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, Biaggi's - Bloomington (1501 North Veterans Parkway) and DESTIHL-Normal (318 Towanda Ave) are great picks.

When to visit Bloomington

Bloomington in November
Estimated hotel price
$95
1 night at 3-star hotel
Bloomington in November
Estimated hotel price
$95
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 Air France, Aeromexico and Delta. The shortest domestic flight to Bloomington departs from Tampa and takes around 4h 42m.

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 Air France, Aeromexico and Delta. The shortest domestic flight to Bloomington departs from Tampa and takes around 4h 42m.

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

Lufthansa
Good (7,046 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,844 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,933 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,697 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,216 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,464 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,069 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,698 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,415 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (829 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,165 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (643 reviews)
WestJet
Good (2,826 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (472 reviews)
Breeze Airways
Excellent (160 reviews)
Allegiant Air
Good (734 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Bloomington

Where to stay in Bloomington

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Ramada Limited Bloomington and Quality Inn and Suites Bloomington I-55 and I-74.

Where to stay in popular areas of Bloomington

Most booked hotels in Bloomington

See all
Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Ctr, Trademark by Wyndham
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 617 reviews)
$116+
View
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 328 reviews)
$136+
View
Hyatt Place Bloomington / Normal
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 597 reviews)
$134+
View
Country Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal Airport
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1278 reviews)
$97+
View
Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
3 stars
Good (7.9, 258 reviews)
$160+
View
The Chateau Bloomington Hotel and Conference Center
3 stars
Good (7.8, 1302 reviews)
$92+
View

Renting a car in Bloomington

Renting a car in Bloomington costs $75 per day, on average, or $150 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 4% cheaper than airport locations in Bloomington.

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. The most frequently booked car type in Bloomington is Intermediate (Mazda Mazda3 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 40% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Bloomington costs $75 per day, on average, or $150 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 4% cheaper than airport locations in Bloomington.

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. The most frequently booked car type in Bloomington is Intermediate (Mazda Mazda3 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 40% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Bloomington

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$39/day

Intermediate

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$40/day

Supplier choice
Find car rentals in Bloomington

Bloomington Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Bloomington city guide for the best Bloomington travel tips. To help you organize your Bloomington trip ideas, this Bloomington visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.