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
$92
1 night at 3-star hotel
Bloomington in November
Estimated hotel price
$92
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, Delta and Qatar Airways. The shortest domestic flight to Bloomington departs from Chicago and takes around 1h 05m.

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 Turo, 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, Delta and Qatar Airways. The shortest domestic flight to Bloomington departs from Chicago and takes around 1h 05m.

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 Turo, 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

Lufthansa
Good (8,004 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,517 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,982 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,453 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,588 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,730 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,571 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,724 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,822 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,217 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,509 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,579 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (1,037 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (688 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,656 reviews)
Breeze Airways
Excellent (284 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,336 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (645 reviews)
Allegiant Air
Good (709 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 Ramada Limited Bloomington.

Where to stay in popular areas of Bloomington

Most booked hotels in Bloomington

See all
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington
4 stars
Excellent (9, 366 reviews)
$98+
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Home2 Suites By Hilton Bloomington Normal
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 76 reviews)
$147+
View
Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Ctr, Trademark by Wyndham
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 713 reviews)
$85+
View
Hyatt Place Bloomington / Normal
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 662 reviews)
$110+
View
Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal
3 stars
Excellent (8, 483 reviews)
$88+
View
Chateau Hotel and Conference Center
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1514 reviews)
$77+
View

Renting a car in Bloomington

Renting a car in Bloomington costs $69 per day, on average, or $138 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, 12% more expensive than at Bloomington-Normal.

Expect to pay $4.77 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 $57.24 and $76.31. The most frequently booked car type in Bloomington is Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Spark or similar) are, on average, 52% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Bloomington costs $69 per day, on average, or $138 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, 12% more expensive than at Bloomington-Normal.

Expect to pay $4.77 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 $57.24 and $76.31. The most frequently booked car type in Bloomington is Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Spark or similar) are, on average, 52% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Bloomington

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$41/day

Supplier choice

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$42/day

Intermediate
Find car rentals in Bloomington