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 December
Estimated hotel price
$101
1 night at 3-star hotel
Bloomington in December
Estimated hotel price
$101
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 4 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Bloomington include American Airlines, Qatar Airways and Aeromexico. The shortest domestic flight to Bloomington departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 4h 26m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Bloomington. The train station in Bloomington is called Bloomington Normal, and is located 1.8 miles from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Bloomington is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 119 miles from Bloomington. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Bloomington Normal - Greyhound Bus Station, located 0.4 miles from downtown Bloomington. Bloomington Pilot Travel Center is also a commonly used station, and is 1.3 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Bloomington, you’ll arrive at Bloomington-Normal (BMI), which is located 4 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Bloomington include American Airlines, Qatar Airways and Aeromexico. The shortest domestic flight to Bloomington departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 4h 26m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Bloomington. The train station in Bloomington is called Bloomington Normal, and is located 1.8 miles from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Bloomington is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 119 miles from Bloomington. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Bloomington Normal - Greyhound Bus Station, located 0.4 miles from downtown Bloomington. Bloomington Pilot Travel Center is also a commonly used station, and is 1.3 miles from the city center.

Airports near Bloomington

PIAGreater Peoria
SPISpringfield Capital
BMIBloomington-Normal

Airlines serving Bloomington

KLM
Good (1,412 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,579 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,003 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,534 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,026 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,664 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,419 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,493 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,623 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,167 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,660 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,566 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (942 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (673 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,046 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (533 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,167 reviews)
Breeze Airways
Excellent (235 reviews)
Allegiant Air
Good (700 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 (8.8, 344 reviews)
$104+
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Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Ctr, Trademark by Wyndham
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 666 reviews)
$108+
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Hyatt Place Bloomington / Normal
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 638 reviews)
$102+
View
Country Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal Airport
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1388 reviews)
$81+
View
Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 280 reviews)
$120+
View
Comfort Suites Normal University area
2 stars
Excellent (8, 195 reviews)
$77+
View

Renting a car in Bloomington

Renting a car in Bloomington costs $67 per day, on average, or $134 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 9% more expensive than at Bloomington-Normal.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Bloomington, while also 61% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Bloomington costs $67 per day, on average, or $134 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 9% more expensive than at Bloomington-Normal.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Bloomington, while also 61% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Bloomington

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$30/day

Supplier choice

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$33/day

Intermediate
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