Travel Information
Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana which is about 70 miles north of Indianapolis and 140 miles south of Chicago off of Interstate Highway I-65.
The Network For Computational Nanotechnology director’s office and NCN administrative offices are housed on the first floor of the Hall for Discovery Learning and Research in Suite 103. See map.
GETTING TO PURDUE
By Plane
Indianapolis International Airport (code: IND) is the best choice and is serviced by most major airlines and their partner airlines. Ground transportation information can be found on the webpage for the Ground Transportation Center.
The Lafayette Limo shuttle bus departs Indianapolis International Airport daily every 2 hours between 6:30 AM and 8:30 PM. The trip will take between 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes depending on traffic and your final destination in the Lafayette / West Lafayette area. Call (765) 497-3828 or check their website for more information. Reservations are encouraged especially during times when the campus is on break. The Lafayette Limo has pick-up/drop-off locations at the Purdue Memorial Union and various other sites in West Lafayette.
Reindeer Shuttle also has 10 departures from Indianapolis Airport.
Alternatively, a car can be rented. A list of rental car companies can be found via the airport’s Ground Transportation Center website.
Purdue University Airport (code: LAF) is less than one mile from campus and is available for private planes but is currently not available for use by commercial airlines.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (code: ORD) is located approximately 140 miles north of Greater Lafayette and is approximately a three hour drive from the airport to Purdue.
Lafayette Limo and Express Air Coach have roundtrip shuttles going from Chicago ORD to West Lafayette, IN.
By Car
Driving Directions from the South (Indianapolis)
West Lafayette is approximately 70 miles northwest of Indianapolis. Take I-65 North to Lafayette and exit onto State Road 26 (exit 172). Turn left at the stoplight. Remain on State Road 26 approximately 5 miles. State Road 26 follows South Street in Lafayette until you approach the downtown area. State Road 26 then follows Columbia Street across the Wabash River.
Once you cross the Wabash River, State Road 26 becomes State Street in West Lafayette. Continue State Street up the hill to Grant Street. Turn right onto Grant Street. Purdue Memorial Union will be on your left, and the Grant Street Parking Garage will be on your right.
Driving Directions from the North (Chicago)
West Lafayette is approximately 140 miles southeast of Chicago. Take I-65 South to State Road 43 (Exit 178).
Turn right onto State Road 43. Drive south (approximately 6 miles) to State Street (also State Road 26.) State Street intersects State Road 43 at the 4th stoplight, after you take the exit. Turn right onto State Street. Remain in the right lane. Proceed up the hill on State Street to Grant Street (2nd stoplight on State.) Turn right onto Grant Street. The Purdue Memorial Union will be on your left and the Grant Street Parking Garage will be on your right.
By Train
Amtrak Train service to Lafayette is available from Indianapolis, Chicago, and several other cities. The most likely connection is via Chicago and is described below. For directions from other departure points, consult Amtrak’s site. To get to the Amtrak Station, or Greyhound Bus Terminal in Chicago from O’Hare Airport, take the Continental Express Shuttle to Union Station, 225 Canal Street, Chicago. Their number is (773) 454-7800. For on-ground assistance, Continental’s uniformed ticket agents are located in the baggage claims areas of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, as well as outside U.S. Customs in Terminal 5. From Union Station, take the Amtrak train bound for Lafayette, IN. It would be advantageous to book a seat in advance. The toll-free number is (800) 872-7245.
By Bus
Greyhound Bus services the Greater Lafayette area from Chicago, Gary, Hammond, and Indianapolis, and from these points, to other locations. Schedules and fares vary, so consult Greyhound site or call (800) 231-2222 for additional details.
LODGING
Purdue Memorial Union Hotel
The Purdue Memorial Union is conveniently located on campus directly off of Grant Street and near State Street and Northwestern Avenue.
For information and reservations, call (800) 320-6291.
Hilton Garden Inn
356 East State Street
West Lafayette, Indiana 47906
Phone: (765) 743-2100
Hilton Garden Inn is five minutes driving distance from Purdue’s campus and is located along a CityBus route.
