Bloomington Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bloomington

Renting a car in Bloomington, Illinois, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking outdoor experiences. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans to visit key attractions like the Prairie Aviation Museum and McLean County Museum of History, both located within Bloomington. You can also explore the Angler's Lake Conservation Area for a taste of nature.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture into nearby cities, such as Normal, which is just 4 km away, and features attractions like Maxwell Dog Park and the two museums. The city of Shirley is located 10 km from Bloomington and offers similar cultural experiences, while Towanda, 12 km away, also provides access to these notable sites. Having your own vehicle makes it convenient to experience all these destinations without relying on public transport, ensuring you make the most of your trip to Bloomington and its surroundings.

Most popular car rentals in Bloomington

• Midsize: The Midsize car is a popular choice for those travelling in Bloomington, comfortably accommodating up to 5 travellers and providing ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is especially ideal for couples or families looking to explore the area without feeling cramped. With its balanced size, the Midsize car offers a great combination of comfort and manoeuvrability, making it perfect for both city driving and longer trips.
• Fullsize: If you need more room for your group, the Fullsize car is an excellent option. It can fit 5 travellers and handle up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it perfect for families or groups. This car type provides extra space for luggage and passengers, ensuring that everyone travels comfortably. The Fullsize car is well-suited for those who prioritize convenience and space during their travels in Bloomington.
• Compact: The Compact car is ideal for solo travellers or couples who prefer a smaller vehicle. It accommodates up to 5 travellers with the capacity for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is great for those who want to navigate the streets of Bloomington easily while still having enough room for essential luggage. Compact cars are efficient and provide a practical choice for those looking to explore the area without the need for excessive space.

Top rated car suppliers in Bloomington

• Hertz: With 2 rental locations in Bloomington, Hertz is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility. This supplier is known for its wide selection of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Economy being the most booked options. Renting from Hertz allows you to easily manage your luggage and explore the attractions around Bloomington at your own pace.
• Avis: Avis operates 1 rental location in Bloomington, making it a convenient option for those looking to rent a car. The supplier is particularly favoured for its Midsize and Midsize SUV vehicles. Avis offers a straightforward rental process, ensuring you can quickly hit the road and enjoy everything Bloomington has to offer.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in Bloomington, Enterprise stands out for its commitment to customer satisfaction. The most popular vehicles from this supplier are the Fullsize and Midsize SUV, perfect for families or groups. Renting from Enterprise allows you the freedom to explore Bloomington and its surroundings comfortably and conveniently.

Where to stay around Bloomington

• Normal: Located only 4 km from Bloomington, Normal is a vibrant city ideal for those seeking a culture-themed and family-friendly experience. Visitors can explore local attractions such as the McLean County Museum of History and the Prairie Aviation Museum, both suitable for culture holidays. Shoppers will appreciate the shopping centre and mall, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Maxwell Dog Park. Dining options abound, including restaurants and local wineries, making it a well-rounded destination during your stay.
• Shirley: Situated 10 km away from Bloomington, Shirley offers an outdoor and adventure experience perfect for families. The village features various recreational areas and parks for nature lovers. Notable points of interest include the Angler's Lake Conservation Area, which is great for outdoor activities, and the McLean County Museum of History for those interested in culture. Dining options in Shirley include local restaurants that cater to different tastes, ensuring a pleasant stay.
• Towanda: Approximately 12 km from Bloomington, Towanda is another excellent choice for outdoor and family adventures. The city is home to parks and a national state park, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration. History enthusiasts can visit the Prairie Aviation Museum and the McLean County Museum of History. Towanda also offers a selection of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a delightful stop during your journey.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Bloomington

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you’re after an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, filters on Expedia can assist you in finding the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable; just remember to return the vehicle empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There’s often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but it might be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning lengthy road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Bloomington

The best value period to rent a car in and around Bloomington is January and February, when both prices and demand are low. This quieter time offers a great opportunity for savings. March tends to be the most expensive month, with moderately high prices and average demand. April may also see higher demand, although prices drop back down to moderately low levels. Meanwhile, the late summer months of August and September experience high demand and average pricing, creating a busier rental environment.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.5°F (-3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
February	28.4°F (-2.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
March	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
April	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately Low
May	63.0°F (17.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High
August	72.5°F (22.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
October	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
December	32.7°F (0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average