Spring 2024 -- Construction on the completion of the final leg of Interstate 69 between Indianapolis and Martinsville continues. If you're driving south to Bloomington on SR-37 / I-69, click here for maps, updates, and more information.

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