$270 Cheap Flights from Richmond (RIC) to Bloomington (BMI)
Popular airlines from Richmond Intl. Airport (RIC) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
DeltaDelta
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Cheap Flights from Richmond to Bloomington (RIC-BMI)
Alternative airports near Bloomington
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Richmond (RIC) to Bloomington (BMI) at a glance
Experience a range of airlines offering flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) on this domestic short-haul route. Compare choices from various full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel plans as you prepare to explore Bloomington's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Find essential details for your journey from Richmond to Bloomington, making your travel planning straightforward and efficient.
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 2 hours layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 700 miles (1,130 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $125–$470, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)
According to recent traveler bookings, the most popular airlines flying from Richmond to Bloomington typically offer one-stop service, with common layovers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for about 2 hours and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) for around 1 hour and 45 minutes. This allows you the flexibility to choose from various options based on price, overall travel time, and cabin class to create the best itinerary for your journey.
- Delta: This full-service airline provides convenient one-stop travel options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $125 and $475. Delta operates around 67% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to an overall travel time of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
- American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $150 to $370. They account for about 33% of departures on this route, featuring a flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
Alternative route from Richmond (RIC) to Bloomington (BMI)
- Richmond to Peoria (RIC-PIA): Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA) is located approximately 43 miles from Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI). The typical range for one-way economy fares on this route is between $125 and $450, influenced by the season and the timing of your booking. Flights generally include one-stop options, with common layovers occurring at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Major airlines providing service on this route are American Airlines and United. Additionally, first-class service is available for travelers seeking an upgraded experience.
How to find the best prices for flights from Richmond (RIC) to Bloomington (BMI)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Richmond to Bloomington is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the morning, between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m., tend to be less expensive and are also the most sought-after times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often results in lower prices, although Wednesday is the most popular travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Bloomington hotel and flight deals.
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Central Illinois Regional Airport from Richmond International Airport
Bloomington welcomes travelers from Richmond with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Richmond International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 9 miles) from central Richmond. Here's how to reach Bloomington efficiently:
- 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 with your hotel.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Central Illinois Regional Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Central Illinois Regional Airport on Expedia.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
- Public transportation: From Central Illinois Regional Airport, Uptown Station, a train station, is located about 5 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers heading into the city.
Richmond to Bloomington Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Richmond to Bloomington
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Richmond to Bloomington are during the month of February. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Richmond to Bloomington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Richmond to Bloomington
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Richmond to Bloomington: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Richmond to Bloomington
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Richmond to Bloomington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $270 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Richmond to Bloomington flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Richmond to Bloomington airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $270 and cheap return flights $291 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $148 and $895, and roundtrip flights usually range from $490 to $1584. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
The cheapest month to fly from RIC to BMI is February when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
Enter RIC to BMI and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
To find a cheap flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
The earliest flight from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) typically departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in April, allowing you to begin your journey early and enjoy your time in Illinois. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Richmond Intl. (RIC) to Central Illinois Regional (BMI) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 40% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is beneficial as it allows you to make the most of your day upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
A flight from RIC to BMI with a layover takes around 5 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 654 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
You can fly first class between RIC and BMI. First class cabins are available on:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Bloomington from Richmond Intl. (RIC)?
If you're planning to travel to Bloomington from Richmond Intl. (RIC), you can fly into Central Illinois Regional (BMI) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Liberty Intl. (EWR), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) before reaching Bloomington. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional)?
If you booked your Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Bloomington, IL (BMI-Central Illinois Regional) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport | Richmond Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Bloomington, IL |
Distance | 654 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, Delta |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $291 |