Bloomington Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bloomington

Renting a car in and around Bloomington, Illinois, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like the Prairie Aviation Museum and the McLean County Museum of History, both ideal for culture enthusiasts. For those interested in outdoor experiences, the Angler's Lake Conservation Area provides a serene escape. The convenience of having a car allows you to manage your luggage effortlessly and adapt your travel plans as needed. You can also take short drives to nearby cities, such as Normal, located only 4 km away, where you can continue your exploration of the area's museums and parks. Alternatively, a trip to Shirley, just 10 km away, or Towanda, 12 km away, lets you experience more local culture and outdoor activities. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for families, as it allows for easy transportation of children and their gear, making outings more enjoyable. Overall, renting a car in Bloomington enhances your travel experience by providing the opportunity to discover everything this vibrant area has to offer.

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: Hertz is a popular choice among travellers in Bloomington, boasting 2 rental locations within the city. Known for its reliable vehicles, Hertz offers a selection that includes the highly sought-after Midsize SUV and Economy options. This supplier is favoured for its flexibility, allowing you to explore Bloomington and its surroundings at your own pace while ensuring a comfortable driving experience.
• Avis: With 1 rental location in the Bloomington area, Avis stands out for its excellent offerings in the Midsize and Midsize SUV categories. Avis is well-regarded for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles, providing a reliable option for those looking to navigate the city and beyond. Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay, Avis can cater to your car rental needs effectively.
• Enterprise: Enterprise is another top choice, featuring 2 rental locations in Bloomington. Renowned for its customer service, Enterprise offers a diverse range of vehicles, including Fullsize and Midsize SUVs, which are popular among travellers. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience makes it a top contender for those looking to rent a car while exploring the area.

Where to stay around Bloomington

• Normal: Located 4 km away from Bloomington, Normal offers a rich cultural experience suitable for families and city-themed adventures. Visitors can explore attractions like the McLean County Museum of History and the Prairie Aviation Museum. The area also features shopping centres and numerous dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a convenient choice for accommodation.
• Shirley: Situated 10 km from Bloomington, Shirley is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking adventure. The village is home to parks and nature reserves, providing ample opportunities for recreation. Key points of interest include the Angler's Lake Conservation Area and the McLean County Museum of History, ensuring a mix of culture and outdoor fun. Restaurants are available for dining after a day of exploration.
• Towanda: About 12 km from Bloomington, Towanda is perfect for those looking for an adventurous outdoor experience. With access to national state parks and historic colleges, this city offers a variety of recreational activities. Attractions such as the Prairie Aviation Museum and the Angler's Lake Conservation Area are nearby, along with wineries and restaurants for a delightful dining experience.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, leverage the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal 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 vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size vehicles 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 luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements follow a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Other agreements might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable—just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may 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 expenses and provides you with peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a vehicle.

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 prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. Following that, April offers a slightly higher demand but still remains moderately low in pricing. On the other hand, March tends to be the most expensive month, with moderately high prices and average demand. May through August see average pricing and demand, while September experiences high demand and average prices.

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