How to Get There

DeKalb County is a mix of small cities and townships, suburban neighborhoods and rural farmland, so many of our residents rely on cars to get around. However, bike paths and public transit provide other transportation options within and around DeKalb and Sycamore.

Cars and Parking

Free or inexpensive parking is available throughout the City of DeKalb, City of Sycamore and other surrounding towns. Sycamore, IL, is known for the nostalgic charm of their old-fashioned parking meters, where you can park for 12 minutes for a penny, while parking in downtown DeKalb is free.

Bike Lanes and Trails

Bike trails, lanes and neighborhood streets enable biking and walking for exercise and transportation. Check out the DeKalb/Sycamore bike map to see the dozens of miles of trails. Although not clear on the map, the trail goes right through one edge of the NIU campus.

ADA Paratransit Services

The City of DeKalb provides origin-to-destination transportation services for people with disabilities and senior citizens who are unable to use the city's Huskie Line bus service. The services are available as long as the journey begins and ends within the DeKalb Urbanized Area, which includes the Cities of DeKalb and Sycamore, as well as Cortland. Eligible users of the ADA paratransit service should make reservations at least one day in advance and are able to request reservations up to seven days in advance.

Non-emergency medical transportation is also available for all residents.

Busing

Check out the City of DeKalb transportation website for more details about local bus service, including schedules and fees, as well as bus and train service to nearby cities.

Local Bus Service

NIU, Voluntary Action Center (VAC) and the City of DeKalb have joined forces to offer comprehensive bus routes, reliable schedules and low fares. View schedules and fares on the City of DeKalb transit site.

Greyhound Bus Service

Greyhound bus service arrives and departs from the NIU Holmes Student Center, with twice daily routes between DeKalb, Chicago and Davenport, Iowa.

Elburn Train Station and Shuttle Service

The nearest train station to travel to and from Chicago is located in Elburn, IL, 15 miles east of DeKalb. The Chicago Metra (Union Pacific West) has multiple trains daily, with stops in various western suburbs and Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center.

Route 12 of the DeKalb Huskie Line Bus Service offers transit to and from the Elburn train station on a schedule that corresponds to the NIU Academic Calendar. View more information about Elburn shuttle schedules and tickets.

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