Hampton Inn & Suites, West Lafayette
160 Tapawingo Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: (765) 269-8000
Hampton Inn & Suites is five minutes driving distance from Purdue's campus and is located along a CityBus route.
Holiday Inn Select City Center
515 South Street
Lafayette, Indiana 47905
Phone: (800) 423-1137
Holiday Inn Select City Center is five minutes driving distance from campus to downtown Lafayette and is located along a CityBus route.
Four Points by Sheraton
1600 Cumberland Avenue
West Lafayette, Indiana 47906
Phone: (765) 463-5511
Four Points by Sheraton sits north of campus and is a about a ten minute drive away. It is located along a CityBus route.
Courtyard by Marriott-Lafayette
150 Fairington Ave
Lafayette, Indiana 47905 USA
PH: 765-449-4800
Purdue Rate
You can also find other hotels, motels, bed & breakfast accommodations, and campgrounds in the area. Many of these are listed in Priceline’s Lafayette Hotels section.
CAMPUS PARKING
Visitor parking on campus is available at various locations on campus. We recommend either the Grant Street Parking Garage or the Northwestern Avenue Parking Garage. Daily visitor parking permits are available from the Parking Facilities Office in the Visitor Information Center located in the Purdue West Shopping Center. Visitors with a daily parking permit may park in any of the parking garages normally reserved for “A” permits. For more information on visitor parking, please contact the Parking Facilities Office at (765) 494-9494.
Grant Street Parking Garage, across from the Purdue Memorial Union, has hourly rates available at a maximum charge of $10.00 per day. Parking in Grant Street Garage is free for overnight guests of the Purdue Memorial Union.
Visitors needing disability parking may use the metered handicapped spaces marked with blue and white signage. Your car must properly display the appropriate license plate, or place card, to use these spaces without being fined. Meter fees must be paid and time limits observed. To occupy spaces requiring an “A” permit and a disability license plate or official placard, visitors may purchase a daily permit from the Parking Facilities office, 504 Northwestern Ave. Note: By Indiana state law, vehicles displaying Disabled American Veteran license plates are exempt from paying meter fees.
Maps (from Google):
Grant Street Parking Garage
Northwestern Avenue Parking Garage
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
The Connector line provides a fast, easy way to get to various attractions in the Lafayette-West Lafayette area and at Purdue University. The trolley is free and runs every ten to fifteen minutes. Visit the website for bus stop locations, routes, and times of operation.
CityBus of Greater Lafayette
Please visit the website for campus loops and schedule information, including the evening Black Loop service that operates every 30 minutes from 5:45 p.m. to 12:05 a.m.
Rental cars
Budget at Purdue Airport: (765) 743-9620
Enterprise: (765) 4634804
2525 Salisbury Suite #B
West Lafayette, IN 47906-1446
Taxis
Four Star Taxi: (765) 742-8400
City Cab: (765) 477-1234
LOCAL WEATHER
Indiana is hot and humid in the summer, cold in the winter, and fluctuates greatly across the seasons. Before traveling, check local forecasts to ensure you bring proper clothing (The Weather Channel).
LOCAL TIME ZONE
Indiana is in the Eastern Time Zone and observes daylight savings time along with the rest of the Eastern Time Zone from spring through fall.
RESTAURANT AND OTHER VISITOR INFORMATION
Lafayette Online’s dining guide lists area restaurants.
For more information about the Greater Lafayette area, please visit the City of Lafayette website.
USEFUL MAPS
Purdue University Campus Map
Campus Map (printer friendly)
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS AND VISA INFORMATION
As a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the United States Department of State and other government agencies have extensively reviewed its visa issuing practices as they relate to the national security. A greater degree of scrutiny is carried out on all visa applications, leading to longer delays. Although it is difficult to estimate the time needed for the adjudication of each application, a typical wait period is at least two months, and in some cases, three or more. Please visit the United States Visas website for additional information, including details on how to obtain visas.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Please see Purdue University Visitor Information.