Notre Dame Game Day Bus From the Chicago South Suburbs: Tailgate Timing, Group Size and Cost
Notre Dame Game Day Bus From the Chicago South Suburbs: Tailgate Timing, Group Size and Cost
A Notre Dame home game is a full-day event for fans in the Chicago south suburbs. Alumni groups, families, church groups and friend circles from Orland Park, Tinley Park and nearby towns make the trip to South Bend every fall. The game is the highlight, but the day also includes a tailgate, a long walk to the stadium and a late drive home. Splitting into several cars means extra parking costs, lost group time and someone who has to stay sober to drive.
A Notre Dame game day bus from the Chicago south suburbs keeps everyone together from the first pickup to the final drop-off. This guide covers drive time from Orland Park and Tinley Park, the time zone change, tailgate and parking lot rules, vehicle size by group and how to work out cost per person.
The drive from Orland Park or Tinley Park to Notre Dame is about 95 to 105 miles, usually 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in normal traffic and longer on game day. South Bend is on Eastern Time, one hour ahead of Chicago, so a 3:30 p.m. kickoff is 2:30 p.m. Chicago time. Plan to leave 4 to 5 hours before kickoff if you want a full tailgate. Choose a party Sprinter for up to 14, a party bus for up to 30 or a coach for 35 to 57. Divide the total quote by the number of riders to get your cost per person.
Planning a game day trip? Call (312) 446-7505 or get a quote.
Drive Time From Orland Park and Tinley Park
| Pickup Area | Typical Drive | Game Day Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Orland Park | About 1 hour 50 minutes | 2 to 2.5 hours or more |
| Tinley Park | About 1 hour 45 minutes | 2 to 2.5 hours or more |
| Mokena and New Lenox | About 1 hour 50 minutes | 2 to 2.5 hours or more |
| Oak Forest and Frankfort | About 1 hour 45 minutes | 2 to 2.5 hours or more |
The usual route runs east on I-80 and I-94 to the Indiana Toll Road. Game day traffic builds near South Bend in the hours before kickoff, so we build in extra time.
The Time Zone Change
South Bend is one hour ahead. Notre Dame kickoff times are listed in Eastern Time. Subtract one hour for Chicago time. A 7:30 p.m. kickoff is 6:30 p.m. Chicago time, and you gain the hour back on the drive home.
| Kickoff (Eastern) | Kickoff (Chicago) | Leave South Suburbs (Chicago Time) |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 p.m. | 11:00 a.m. | Around 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. |
| 3:30 p.m. | 2:30 p.m. | Around 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. |
| 7:30 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. | Around 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. |
These times allow for a 2 to 3 hour tailgate. Leave later if you only want to make kickoff.
Tailgate and Parking Lot Rules
- Buses and large vehicles usually park in designated lots, and some require a paid permit or advance reservation.
- Lot opening times are set by the university for each game. Arriving before they open means waiting in line.
- Tailgating rules such as limits on glass, grills, tents and open flames are posted by Notre Dame before the season. Review them before the trip.
- Alcohol is for guests of legal drinking age only, and stadium rules apply once you leave the lot.
- Pickup after the game happens at the bus parking location. Agree on a meeting time before you head in.
Rules can change from season to season, so check Notre Dame’s official game day information before your trip. Tell us about your parking plans and we will work around them.
Vehicle Size by Group
| Group Size | Vehicle | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 | Lincoln MKT stretch limo | Families and small friend groups |
| Up to 14 | Party Sprinter | Alumni groups and tailgate crews |
| Up to 18 | Hummer limo | A celebratory ride |
| Up to 30 | Freightliner party bus | Larger groups who want a party atmosphere |
| 35 to 57 | Coach bus | Clubs, churches and alumni chapters |
For help choosing, read our group transportation vehicle guide or see the full fleet.
Cost Per Person
Game day trips are usually priced as a total for the vehicle, based on hours and distance. To find the cost per person, divide the total quote by the number of riders.
| What Affects the Total | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Larger vehicles cost more in total but often less per person |
| Total hours | Game day trips often run 10 to 14 hours including the tailgate |
| Kickoff time | Night games mean a late return |
| Tolls and parking | Indiana Toll Road tolls and any bus parking fees |
| Popular games | Rivalry games and big weekends book up early |
Fill the seats. The fuller the vehicle, the lower the cost per person. A coach split among 50 riders often costs less per person than a smaller vehicle split among a few.
See our pricing page and charter bus rental cost guide for more detail.
Booking Tips
- Book as soon as the schedule is out. Fall weekends fill quickly.
- Confirm your group size early to choose the right vehicle.
- Share the kickoff time and when you want to start the tailgate.
- Arrange bus parking if a permit is required.
- Set one or two pickup points in the south suburbs.
- Agree on a post-game meeting time before you head into the stadium.
Other road trips your group may like: our Illini game day bus guide and Packers game bus guide.
Get your group to South Bend together.
Send your game date, group size and pickup location for a quote.
Call (312) 446-7505
Get a Quote
Prefer email? Contact our team.
Notre Dame Game Day Bus FAQs
How long is the drive from the south suburbs to Notre Dame?
About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in normal traffic, and longer on game day.
Is Notre Dame in a different time zone?
Yes. South Bend is on Eastern Time, one hour ahead of Chicago. Kickoff times are listed in Eastern Time.
When should we leave for a tailgate?
About 4 to 5 hours before kickoff, Chicago time, for a 2 to 3 hour tailgate.
Where does the bus park on game day?
Buses usually use designated lots, and some need a permit. Check Notre Dame’s game day information and share your plans with us.
What vehicle is best for 25 people?
A party bus seats up to 30. For 35 or more, choose a coach bus.
How do I work out cost per person?
Divide the total quote by the number of riders. Fuller vehicles mean lower costs per person.
Can we bring tailgate food and drinks?
Yes, within our vehicle policies and the university’s tailgating rules. Alcohol is for guests of legal drinking age only.
Go Irish, Leave the Driving to Us
A Notre Dame game day bus from the Chicago south suburbs keeps your group together, handles the time zone math and gets everyone home safely after the game. Book early for the biggest games of the season.
Emily’s Limousine Service provides sporting event transportation across Chicagoland. Call (312) 446-7505 to book.
