South Bend Regional Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

South Bend International is a small regional airport, about 15 minutes from the Notre Dame campus and downtown: there's no need to choose too carefully, the distances are minimal. Travelers arriving or departing at odd hours can stay right across from the terminal. Most visitors, though, are here for Notre Dame: on game weekends it pays to book early and sleep as close to the campus as possible. Those who prefer a more urban atmosphere will find alternatives in historic downtown South Bend.

Airport area

About 1 km from the terminal, a few minutes on foot or by shuttle.

Best for: Travelers with a flight at an odd hour who have no plans tied to Notre Dame.

Pros

A few minutes' walk from the terminal
Free on-site parking

Cons

Industrial area, no restaurants within walking distance
15 minutes by car from Notre Dame and downtown

Recommended hotels in this area

Candlewood Suites South Bend Airport by IHG: A kilometer from the terminal, with an in-room kitchen for anyone staying more than one night.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Bend: Right across from the terminal, just across the road from the airport.

See more hotels in this area →

Notre Dame and campus

Neighbourhood · About 15 minutes by car or taxi from the terminal.

Best for: Travelers visiting the university, attending a game or accompanying a ceremony on campus.

Pros

Some hotels are inside or a step from the campus
University atmosphere with plenty of events all year round

Cons

Rates much higher on game weekends
Needs booking well in advance during football season

Recommended hotels in this area

Morris Inn: The only hotel inside the Notre Dame campus, run directly by the university.
The Oliver Inn: An 1880 Victorian villa with a full breakfast, a few minutes from the campus and downtown.
Homewood Suites by Hilton South Bend Notre Dame Area: Suites with a kitchen and free breakfast, five minutes from the campus.

See more hotels in this area →

Downtown South Bend

City centre · About 10 minutes by car or taxi from the terminal, on the way to Notre Dame.

Best for: Travelers who prefer a more urban atmosphere, with restaurants and bars within walking distance.

Pros

Walking distance to downtown restaurants and bars
Less than 10 minutes from both the airport and the campus

Cons

Fewer hotel options than the Notre Dame area
University weekends make the bars noisier

Recommended hotels in this area

Aloft South Bend: Modern design in the heart of downtown, a convenient midpoint between airport and campus.
Courtyard by Marriott South Bend Downtown: Indoor pool and a gym open 24 hours, in the city's historic downtown.

See more hotels in this area →