$54 Cheap Flights to Bloomington, IL

Flights to Bloomington at a glance

Traveling to Bloomington is easy, with a range of options available for flights. Whether you're looking for cheap flights to Bloomington or planning to fly from Indianapolis or Dallas, you can compare travel times and choose the best fit for your itinerary as you explore the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports in and around Bloomington: Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA), Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), Decatur Airport (DEC)
• Closest airport to Bloomington: Central Illinois Regional Airport, BMI (within Bloomington)
• Flights per week: 1,100+ flights arriving across Bloomington airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Bloomington: around 4 carriers

Popular airports in and around Bloomington

Bloomington is a lively city that offers a wonderful blend of family experiences, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for travelers. With convenient access to the Central Illinois Regional Airport and alternative airports near Bloomington, visiting this charming city is easy and accessible.

• Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA): Situated in Peoria County, Illinois, approximately 39 miles from Bloomington, this airport caters to both domestic and international travelers. It offers connections to over 85 domestic cities and 4 international destinations, with options to upgrade to first class for enhanced comfort, based on the airline and route. Notable carriers include American Airlines and United.
• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI): Found in McLean County, Illinois, this airport connects to around 55 domestic cities and 2 international destinations. Passengers can choose to enhance their travel experience with upgrades to first class or premium economy seating, depending on the airlines and routes. Major airlines operating here include American Airlines, Delta, and Aeromexico.
• Decatur Airport (DEC): Located in Macon County, Illinois, about 45 miles from Bloomington, this airport primarily serves domestic routes, linking to approximately 3 cities nationwide. United Airlines is the principal airline providing service at this location.

Top routes to Bloomington

• Dallas (DFW) to Bloomington (PIA/BMI), with one-way airfare from around $130
• Denver (DEN) to Bloomington (PIA/BMI), with one-way flight options from around $100
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Bloomington (PIA/BMI), with one-way fares starting at around $100
• Seattle (SEA) to Bloomington (PIA/BMI/DEC), with one-way flights starting at around $120
• Atlanta (ATL) to Bloomington (PIA/BMI), with one-way airfare from around $120

Cheapest routes to Bloomington

• Chicago (ORD) to Bloomington (PIA/DEC), with affordable one-way prices from around $80
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Bloomington (PIA/BMI), with affordable one-way prices from around $100
• New York (LGA) to Bloomington (PIA/BMI), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $100
• Orlando (MCO) to Bloomington (PIA/BMI), with budget one-way fares from around $100
• Austin (AUS) to Bloomington (PIA/BMI), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $100

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Bloomington

• American Airlines: Offers flights to Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA) and Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), making up about 58% of arrivals in Bloomington. The typical one-way fare is around $250, with the possibility of first-class service on certain routes.
• United: Provides service to Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA) and Decatur Airport (DEC), contributing approximately 32% of arrivals to Bloomington. The average one-way fare is about $240.
• Delta: Operates flights to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), accounting for roughly 11% of Bloomington's arrivals. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $280, with options for premium economy and first-class service on select routes.
• Aeromexico: Flies into Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), with an average one-way fare of approximately $210.

Best time to fly to Bloomington

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Bloomington are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Bloomington can reach up to 51.6°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.9°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $243, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, July, and February offer average one-way fares of around $264, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Bloomington

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Bloomington is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Bloomington hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Bloomington flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Bloomington

Bloomington welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Bloomington efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Greater Peoria Regional Airport, Peoria Bus Station (a bus station) is located about 6.3 miles away by car, providing convenient access to regional bus services for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Bloomington, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Bloomington is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Bloomington on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Bloomington

• Normal: Located 2 miles drive away from Bloomington, Normal is a lively city that offers a blend of culture and family-friendly activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Illinois State University, a historic college that enhances the local cultural scene. For entertainment, Redbird Arena hosts various events, making it a great spot for families. Don't miss the Children's Discovery Museum, where kids can engage in interactive exhibits, making it an ideal destination for family outings.
• Congerville: Congerville is located 21 miles drive away from Bloomington and is a charming city perfect for a day trip. Here, you'll find the beautiful Eureka Lake Park, ideal for outdoor activities and family picnics. Illinois State University also calls this area home, inviting culture enthusiasts to explore its historic significance. Additionally, Redbird Arena provides entertainment options that can enrich your visit, catering to various interests.
• Shirley: Shirley is located 7 miles drive away from Bloomington and offers a delightful escape for outdoor enthusiasts and families. This village is home to several parks and nature reserves, perfect for adventure seekers. Families can enjoy the Grossinger Motors Arena for entertainment and events. Tri Lakes Park is another highlight, providing ample space for outdoor activities and relaxation, making it a lovely spot for a family outing or a serene day in nature.

Tips for short-haul flights to Bloomington

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Save space by opting for mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits ahead of time. This approach also helps you avoid the inconvenience of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's wise to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, allowing for potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your own snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save on costs at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Bloomington

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may even offer seat selection earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight based on the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Bloomington

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Bloomington on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

October is the cheapest month to fly to Bloomington. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Bloomington. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Bloomington, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Bloomington

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Bloomington in 2026 starts from $94, while one-way tickets start from from $54. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Bloomington. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Bloomington

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Bloomington. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Bloomington and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Bloomington, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Bloomington. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Bloomington plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Bloomington

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Bloomington.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Bloomington are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Bloomington. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Bloomington for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Bloomington. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Bloomington flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Bloomington. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.