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

Sterling travel guide

Sterling Tourism | Sterling Guide

You're Going to Love Sterling

With a population of 15,370, Sterling is a must-see destination in Illinois, United States. Sterling deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

When to visit Sterling

Sterling in June
Estimated hotel price
$101
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sterling in June
Estimated hotel price
$101
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Sterling

Plane

Although Sterling doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Moline Quad-City (MLI), which is located 48 miles from Sterling. Chicago O'Hare Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sterling departs from Nashville and takes around 1h 43m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Sterling. The train journey from Sterling to Miami takes 0h 21m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Milwaukee, expect to pay about $21 for a 1h 19m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Sterling is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 107 miles from Sterling. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Sterling, including Amtrak, Greyhound and FlixBus. From Monona, the bus ride to Sterling takes 210 miles and will cost you around $43. From Indianapolis, the ticket costs about $112 for a journey of 220 miles.

Plane

Although Sterling doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Moline Quad-City (MLI), which is located 48 miles from Sterling. Chicago O'Hare Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sterling departs from Nashville and takes around 1h 43m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Sterling. The train journey from Sterling to Miami takes 0h 21m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Milwaukee, expect to pay about $21 for a 1h 19m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Sterling is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 107 miles from Sterling. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Sterling, including Amtrak, Greyhound and FlixBus. From Monona, the bus ride to Sterling takes 210 miles and will cost you around $43. From Indianapolis, the ticket costs about $112 for a journey of 220 miles.

Airports near Sterling

ORDChicago O'Hare Intl
MSNMadison Truax Field
MLIMoline Quad-City

Airlines serving Sterling

Lufthansa
Good (7,061 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,337 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,870 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,943 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,590 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,793 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,710 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,448 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (781 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,710 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,224 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,567 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,280 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,351 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,071 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,993 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,276 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,862 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,205 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Sterling

Most booked hotels in Sterling

See all
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rock Falls
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, 152 reviews)
$165+
View
Paddle Wheel Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 352 reviews)
$79+
View
Super 8 by Wyndham Rock Falls Sterling Area
2 stars
Good (6.7, 194 reviews)
$71+
View
Quality Inn and Suites Dixon near I-88
2 stars
Good (6.5, 238 reviews)
$122+
View
Super 8 by Wyndham Dixon
2 stars
Good (6.2, 176 reviews)
$82+
View

Renting a car in Sterling

Expect to pay $3.48 per gallon in Sterling (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $41.79 and $55.72.

Expect to pay $3.48 per gallon in Sterling (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $41.79 and $55.72.

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