Getting to Bloomington
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Bloomington is located in the heart of the Midwest, in one of the region's most picturesque areas. Conveniently located within a day's drive of over half of the U.S. population, Bloomington is a great place to visit and an easy place to get to. Home to Indiana University and made famous by the 1979 movie "Breaking Away," Bloomington is bicycle and pedestrian friendly, through several other modes of transportation are also available.
Getting to Bloomington
Highway Access
Bloomington can be accessed from two major highways; Interstate 69 which runs north-south from Indianapolis in the north to Interstate 64 in the south and Indiana State Road 46, which runs east-west from Columbus in the east to Terre Haute in the west. Several Interstates are easily accessed from these two highways, making Bloomington a great driving destination.
Air Service
Licensed pilots with private aircraft can fly directly into the Monroe County Airport, located west of Bloomington. For the rest of us, primary air service to Bloomington is provided by the award-winning Indianapolis International Airport, located just 50 miles to the north. The Indianapolis International Airport is served by all the major airlines.
Passengers traveling on to Bloomington can easily find rental car or shuttle services to and from the Indianapolis International Airport.
Shuttle Service
Go Express Travel (800) 589-6004 provides superior ground transportation services throughout Indiana and the Chicagoland area. Go Express offers immaculate vehicles including limos and motorcoaches driven by professional chauffeurs. Go Express offers daily shuttle service to and from the Indianapolis International Airport.
Rental Cars
Several major rental car companies are available both in Bloomington and at the Indianapolis International Airport, for visitors who are traveling by air.
Getting Around Bloomington
Bus Service
Bloomington Transit (812) 336-7433 Uptown, downtown, cross town and around town, the best way to get there is Bloomington Transit. Several routes run daily, in town and on campus. Main passenger transfer terminal is located at the corner of Third and Walnut Streets.
Rural Transit (812) 876-1079 A service of the Area 10 Agency on Aging, Rural Transit offers bus service to everyone from Monroe, Owen, Lawrence and Putnam counties. You can ride no matter your age or physical abilities. Routes offers round-trip service between specific points in the counties Monday through Friday.
Campus Bus Service (812) 855-8384 welcomes all individuals associated with the IU Bloomington campus, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. There is no need for IDs, passes, or fares to enjoy our service.
Ride Shares
All major ride-share and scooter rental companies are available in the Bloomington area.
Other mobility options
You can also find a variety of alternative transportation methods for more environmentally-friendly travel at GO Bloomington. Don't forget to familiarize yourself with the parking regulations both on and off-campus before you arrive.
You can pick up a map or get directions from the Bloomington Visitors Center to help you start exploring. Be sure to ask our helpful information specialists for personalized recommendations on where to eat and what to do while you're in town!
Mileage to Bloomington
City | Distance | Drive Time |
Indianapolis, IN | 50 miles | 1 hour |
Fort Wayne, IN | 169 miles | 3.5 hours |
South Bend, IN | 190 miles | 4 hours |
Evansville, IN | 116 miles | 2 hours |
Chicago, IL | 227 miles | 4.5 hours |
Cincinnati, OH | 118 miles | 2.25 hours |
Louisville, KY | 98 miles | 2 hours |
St. Louis, MO | 202 miles | 4 hours |
Detroit, MI | 365 miles | 7.5 hours |