Airport & Driving Info
WHERE WE ARE
Shipshewana, Indiana is about 11 miles south of the Michigan state line in northern Indiana, 140 miles east of Chicago and about 130 miles north of Indianapolis, Indiana. It is accessible from the Indiana Toll Road Interstate 80/90, Interstate 69, U.S. Highways 6, 20, 33 and State Roads 5, 9, 13, and 120. Traveling by independent car to the destination is easy, safe and convenient.
DRIVING DISTANCE TO SHIPSHEWANA
Chicago, IL : 2 hours
Indianapolis : 2 hours
Detroit, MI : 3 hours
SATW will provide a limited transportation service from the South Bend Airport (SBN) to Shipshewana on Tuesday, 4/28/2026 and from Shipshewana (Blue Gate Garden Inn) to SBN on Friday, 5/1/2026, with the following stipulations:
- Flights must have scheduled landing times at SBN between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on 4/28/26.
- There will be two departures from SBN to Shipshewana during those times. Specific departure times will be arranged based upon majority of flight arrivals. Attendees will be notified in advance of their assigned shuttle time departing SBN for Shipshewana.
Shuttles FROM Shipshewana returning to SBN on Friday, 5/1/2026 will depart between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. EST. One departure time will be established to accommodate attendees flight departure times.
- Attendees have flexibility when scheduling their return flights; however, we anticipate the return shuttle will depart Shipshewana very early to accommodate a.m. departures. If you book a late morning or afternoon flight, we’ll be happy to arrange your shuttle but you’ll have a long wait at the airport.
- Participants must advise Visit Shipshewana of their firm travel plans by 3/1/2026 to be eligible for the shuttle.
- Participants scheduling flights outside of our arrival window or responding late may not be eligible for the shuttle and are responsible for securing their own transportation to Shipshewana.
- Final confirmations of assigned shuttle times will be confirmed with attendees no later than March 27, 2026
South Bend International Airport
SBN is close and convenient to the entire Northern Indiana region. Daily flights make travel in and out of Indiana easy. Just 54 minutes from Shipshewana.
Find out all about the South Bend International Airport, including rental car providers at: https://flysbn.com/
Additional Transportation to and from Shipshewana
Train and bus information:
If you would like to explore flying into the Chicago-area airports and taking the train to South Bend, here are options. Big thanks to Laurie Borman for doing the research on this. Please ensure you verify all information before booking, as this is always subject to change.
If you are taking the bus or train to South Bend with the intention of meeting our shuttle driver at SBN, you are responsible for ensuring your arrival and departure times align with the above window and that you advise us of your travel plans by 3/1/2026. If you schedule your travel outside of this window or fail to notify us by March 1, 2026, we cannot guarantee space on the shuttle. In this case, you will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the airport, bus or train station.
O’Hare to South Bend Airport via South Shore train
How: TransitChicago.com Take Blue Line El to Randolph St, walk east to Millennium Park station (underground) at Randolph and Michigan.,
Mysouthshore.com. Take South Shore to South Bend Airport.
Cost: $2.50 each way on the El, $15.75 one way for the train,
Time: About 3 hours on the train, plus 45 minutes on the Blue Line
Why: A little longer ride than the bus, but more scenic and less expensive. And roomier seating than a plane.
O’Hare Airport to South Bend Airport via bus
How: TransitChicago.com Take Blue Line El to Chicago Bus Station, 630 W. Harrison. Take Greyhound to South Bend.
Cost: $2.75 each way on the El, $33 for the bus.
Time: Two hours, 10 minutes on the bus, 45 minutes on the el.
Why: A bit faster than the train, but not as scenic.
Chicago Midway to South Bend Airport via South Shore train
How: TransitChicago.com. Take Orange Line El to Randolph St. walk east to Millennium Park station (underground) at Randolph and Michigan.,
Mysouthshore.com. Take South Shore to South Bend Airport.
Cost: $2.50 each way on the El, $15.75 one way for the train,
Time: About 3 hours on the train, plus 45 minutes on the Orange Line
Why: A little longer ride than the bus, but more scenic and less expensive. And roomier seating than a plane.
Chicago Midway to South Bend Airport via bus
How: TransitChicago.com. Take Orange Line El to Jackson St., switch to Blue Line, then Blue Line to 630 W. Harrison.
Cost: $2.75 each way on the El, $33 for the bus.
Time: Two hours, 10 minutes on the bus, 45 minutes on the el.
Why: A little longer ride than the bus, but more scenic and less expensive. And roomier seating than a plane.
All pricing above is subject to change.
Taking Amtrak to Union Station?
See transitChicago.com for a trip planner on getting to either the bus or South Shore.
Park and Ride Options
Anyone interested in carpooling from a nearby airport is welcome to work with fellow meeting attendees on their own. Our chapter’s Facebook group is a great way to initiate these conversations.
Here are some distance basics to help you plan. It’s on you to research parking options and other details.
- Indianapolis to Shipshewana – 174 miles
- Fort Wayne to Shipshewana – 54 miles
- Chicago O’Hare to Shipshewana – 157 miles
- Chicago Midway to Shipshewana – 137 miles
Amish Country Tips:
- Take it Slow! Watch for buggies, pedestrians and bicyclists on the roads. Some roads are bumpier than others and may be gravel, all of which require slower driving, but add to the cultural experience.
- Stop and enjoy! You’ll pass by LOTS of great roadside stands, Amish Cottage shops and Barn Quilts, perfect for an Amish Country Adventure.
- Plan! Store hours in Amish Country may vary. Amish- owned businesses have limited hours, are closed after 5 and are closed on Sunday for them to be with their family.
- Understand the Grid! Road names and numbers can be confusing. Road names are based on the distance in miles from US 20 and State Road 9 (SR 9)
- The East & West roads are east and west of SR 9. The North & South roads are north and south of US 20.
