Evanston travel guide

Evanston Tourism | Evanston Guide

You're Going to Love Evanston

With a population of 74,486, Evanston is a must-see destination in Illinois, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Evanston deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Evanston

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Stained Glass (1735 Benson Avenue) and Oceanique (505 Main St) are great picks.

When to visit Evanston

Evanston in January
Estimated hotel price
$125
1 night at 3-star hotel
Evanston in January
Estimated hotel price
$125
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Evanston

Plane

When flying to Evanston, you’ll arrive at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD), which is located 12 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Evanston departs from New York and takes around 2h 36m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Evanston. The train journey from Evanston to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $20 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from South Bend, expect to pay about $26 for a 2h 05m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Evanston is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 12 miles from Evanston. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Evanston, including Bus, Amtrak and Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Evanston takes 80 miles and will cost you around $76. From Milwaukee, the ticket costs about $38 for a journey of 95 miles.

Plane

When flying to Evanston, you’ll arrive at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD), which is located 12 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Evanston departs from New York and takes around 2h 36m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Evanston. The train journey from Evanston to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $20 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from South Bend, expect to pay about $26 for a 2h 05m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Evanston is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 12 miles from Evanston. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Evanston, including Bus, Amtrak and Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Evanston takes 80 miles and will cost you around $76. From Milwaukee, the ticket costs about $38 for a journey of 95 miles.

Airports near Evanston

Airlines serving Evanston

Lufthansa
Good (4,689 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,603 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,586 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,106 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,433 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,970 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,968 reviews)
Finnair
Good (857 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (837 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,726 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,586 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,548 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,359 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (757 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (770 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (486 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,324 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (971 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Evanston

Most booked hotels in Evanston

Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 820 reviews)
$205+
The Westin O'Hare
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 398 reviews)
$204+
Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 282 reviews)
$237+
Graduate Evanston
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 668 reviews)
$166+
Hyatt Regency Ohare Chicago
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 969 reviews)
$151+
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 402 reviews)
$169+

Renting a car in Evanston

Renting a car in Evanston costs $65 per day, on average, or $131 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Evanston (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Evanston is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Ford Fusion or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Evanston costs $65 per day, on average, or $131 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Evanston (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Evanston is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Ford Fusion or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.