Overview
Lafayette sits 2 hours southeast of Chicago and 1 hour northwest of Indianapolis, making it a natural mid-point stop on any Indiana road trip. The city shares a metro area with West Lafayette, home to Purdue University with 97,000 combined residents.
History · Nature
Before you go
Connectivity
All major US carriers have coverage. Free WiFi at cafes and hotels. Purdue campus has public WiFi.
Money
USD accepted everywhere. ATMs available downtown and at Purdue. No currency exchange services; use banks for any foreign exchange needs.
Safety
Downtown Lafayette is generally safe. Standard urban precautions apply. College bars near Purdue can get rowdy on weekends.
Transport
Amtrak's Cardinal stops at Lafayette station (200 N 2nd St) twice weekly each direction. Bus #4A serves Tippecanoe Mall. Free trolley runs downtown-W Purdue every 15 min.
Weather
Hot humid summers (75-90°F/24-32°C) and cold winters (20-40°F/-6 to 4°C). Fall brings college football crowds. Check Purdue calendar for reduced bus schedules.