Car Rental - Bloomington

 

Rent a car in Bloomington to explore McLean County and the wider Midwest. Set in the heart of Central Illinois, Bloomington is within easy reach of Chicago, Peoria and St Louis on the Missouri border.

From Abraham Lincoln to the nostalgia of Route 66, Bloomington Illinois is American to its core. The city was along the original Route 66 as it cut its path across America towards LA. And, driving into Bloomington today, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained, including 18-hole golf courses, pretty parks and gardens, and museums housed in restored Victorian mansions. Families will love the Children’s Discovery Museum and Grady’s Family Fun Park, while the McLean County Museum of History showcases the county’s rich past. Collect your Bloomington rental car from one of our pick-up locations in the city, including Central Illinois Regional Airport.

Choose a comfy SUV which fits the whole family or a large luxury sedan for style and extra space.

Reserve your rental car in Bloomington with Hertz today.  

Bloomington Locations

A Quick Guide to Bloomington

McLean County Museum of History

200 North Main Street, IL, 61701

Housed in the old McLean County Courthouse, this local museum showcases more than 20,000 historic artefacts across seven interactive exhibits. Experience life in Illinois during the 19th century and learn about Abraham Lincoln’s time as an attorney in McLean County. Hop in a holiday car rental and bring your loved ones for this Bloomington treat. 

Grady’s Family Fun Park

1501 Morrissey Drive, IL, 61701

Get ready, get set for an action-packed day out at Grady’s Family Fun Park. You’ll find attractions for all ages, from high-flying fairground rides to kiddie coasters and a junior Ferris wheel. There’s go-karting, mini golf and bumper cars too.

Prairie Vista Golf Course

502 West Hamilton Road, IL, 61704

Whether it’s your first time on the fairway or you’re a seasoned pro, this 18-hole course suits golfers of all levels. Well-kept greens make for smooth playing, while water hazards are a welcome challenge. Play a round with friends or practice your swing on the driving range.

Residence Inn by Marriott Bloomington

2160 Ireland Grove Road, IL, 61704

Featuring spacious studios and stylish one or two-bedroom suites, this modern hotel is fully equipped for your stay in Bloomington. Enjoy cooking in the comfort of your own room or head to the lobby for a complimentary breakfast buffet. There’s an indoor saltwater swimming pool too for early morning laps or an afternoon dip. Relax here after a long day spent driving your rental car in Bloomington.

Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

201 Broadway, IL, 61761

Stay a stone’s throw from Illinois State University in the town of Normal at this Four Diamond hotel. With its exceptional conference facilities, 24-hour fitness center, indoor swimming pool and on-site grill house, this hotel is ideal for both business guests and holidaymakers.

Vrooman Mansion

701 East Taylor Street, IL, 61701

Nestled in a prime location in Bloomington, this historic bed and breakfast in a 19th century mansion showcases period-style rooms with modern comforts. Settle into luxury linens at night and wake to the scents of a fresh gourmet breakfast.

Epiphany Farms Restaurant

220 East Front Street, IL, 61701

Experience farm-to-table dining at the flagship restaurant of Epiphany Farms Hospitality Group. Start with the Beyond Cornbread topped with house-smoked bacon and caramelized sprouts, followed by the chef’s daily pork feature with roasted garlic mash, using hogs raised at the farm. 

Baxter’s American Grill

3212 East Empire Street, IL, 61704

Opposite Central Illinois Regional Airport, Baxter’s American Grill serves steak and seafood classics for a laidback lunch or casual dinner. Enjoy the signature prime rib with a side of hand-cut chips or the spicy seafood jambalaya to set your tastebuds tingling. Bring your Bloomington business colleagues here in a sleek Hertz car rental. 

Lucca Grill

116 East Market Street, IL, 61701

Lucca Grill has offered a warm welcome to families, friends and visitors since 1936. While the antique bar and tin ceiling are reminiscent of 1930s America, the authentic menu transports you to the backstreets of Bologna. Try the original A La Baldini pizza or a classic lasagna with homemade meat sauce.

Driving In and Around Bloomington

  • Market Street Deck (61701) has around 550 spaces in downtown Bloomington, plus free all-day parking on weekends for your holiday or business car rental.
  • Lincoln Deck (61701) is situated on the corner of Front Street and East Street. Enjoy a short walk to the McLean County Museum of History and the Bloomington Ice Center.
  • You’ll also find more than 500 on-street parking spaces in Downtown. Time limits may apply, so make sure you check the signs for any parking restrictions.

 

  • Interstate 74 (I-74) runs along the western edge of the city, offering direct access to Peoria. Renting a car in Bloomington makes it much easier to travel.
  • Interstate 55 (I-55) starts in Chicago and heads south through Bloomington to St Louis – and beyond.
  • Illinois Route 9 (IL-9) passes east to west across the state, from the Indiana border to Iowa. It also links downtown Bloomington to the local airport.

 

How to Get From Bloomington to Chicago

It takes around two hours to drive from Bloomington to Chicago with your rental car:

  1. Head north on Main Street for around three miles.
  2. Use the right lane to follow the slip road and merge on to I-55 North.
  3. Continue along I-55 N for 127 miles and take Exit 293A towards Chinatown.
  4. Turn right on to West Cermak Road and then take a left on to South Clark Street.
  5. Head north along Clark Street until you arrive in downtown Chicago.  

 

How to Get From Central Illinois Regional Airport to Bloomington

Downtown is around a 15-minute drive from Central Illinois Regional Airport. Just leave the car rental parking lot via Cira Drive and turn left on to IL-9. Continue straight on to East Empire Street, then take a left at Main Street into the heart of Bloomington. 

 

BESbswy