Know the time zone
South Bend observes Eastern Time. Chicago and much of the drive from Illinois use Central Time.
Reach the region, then choose the exact lot
Directions without the guesswork.
Separate the road trip from the last mile.
First plan how you will reach South Bend and Notre Dame. Then use the dedicated Parking Guide to choose the exact lot, prepare ParkMobile, and open a Google Maps route with current traffic and ETA.
Build in time
Construction, weather, toll roads, controlled turns, pedestrian crossings, and gameday traffic can add substantial time.
Navigate to the lot
Do not enter “Notre Dame Stadium” unless your pass specifically names a stadium-area lot.
Use the day-of route
On gameday morning, open your saved lot in Gameday Mode to see the current Google Maps route and ETA.
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.
The final destination matters
Parking now has its own guide.
Compare ordinary visitor parking, Football Friday, and home-game Saturday rules. Prepare ParkMobile, choose the lot on your pass, save it for Gameday Mode, and open the current route when it is time to leave.
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