Transportation Services

Campus Shuttle

A campus shuttle is available to students, faculty, and staff that is handicap accessible and operates as an on-demand service.  There are conveniently located, prearranged areas (bus stops) throughout campus for you to choose from.  The shuttle is in operation while classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters.  Campus shuttle operations are suspended during the summer term.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday

7:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Saturday/Sunday

6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

To use the campus shuttle, we encourage you to download the Valpo Transit Tracker app.  This app allows you to request a ride on the shuttle.  Once you “Check-In” on the app, our driver on shift will be notified and will arrive soon thereafter.  You can track the shuttle using the app and view the other stops that have riders waiting as well.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Parking & Transportation Office at parking@valpo.edu or 219.464.5131.

Transportation Service Uses

• Transport of students and staff within campus boundaries.
• Transport of students to and/or from local medical offices.
• Transport those affiliated with campus activities to local special event locations.
• If you need transportation to an off-campus medical facility, please contact the Parking & Transportation Office (219.464.5131 or parking@valpo.edu) to schedule a transport.

**NOTE:  The Transportation Service cannot transport any person in need of emergency medical attention.  If a person is in need of emergency medical attention, contact VUPD at 219.464.5430 or 911. **

Accommodation Transportation

If a student, faculty, or staff member is in need of transportation throughout campus given certain circumstances (i.e., injury, medical condition, etc.), they can place a request for accommodation transportation.  Campus members who require accommodation transportation must receive authorization from the Access and Accommodations Resource Center on campus.  The AARC can be contacted at 219.464.5456 or aarc@valpo.edu.

Off-Campus Transportation

There are several off-campus transportation options when seeking to travel in/around the city of Valparaiso or to one of the airports in the area.  Those methods of transportation are provided below:

V-Line

The V-Line is a bus service that is operated by the city of Valparaiso.  This service provides transportation throughout the city of Valparaiso; providing access to shopping, restaurants, activities/entertainment, etc.  The V-Line is free for Valparaiso University students when they present their OneCard upon boarding the bus.  There are a number of service lines/routes designated by color.  The Brown Route services campus and stops at the Harre Union.

ChicaGo DASH

The ChicaGo Dash is an express commuter bus service from Downtown Valparaiso to Downtown Chicago. Utilizing 53-passenger coach buses, the DASH allows you to travel in comfort to the vast employment, shopping, and educational opportunities of Chicago without the hassles of the traditional suburban commute. Lavatories, WI-FI, free parking, and even bike racks are just some of the great features offered by the DASH. Follow the links on the sidebar for more information.

Midway or O’Hare Airports (Chicago, IL)

The most direct means of accessing Midway or O’Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois is via Express Air Coach, which is a commercial bus service.  Express Air Coach has a stop in Hammond, Indiana which is about 40 minutes from campus.  This bus service will take you directly to the airport.

An alternate, more economical option requires several modes of transportation; which involves taking a train into downtown Chicago, followed by Chicago’s subway system.  First you will need to access the South Shore Train.  The closest train station to campus is the Dune Park Station, which is located just outside of Chesterton, Indiana.  The South Shore Train provides service both east and westbound, but for purposes of heading to Chicago, the westbound train terminates at Millennium Station in downtown Chicago.

Accessing the Dune Park Station from campus can be accomplished via the South Shore Connect, which is a bus service that stops at the intersection of University Drive/LaPorte Avenue, next to Beacon Hall.  After taking the South Shore Connect and boarding the South Shore Train, you will ride the train to the end of the line, which is Millennium Station.  Upon arriving at Millennium Station you will then be required to take Chicago’s subway system, called the “L” as it operates primarily on an elevated platform, unlike most subway systems which are below street level.  The L is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

The nearest L station is within a 5-10 minute walk from Millennium Station.  The L has different routes that are designated according to color.  The Orange Route will provide service to Midway Airport.  Meanwhile, the Blue Route is needed to access O’Hare Airport.  An alternative to taking the L would be a ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft.

South Bend Airport (South Bend, IN)

The South Bend Airport can be accessed from campus by the South Shore Train.  The closest train station to campus is the Dune Park Station, which is located just outside of Chesterton, Indiana.  The South Shore Train provides service eastbound to South Bend and westbound to Millennium Station in downtown Chicago, Illinois.  Accessing the Dune Park Station can be accomplished via the South Shore Connect, which is a bus service that stops at the intersection of University Drive/LaPorte Avenue, next to Beacon Hall.