Do not enter “Notre Dame Stadium” unless your pass specifically names a stadium-area lot.
Arrive with a destination
Directions without the guesswork.
Before you drive
Notre Dame uses special traffic patterns on football Saturdays. Open the destination printed on your parking pass before you reach campus, keep the pass visible, and follow police and parking attendants when they direct you differently than your navigation app.
Build in time
Construction, controlled turns, pedestrian crossings, and postgame traffic can add substantial time.
Confirm Friday
Lot availability, prices, shuttle hours, and entrances can change by game.
Accessibility
Bulla Lot provides ADA parking with the required state-issued credential and shuttle service, subject to availability.
Flying to the region
Choose the airport before planning the weekend.
South Bend International Airport is close, but its limited schedule makes it impractical for many visitors. It can be a terrific option if you plan far ahead and the flights line up. Otherwise, expect to fly through Chicago.
South Bend International · SBN
The closest airport—but generally not the most viable choice unless you are a very organized planner. Check flights and rental cars early; if the timing works, the short trip to campus is hard to beat.
Chicago O’Hare · ORD
The major worldwide gateway with the most flight choices. Rental cars are reached by airport train, and your drive east includes a complimentary introduction to legendary Chicago traffic.
Chicago Midway · MDW
A strong option for many domestic trips. A 24-hour airport shuttle connects the terminal area with the rental-car facility.
Enjoy Chicago first
Both airports connect to downtown by CTA train. Consider exploring Chicago without a car, then picking one up when it is time to head to Notre Dame.
Matt’s common visitor plan
Fly into O’Hare or Midway, reserve a rental car early, and leave plenty of time for the drive. Chicago traffic is part of the experience: put on some music, review the weekend plan, and enjoy those skyline views at approximately seven miles per hour. Add extra time for construction, weather, and the time-zone change—and never plan a tight same-day arrival before kickoff.
Google Maps parking directions
Choose the exact lot shown on your pass. These links set the destination; Notre Dame’s traffic plan and on-site officers remain the final authority.
Blue & Gold Lots
White Field, off Douglas Road. Both lots provide shuttle service toward the Hesburgh Library area.
Bulla ADA & North Lots
Bulla Road west of Twyckenham Drive. A state-issued ADA credential is required for accessible parking.
Burke & Dorr Lots
Burke North is reached from the Dorr Road area; Burke South is approached from Angela Boulevard.
Bookstore Lot
Near Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore. A gameday parking pass or current event authorization may be required.
Stadium & Stayer
Close-in reserved parking south and east of Notre Dame Stadium. Use only when your pass names this area.
Joyce & Innovation Park
Use the University’s official approach point below rather than searching for a lot name.
Notre Dame Federal Credit Union
Limited bus and RV capacity near St. Joseph Drive and Moreau Drive. Advance purchase may be required.
Saint Mary’s & Holy Cross
Pay-to-park options along State Road 933. Confirm current availability, price, and shuttle schedule.
Verify before every game. Lot access, construction, pricing, and traffic entrances can change.
Still choosing a base?
Match your hotel to your arrival plan.
The Hotels page groups properties by campus, downtown, and Mishawaka, with direct phone numbers and an interactive map.
Compare hotels