<p>dfleish summed it up pretty nicely, but I would add a couple things:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Metra is indeed nicer and bit more expensive, but it is also much faster than the Purple Line (albeit when the Purple Line is running express they are about the same.) One factor to consider when taking the Metra, however, is that it terminates at the Ogilve Transportation Center, which can sometimes be a bit inconvenient depending on where you are trying to get to in downtown.<br></li>
</ul>
<p>-Also, to be realistic, I would tack on some additional minutes to dfleishs estimates of the CTA Purple Line commutes. For example, when the train is not running express and a Red Line transfer is required, it is more like 45 minutes, and express is closer to 30. Of course, these times are assuming the trains dont get backed up, which they sometimes do. </p>
<p>-In my opinion, the best way to get into Chicago is the intercampus shuttle, for a variety of reasons. First, its free. Second, its only NU students, faculty, and staff, so one doesnt need to deal with the crap that sometimes goes on inside a CTA train. Third, it is a scenic trip along Lakeshore Drive. And fourth, it drops off at the NU Chicago campus, just off the Magnificent Mile and close to most anything you would likely want to get to.</p>