EXPLORE MASTER'S & EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS

Arriving at Purdue

Arriving at Purdue

We look forward to welcoming you to Purdue and hope your journey to West Lafayette goes smoothly.  Either the Indianapolis or Chicago airport will be most convenient for you. Due to proximity and easier commute to West Lafayette, students are encouraged to use the Indianapolis Airport. Information on this page will help you find your way to your new home in Indiana.

Airports

Indianapolis International Airport is located 70 miles southeast of West Lafayette — about one hour drive. Students have two options when traveling from Indianapolis to West Lafayette:

  • Rent a car at the Indianapolis Airport and return it in West Lafayette. Most major car rental companies are located in West Lafayette and provide this service (Avis, Hertz, Budget, and others). When planning on renting a car, please bear in mind that there is an additional charge for drivers under age 25 with all rental companies.
  • The Lafayette Limo (offers a shuttle service from the Indianapolis Airport to West Lafayette at a cost of $27 per person one-way every two hours starting at 6:30 AM and ending at 10:30 PM. Please check the Lafayette Limo web site for the most up-to-date schedule.
  • Lafayette Limo has fixed drop-off locations. Purdue Memorial Union may be the most convenient for you. It is across State Street from Rawls Hall.
  • If you are an international student, you may be able to arrange an arrival pick-up service with the International Students and Scholars office.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located approximately 140 miles northwest of West Lafayette — two and a half hours drive. Students have two options when traveling from Chicago to West Lafayette:
  • Rent a car at any of the Chicago Airports and return it in West Lafayette. Most major car rental companies are located in West Lafayette and provide this service (Avis, Hertz, Budget and others). There is a special charge for drivers under age 25 with all rentals.
  • Take the Express Air Coach, the ground shuttle service between Chicago’s O’Hare Airport and Purdue University Airport. The cost is $65 per person one-way. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance and held with a credit card to secure a scheduled travel time. Call (765) 743-3120 or e-mail eac@ExpressAirCoach.com for information and reservations. Please note that West Lafayette is in the Eastern Time (ET) Zone. Chicago is one hour behind because it is in the Central Time (CT) Zone.

Bus Service

CityBus is a contracted partner with Purdue University for public transportation services. It gives Purdue students, faculty, and staff unlimited, fare-free access to the CityBus system(Purdue ID card is required). Visit CityBus website for more information on maps and schedules, special services, and FAQ’s.

Taxis

Four Star Taxi – (765) 742-8400 and City Cab - (765) 429-8294  provide taxi services in West Lafayette and Lafayette region.