Commuting to DePaul University
Whether you live on or off campus, your time at DePaul will most likely involve traveling around the city. To do so, you will need to know the ins and outs of commuting on the famous “L” system or by bus. It’s also important to know the advantages of the Metra. Use the following information as a guide to getting around the city; you are in for a great ride.
U-Pass
The CTA U-Pass is a transit pass that eligible students can use for unlimited rides anywhere on the CTA system. The U-Pass is valid on CTA-operated bus and rail lines 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The pass is NOT valid during winter break but is valid over spring break. U-Passes will work through the date printed on the U-Pass, as long as students remain eligible. View U-Pass eligibility requirements here.
Metra
Metra is the suburban train line for the Chicago area. It has five hub stations in the downtown Loop area with several lines leading in from the suburbs to Chicago. The two largest Metra Stations in the city are Union Station on Canal between Adams and Jackson and Ogilvie Transportation Center, also on Canal. The trains run seven days a week, with more frequent scheduling during the rush hours. Schedules and ticket information can be found on Metra’s website
PACE
Pace is a suburban transit provider that serves tens of thousands of daily riders with fixed bus routes, vanpools, and dial-a-ride programs. Covering 3,500 square miles, Pace is one of the largest bus services in North America. Visit Pace's website for information.
Active Transportation Alliance
Active Transportation Alliance’s (ATA) goal is to make bicycling, walking, and public transit safe, convenient, and fun to encourage active travel. ATA advocates for transportation that encourages and promotes safety, physical activity, health, recreation, social interaction, equity, environmental stewardship, and resource conservation. Find out more at activetrans.org.
Bike Rentals/Corrals
Campus Recreation offers quality bicycle rentals at a low price right in Lincoln Park. Bike to all your favorite places in Chicago. Campus Recreation is conveniently located just blocks from the 18-mile lakefront trail. You’ll have immediate access to safe bike lanes, leading you to over 150 miles of road to safely explore the city. Unfortunately, every year bicycles are stolen from the Lincoln Park Campus. Give yourself the added protection of parking your bike in a fenced bike corral accessible only to those who have registered for the service. The bicycle corral is located under the north portico of McCabe Hall. You can register by completing this form and sending it to Parking Services. Students are also encouraged to register their bicycles with the Chicago Police Department.
Parking
Lincoln Park Campus
All vehicles using the Lincoln Park Campus parking facilities must display a valid DePaul parking permit. Vehicles that do not display a permit will be towed at the owner’s expense.
- The Sheffield Garage is located at 2331 N. Sheffield Ave.
- The Clifton Parking Garage is located at 2330 N. Clifton Ave.
Parking permits may be purchased at the Payment Center located in Schmitt Academic Center (SAC), 2320 N. Kenmore Ave. Please be advised that many of the streets surrounding the Lincoln Park Campus are designated for permit parking for area residents. Any vehicles parked during the posted times are subject to tow by the City of Chicago.
Loop Campus
DePaul has no parking facilities in the Loop area. However, several private facilities offer discounts for the DePaul community. Visit Demon Discounts for a list of participating parking facilities. Discounted parking is also available with a validated ticket from the security desks in the lobby of the DePaul or Lewis centers or the Daley or CDM buildings.
This information was created by the DePaul University Division of Student Affairs.