$50 Car Rental Bloomington, IL

These Bloomington insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 17, 2026.

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 convenience is especially beneficial for families, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking outdoor experiences. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like the Prairie Aviation Museum and the McLean County Museum of History, both located within Bloomington. For outdoor adventures, Angler's Lake Conservation Area is also nearby.

Additionally, having a car allows you to venture into nearby cities such as Normal, just 2 miles away, where you can find more attractions including Maxwell Dog Park. Shirley, located 6 miles from Bloomington, features both the McLean County Museum of History and Angler's Lake Conservation Area. Towanda, 8 miles away, offers similar attractions, making it easy to create flexible travel plans. Whether you have luggage to manage or family members to accommodate, renting a car ensures a comfortable and enjoyable trip while allowing you to discover the diverse experiences that Bloomington and its neighboring areas have to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Bloomington

• Midsize: The Midsize car option is a popular choice for travelers in Bloomington, accommodating up to 5 passengers and offering space for 3 large suitcases. This makes it ideal for couples or families looking for a comfortable ride while exploring the area. With a balance of space and maneuverability, a Midsize car allows you to navigate through Bloomington’s attractions with ease.
• Fullsize: For those traveling in larger groups or with extra luggage, the Fullsize car is an excellent option. It comfortably seats 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it perfect for families or groups. Renting a Fullsize car provides additional room for passengers and gear, ensuring everyone travels comfortably throughout your Bloomington adventure.
• Compact: The Compact car option is well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or smaller families. It accommodates up to 5 travelers with space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for those who desire a more economical rental while still enjoying the flexibility to explore Bloomington. A Compact car offers agility and ease of parking, perfect for navigating city streets.

Top rated car suppliers in Bloomington

• Hertz: With 2 rental locations in Bloomington, Hertz provides travelers with an excellent option for car rentals. Known for its reliable service, Hertz has an overall rating of 7 out of 10. Most travelers prefer renting Midsize and Economy cars, making it convenient for exploring Bloomington and the surrounding areas at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget operates 1 rental location in Bloomington and is recognized for its short wait times and clean vehicles. This supplier is a great choice for those seeking Midsize and Fullsize cars, ensuring a comfortable ride while you manage your luggage and adjust your itinerary effortlessly during your trip.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in Bloomington, Enterprise is a popular choice among visitors. It offers a diverse selection of vehicles, particularly Midsize and Compact SUVs, catering to various travel needs. The convenience of multiple locations allows you to pick up your rental with ease, making your travel experience seamless.

Where to stay around Bloomington

• Normal: Located 2 miles away from Bloomington, Normal offers a vibrant cultural experience with attractions like the McLean County Museum of History and Prairie Aviation Museum, both suitable for culture vacations. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities and explore landmarks such as historic and modern college universities and a stadium. Dining options include various restaurants and wineries, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a well-rounded stay.
• Shirley: Situated 6 miles from Bloomington, Shirley is perfect for travelers looking for outdoor adventure and family experiences. Key attractions include Angler's Lake Conservation Area and recreational areas ideal for nature lovers. The McLean County Museum of History and Prairie Aviation Museum are also nearby, providing cultural insights. Shirley features restaurants that cater to those seeking local dining options in a charming village atmosphere.
• Towanda: About 8 miles from Bloomington, Towanda is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families. With access to parks and national state parks, it offers numerous recreational activities. Visitors can explore the McLean County Museum of History and Prairie Aviation Museum for cultural experiences. Towanda also has various wineries and restaurants, making it a great spot for travelers wanting to enjoy the local food and drink scene.

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 types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to find lower rates and a greater selection, particularly during busy seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. Renters older than 70 may also face restrictions. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which is acceptable as long as you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory 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 February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January and February are generally quieter months, providing a good opportunity for budget-conscious travelers. Following this, April offers slightly low demand with average prices, making it another favorable time. However, July stands out as the most expensive month with high demand, while June and August also experience higher prices and busy rental activity.

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

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Bloomington

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Bloomington into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Bloomington and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Bloomington

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Bloomington. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Bloomington

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $50.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals