Car Rental at Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) from $70

Reasons to book a car rental at Bloomington Airport

Renting a car at Bloomington Airport is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the charming surroundings at their own pace. This option is particularly appealing for countryside explorers, business travelers, and families, offering the freedom to manage your luggage conveniently and maintain flexible travel plans. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like the historic Illinois Wesleyan University and the Children's Discovery Museum, both just 4 miles from the airport. The McLean County Museum of History is also nearby, providing cultural experiences within a short drive.

Moreover, your rental car opens up opportunities to explore nearby cities such as Normal, located 5 miles away, where you can find Illinois State University and Redbird Arena. Cooksville, 11 miles away, features Moraine View State Park and the Prairie Aviation Museum, while Merna, only 5 miles from the airport, offers additional attractions. With a rental car, you can enjoy the convenience of easy access to these destinations, making your trip to Bloomington memorable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals near Bloomington Airport

• Midsize: A popular choice for travelers at Bloomington airport, the midsize car fits up to 5 travelers and accommodates up to 3 large suitcases. This option is ideal for couples or families who appreciate the extra space for comfort while exploring the countryside. With the freedom to manage your luggage easily and travel at your own pace, the midsize car ensures a pleasant journey for everyone.
• Fullsize: For those traveling with larger groups or families, the fullsize car option is highly booked at Bloomington airport. It comfortably fits 5 travelers with the capacity to hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it perfect for family trips or group excursions, allowing ample space for luggage and ensuring everyone can travel together without any hassle.
• Economy: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for a budget-friendly option, the economy car fits up to 5 travelers and accommodates up to 2 medium suitcases. This choice is favored for its efficiency and ease of handling, making it a practical vehicle for those wanting to explore the attractions around Bloomington airport while managing their luggage with simplicity.

Top rated car suppliers near Bloomington Airport

• Hertz: With a rental location only 0.1 miles away from Bloomington airport, Hertz is a popular choice among travelers. Known for its reliable vehicles, Hertz offers a wide selection of Midsize and Fullsize cars, providing options that suit various needs and preferences. This proximity allows for a quick and easy pickup process, making it a convenient option for those arriving at the airport.
• National Car Rental: Also located 0.1 miles from Bloomington airport, National Car Rental is favored by travelers looking for efficiency and quality. Like Hertz, their most booked vehicles include Midsize and Fullsize options. National is well-regarded for its customer service, ensuring that your rental experience is smooth from start to finish.
• Avis: Situated just 0.1 miles away from Bloomington airport, Avis stands out with its selection of Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, catering to travelers who may need extra space or comfort. Avis is recognized for its streamlined rental process, making it easy to get on the road and start exploring the area right after landing.

Where to go near Bloomington Airport

• Normal: Located 5 miles from Bloomington, Normal offers a vibrant cultural experience with attractions such as Illinois State University, a historic college suitable for cultural vacations. Family-friendly venues include the Children's Discovery Museum and Redbird Arena, which caters to entertainment needs. With a steady stream of visitors, peak months are April, July, and September, making it an ideal time to explore the shopping mall centers and local landmarks.
• Cooksville: Situated 11 miles from Bloomington, Cooksville is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Highlights include Moraine View State Park, known for its scenic beauty and adventure opportunities, and the Prairie Aviation Museum for culture lovers. With visitor numbers peaking in June to July and October, this area provides a great environment for families seeking parks and lakes for recreational activities.
• Merna: Just 5 miles from Bloomington, Merna is celebrated for its eco-friendly and family-oriented experiences. Attractions like Shepard Park Dog Park offer outdoor fun, while educational venues such as Illinois State University and the Prairie Aviation Museum cater to cultural interests. Peak visitor months are June to July and October, making it a suitable time for enjoying the local parks and nature reserves.

9 tips to save on your Bloomington Airport car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for extra luggage, utilizing filters on Expedia can help you discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: To secure lower rates and a wider selection, it's advisable to book your BMI car rental as early as possible. Ideally, aim to finalize your reservation 1-3 months ahead of your trip, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and availability for certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may be restricted. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to confirming your reservation.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles like economy or compact cars are generally more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
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 best choice. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental companies necessitate a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards may not be universally accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents during your trip. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend considerable time on the road, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to evade extra charges on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car from Bloomington Airport

The best time to rent a car from Bloomington Airport is January, as it offers slightly low prices and average demand. February also provides a good value with moderately low demand and average prices. In contrast, May marks the most expensive period, typically with slightly high prices and moderately low demand. June through August tends to have average prices but moderately high demand, making this a busier time for rentals. April stands out as a quieter month, although it still sees slightly high prices.

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