Travel Information

Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana which is about 65 miles north of Indianapolis and 125 miles south of Chicago off of I-65.

Local weather

Plan on bringing the appropriate clothing for the area. Indiana can be hot in the summer, cold in the winter as well as everything else in between. Before traveling, check one of the online weather sites to be sure that you will be comfortable during your stay. Also, be sure to pack an umbrella for those unexpected rain showers.

Time Zone

We observe Daylight Saving Time beginning the second Sunday in March, through the first Sunday in November. We observe Eastern Standard Time beginning the first Sunday in November.

Getting to the Department of Statistics

Plane

Indianapolis International Airport
Indianapolis International Airport (code: IND) is approximately 65 miles south of Purdue and is serviced by most major airlines and their partner airlines. Directions for ground transportation can be found at the airport's Ground Transportation Center.

The Lafayette Limo provides daily ground shuttle service both ways between the Indianapolis International Airport and Purdue University. Check their website for more information.

Alternatively, a car can be rented. A list of rental car companies can be found at the airport's Ground Transportation Center. (please see driving instructions from Indianapolis)

Purdue University
Purdue University Airport (code: LAF) is less than 1 mile from campus and is available for private planes. It is currently not served by any commercial airlines.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (code: ORD) is located approximately 140 miles north of Greater Lafayette and is approximately a 3 hour drive from the airport to Purdue. (please see driving instructions from Chicago) Information about ground transportation can be found at the airport's Ground Transportation Center.

Express Air Coach provides daily ground shuttle service both ways between the Purdue University Airport and Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Check their website for more information. Shuttle service between the Purdue University Airport and some local hotels is available. Please call the local hotel number or check their website for more information.

Alternatively, a car can be rented. A list of rental car companies can be found at the airport's Ground Transportation Center. (please see driving instructions from Chicago)

Automobile

Purdue can be reached conveniently by car from a number of cities in the midwest, with most routes being through either Chicago or Indianapolis.

During business hours, parking on campus is by permit only. Parking meters are available on the first floor of the University Street garage. For more information about parking, see the University Parking Visitors web page.

Driving Directions Disclaimer
These instructions are provided only as a convenience. All routes are not necessarily the fastest or shortest means possible but are among the easiest to follow. Traffic and road construction are considerations that should be taken into account when planning any trip. For those familiar with the West Lafayette area or looking for an alternate route, see one of the many online map services.

We recommend that you check the Indiana Department of Transportation page for listings of possible road construction at http://www.ai.org/dot/

 

Driving Directions from Indianapolis

West Lafayette is approximately 70 miles northwest of Indianapolis.

Take I-65 North (toward Chicago) to Lafayette and exit on State Road IN 26 (exit 172).

Turn left at the light and follow IN 26 approximately 5 miles through Lafayette and into West Lafayette where it will become State Street.

Continue up State Street Hill (IN 26) and move into the right lane.

Turn right onto University Street (a one-way street).

Move into the left lane and continue two blocks to 2nd Avenue (one block before the traffic light).

Turn left. The parking garage will be on your right. Parking meters are available on the first floor.

 

Driving Directions from Chicago

West Lafayette is approximately 135 miles southeast of Chicago.

Take I-65 South to State Road 26 (exit 172).

Turn right onto State Road 26 West and follow it approximately 5 miles through Lafayette and into West Lafayette, where it will become State Street.

Continue up State Street hill and move into the right lane.

Turn right onto University Street (a one-way street).

Move into the left lane and continue two blocks to 2nd Avenue (one block before the traffic light).

Turn left. The parking garage will be on your right. Parking meters are available on the first floor.

 

To Reach HAAS Hall from the Parking Garage

HAAS Hall (location for the Department of Statistics' main office) is located directly across University street from the parking garage. It's on the south east corner of Third and University streets.

Train

Train service to Lafayette is available from Indianapolis, Chicago, and several other cities. Please check Amtrak's site for more information.

Bus

Greyhound Bus services the Greater Lafayette area from Chicago, Gary, Hammond, and Indianapolis, and thence from other locales. Schedules and fares vary, so consult the Greyhound site.

Lodging

Local Hotels

Purdue Memorial Union Hotel
Conveniently located on campus at the corner of Grant and State Street, West Lafayette.

Hilton Garden Inn
356 East State Street, West Lafayette, IN. (3 blocks from campus)

Holiday Inn Select
515 South Street, Lafayette, IN. (5 minutes from campus)

Homewood Suites
3939 State Road 26, Lafayette, IN. (20 minute drive to Campus)

University Plaza Hotel
3001 Northwestern Avenue, West Lafayette. (10 minute drive from HAAS Hall or the Mathematics Building)


You can also find other hotels, motels, bed & breakfast accommodations, and campgrounds in the area by visiting the Visitor's Bureau site at Visitor Bureau lodging or Lafayette Online's lodging section.

Local Car Rentals & Transportation

There are several choices for ground transportation during your stay.

Taxi

Rental Cars

Complimentary Shuttle

  • Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to Purdue and the Purdue University Airport. Please call the local hotel phone number or check their website for more information.