If you want to explore cities outside of Bloomington while you are at IU, there are several transportation options available to you.
Exploring beyond Bloomington
Air travel
The closest airport to Bloomington is the Indianapolis International Airport.
To book a flight from Indianapolis, you can use an online booking website (such as Expedia or Kayak), contact an airline directly, or use a travel agency.
Travel with IU
OIS organizes trips to nearby cities such as Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. See the events calendar for upcoming trips.
If you plan to travel outside the United States, it is important that you have your I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel before you leave.
Car rental and carpooling
If you have a U.S. driver’s license, you may be able to rent a car to travel where you want to go.
When you carpool, you ride with someone else who is also going to your destination—sometimes for a fee, and sometimes not. If you are interested in sharing a ride with other people at IU, consider the Zimride program.
Buses, shuttles, and trains
You may be able to take a bus, shuttle, or train to your destination.
Buses
Greyhound buses serve the state of Indiana and can take you to many cities in the U.S. and Canada.
Catch-A-Ride provides student-only express bus service from IU to Chicago, northwest Indiana, and South Bend-area destinations for semester breaks and select holidays and weekends.
Shuttles
Two companies provide shuttle service between IU Bloomington and the Indianapolis International Airport.
Learn more about airport shuttle service
Trains
There is limited train service in Indiana, and it is provided by Amtrak. The nearest Amtrak station is in Indianapolis.