THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take the hassle out of Game Day with the Irish Express bus from Chicago to Notre Dame. Enjoy comfy coach rides, soft drinks, and plenty of time to tailgate before kickoff.
Take the hassle out of Game Day with the Irish Express bus from Chicago to Notre Dame. Enjoy comfy coach rides, soft drinks, and plenty of time to tailgate before kickoff.
Book with Gameday
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gameday · South Bend, Indiana
Get ready for an unforgettable Game Day experience with the Irish Express, your premier transportation option from Chicago to the heart of South Bend, Indiana. This exclusive bus-only trip offers fans a comfortable and hassle-free journey to catch the Notre Dame vs. Purdue game. Enjoy plush coach seating with complimentary soft drinks as you travel, ensuring you arrive refreshed and ready to dive into one of college football's most electric atmospheres. Arriving three hours before kickoff gives you ample time to soak in the vibrant tailgating scene surrounding Notre Dame’s stadium, where excitement builds and traditions come alive. After the final whistle, kick back during the relaxing return ride to Chicago, complete with snacks to keep the good vibes going. Perfect for fans who want to avoid parking struggles and traffic, the Irish Express delivers convenience, comfort, and spirited camaraderie all in one trip. Whether it’s your first time at Notre Dame or a returning fan’s cherished tradition, this bus experience adds a layer of ease and fun to an epic college football weekend.
easy.
7–9 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity mainly involves sitting during transit and light walking at the stadium.
The bus typically departs about five hours before kickoff to allow time for travel and tailgating.
Soft drinks are provided on the way to the game, and snacks are offered on the return trip.
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, but alcohol is not permitted on the bus.
No, the Irish Express service does not include parking since transportation is provided by coach bus.
Please contact Gameday directly to confirm accessibility options prior to booking.
In case of postponements or cancellations, Gameday will notify all passengers regarding rescheduling or refunds.
Notre Dame’s football tradition dates back to 1887, making it one of the most storied programs in college sports.
Efforts are ongoing in South Bend to maintain green spaces and reduce waste during large events like football games.
Gameday is a Madison, Wisconsin company that organizes game day and tailgate experiences for college and professional football events. It offers curated packages for Regent Street tailgates in Madison and tented tailgate lots at Soldier Field in Chicago, plus transportation options such as the Irish Express coach trips to Notre Dame. Gameday's packages range from compact setups to full-service tailgate spaces with seating, tables, coolers, and entertainment items. Packages include the Custom, Varsity, MVP, Hall of Fame, All-Star, Playoff, Kickoff, Championship, and specific Irish Express options, covering both Regent Street and Soldier Field offerings. Each package lists core amenities—tented spaces sized between 10’x10’ and 20’x20’, folding chairs, six-foot tables with linens, coolers, and optional cornhole sets—providing clear, practical offerings for groups of varying sizes. Gameday coordinates logistics such as reserved tented space, seating counts, and transport departures from locations like Guinness Open Gate Brewery for bus trips. The company focuses on delivering stress-free game day experiences by handling setup details and group transport so attendees can focus on the event. Gameday works with established venues in Madison and Chicago and publishes specific package contents to set expectations. Prospective customers can evaluate options by comparing package sizes and included amenities. Detailed package summaries and clear amenity lists allow groups to select appropriate options for budgets, group sizes, and travel preferences with confidence, including year-round event coordination.
Book with Gameday