How to get from Northern Illinois University to Chicago by bus and train?

From Northern Illinois University to Chicago by bus and train

To get from Northern Illinois University to Chicago you’ll need to take 2 bus lines and one train line: take the 12 bus from West Lincoln Hwy. at Normal Rd (Psych Building) - Eb Stop #444 station to Railroad Ave at Elburn Metra Station - Wb Stop #662 station. Next, you’ll have to switch to the UP-W train and finally take the 20 bus from Madison & Clinton (West) station to Madison & Western (West) station. The total trip duration for this route is approximately 2 hr 48 min. The ride fare is $9.25. The bus and train schedule from Northern Illinois University may change. We recommend you check the updated bus and train schedule to Chicago on the Moovit app.

168min$9.25
Walk to bus station
Bus - 1212
Train - UP-WUP-W
Bus - 20
20
Walk to Chicago
Leaves from West Lincoln Hwy. at Normal Rd (Psych Building) - Eb Stop #444

Step by Step

  • 1
    Walk to bus station
    Walk to bus station
    West Lincoln Hwy. at Normal Rd (Psych Building) - Eb Stop #444
    ID 444
    1.04 mi • 22 min
  • 2
    Bus - 1212
    Wait for bus
    12
    Railroad Ave at Elburn Metra Station - Wb Stop #662
  • 3
    Ride to bus station
    Ride to bus station
    Railroad Ave at Elburn Metra Station - Wb Stop #662
    ID 662
    33 min
  • 4
    Walk to train station
    Walk to train station
    Elburn
    100 yd • 2 min
  • 5
    Train - UP-WUP-W
    Wait for train
    UP-W
    #42| Chicago Otc
  • 6
    Ride to train station
    Ride to train station
    Chicago Otc
    88 min
  • 7
    Walk to bus station
    Walk to bus station
    Madison & Clinton (West)
    ID 455
    60 yd • 1 min
  • 8
    Bus - 2020
    Wait for bus
    20
    Madison & Austin Terminal (South)
  • 9
    Ride to bus station
    Ride to bus station
    Madison & Western (West)
    ID 473
    15 min
  • 10
    Walk to Chicago
    Walk to
    Chicago
    20 yd • 1 min
*Duration based on 8am traffic
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Public transit directions from Northern Illinois University to Chicago

The distance between Northern Illinois University and Chicago is approximately 66.35 mi, which can typically be travelled in 168 min. Moovit will show you the directions from Northern Illinois University to Chicago by bus and train, so no matter how you choose to travel in Chicago – you will always have plenty of easy options.

Bus And Train schedule from Northern Illinois University to Chicago

To check the bus and train schedule from Northern Illinois University to Chicago using the Moovit app, first download and open the app on your smartphone. Enter your starting point (Northern Illinois University) and destination (Chicago), then select the desired date and time of travel. Moovit will show all available bus and train routes, estimated travel times, and any required transfers. You can view detailed departure and arrival times for each bus and train, as well as real-time updates for delays or changes. Use this information to plan your trip and stay up to date with the latest bus and train schedules.

Related Routes

Questions & Answers

  • What is the fastest way to get from Northern Illinois University to Chicago?

    The fastest way takes 168 minutes, using Bus line 12, Train line UP-W, Bus line 20.

  • Is there a direct bus between Northern Illinois University and Chicago?

    No, you’ll have to take 2 bus lines and one train line in total. The total travelling time is 2 hr 48 min.

  • Which bus line goes from Northern Illinois University to Chicago?

    The 12 bus line goes from West Lincoln Hwy. at Normal Rd (Psych Building) - Eb Stop #444 station near Northern Illinois University in Dekalb to Railroad Ave at Elburn Metra Station - Wb Stop #662 station. From there you’ll have to take one bus line and one train line till Railroad Ave at Elburn Metra Station - Wb Stop #662 station near Chicago.

  • How long does it take to travel from Northern Illinois University to Chicago by bus and train?

    The total travel time between Northern Illinois University and Chicago by bus and train is about 2 hr 48 min.

  • Where do I get on the bus near Northern Illinois University to get to Chicago?

    Get on the 12 bus from the West Lincoln Hwy. at Normal Rd (Psych Building) - Eb Stop #444 stop near Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.

  • Where do I get off the bus when travelling between Northern Illinois University and Chicago?

    Get off the bus at the Railroad Ave at Elburn Metra Station - Wb Stop #662 stop, which is closest to Chicago.

  • How much is the total bus and train fare from Northern Illinois University to Chicago?

    The ride from Northern Illinois University to Chicago costs $9.25.

Popular Routes