Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Bloomington travel guide

Bloomington Tourism | Bloomington Guide

You're Going to Love Bloomington

With a population of 76.610, Bloomington is a must-see destination in Illinois, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Bloomington deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Bloomington

If you’re looking for affordable options, Baxters American Grille (3212 E Empire St) and Revery (704 McGregor St) are great picks.

When to visit Bloomington

Bloomington in November
Estimated hotel price
$93
1 night at 3-star hotel
Bloomington in November
Estimated hotel price
$93
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Bloomington in July, when the average temperature is 75.2 °F, and the highest can go up to 87.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 19.4 °F, with an average temperature of 26.6 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in May, when precipitation is around 3.9″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Bloomington, with an average rainfall of 1.6″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Bloomington

Plane

When flying to Bloomington, you’ll arrive at Bloomington-Normal (BMI), which is located 7 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Bloomington include American Airlines, Qatar Airways and Korean Air. The shortest domestic flight to Bloomington departs from Memphis and takes around 4h 46m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Bloomington. The train station in Bloomington is called Bloomington Normal, and is located 2.9 km from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Bloomington is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 192 km from Bloomington. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Europcar, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Bloomington Normal - Greyhound Bus Station, located 0.7 km from downtown Bloomington. Bloomington Pilot Travel Center is also a commonly used station, and is 2.0 km from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Bloomington, you’ll arrive at Bloomington-Normal (BMI), which is located 7 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Bloomington include American Airlines, Qatar Airways and Korean Air. The shortest domestic flight to Bloomington departs from Memphis and takes around 4h 46m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Bloomington. The train station in Bloomington is called Bloomington Normal, and is located 2.9 km from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Bloomington is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 192 km from Bloomington. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Europcar, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Bloomington Normal - Greyhound Bus Station, located 0.7 km from downtown Bloomington. Bloomington Pilot Travel Center is also a commonly used station, and is 2.0 km from the city center.

Airports near Bloomington

PIAGreater Peoria
SPISpringfield Capital
BMIBloomington-Normal

Airlines serving Bloomington

KLM
Good (1,440 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,719 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,684 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,058 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,166 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,715 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,522 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,469 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,685 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,187 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,596 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,559 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (971 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (678 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,244 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (572 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,144 reviews)
Breeze Airways
Excellent (258 reviews)
Allegiant Air
Good (702 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Bloomington

Where to stay in Bloomington

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Comfort Suites Bloomington I-55 and I-74 and Hampton Inn Bloomington-West.

Where to stay in popular areas of Bloomington

Most booked hotels in Bloomington

See all
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 359 reviews)
$108+
View
Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Ctr, Trademark by Wyndham
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 684 reviews)
$98+
View
Hyatt Place Bloomington / Normal
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 644 reviews)
$105+
View
Country Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal Airport
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1396 reviews)
$84+
View
Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 281 reviews)
$123+
View
Chateau Hotel and Conference Center
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1438 reviews)
$72+
View

Renting a car in Bloomington

Renting a car in Bloomington costs $62 per day, on average, or $125 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 16% cheaper than airport locations in Bloomington.

Expect to pay $3.14 per gallon in Bloomington (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $37.70 and $50.27. The most frequently booked car type in Bloomington is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Class Compact SUV or similar) are, on average, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Bloomington costs $62 per day, on average, or $125 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 16% cheaper than airport locations in Bloomington.

Expect to pay $3.14 per gallon in Bloomington (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $37.70 and $50.27. The most frequently booked car type in Bloomington is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Class Compact SUV or similar) are, on average, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Bloomington

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$27/day

Intermediate

Full-size

5 Adults, 2 Bags

$40/day

Full-size
Find car rentals in Bloomington