Getting Here/Around

 

Champaign-Urbana is not only easy to get to, it's easy to navigate. Conveniently situated off three major interstates, we're nearly equidistant from Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Fly into our accessible airport, ride the Amtrak, take a bus or drive! Once here, our award-winning mass transit district will help get you around, as will our rentable bikes and e-bikes, or walk in our connected districts! Check out our resources and maps below.

Getting here

IMPORTANT TRAFFIC NOTE: From August 17, 2023—December 2025, the westbound I-74 to the northbound 1-57 interchange will be closed to complete new ramps. Travelers can exit on Neil St. and head north to Olympian Dr. Head west on Olympian Dr. to get on I-57 North. To learn more about this critical reconstruction project, visit the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Air Travel

Featuring American Airlines, there are daily flights to and from Chicago O'Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth. This affordable and accessible airport is a mere few miles from the heart of the University of Illinois campus and other major destinations. 

Amtrak

You can also take to the rails with Amtrak. With stops in downtown Champaign at Illinois Terminal and Rantoul, you can hitch a ride with hundreds of other passengers and kick back in the commute, enjoying free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected. With daily routes out of Chicago heading as far south as New Orleans, you'll embark on an environmentally friendly way to travel that lands you in the heart of our city.

Bus

Greyhound Services

Provides inter-city bus service to north and south locations, in addition to a variety of other services.

Peoria Charter Coach Company

A weekend charter bus with Wi-Fi service from University of Illinois to the Chicago Suburbs.

GETTING AROUND

Area Maps

Here are a few maps to help you navigate while you're in town:

 Champaign Urbana map

 

 

 

 

 

Check out our virtual map tour of the Champaign-Urbana area, with attractions, major parks, preserves and business districts!

Public Transportation

Mass Transit

Once in town, there are a variety of ways to get around sustainably. The greater Champaign-Urbana area boasts one of the best public transportation systems around — the Champaign Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD). With over 50 years of service and a 98% customer satisfaction rate, it’s no surprise they have received the American Public Transit Association's Outstanding Achievement Award twice. Their efforts to "Go Green" in our community have resulted in a fleet that is 100% low to zero emissions. MTD’s low-emission hybrid buses operate on 50% less fuel than standard diesel, and their hydrogen fuel cell electric (HFC) buses are zero emission using renewable hydrogen. MTD goes a step further, exemplifying our community’s culture of innovation and technology, by generating hydrogen fuel on site with their own solar array powering the hydrogen fuel production station which makes their HFC fleet truly zero emission, from sun to street.

MTD service is easy to access for everyone — whether you need to bring your bike and use their bike racks, park-n-ride to an Illini Football game on the 280TranSport, or utilize assistive devices and mobility aids. And, better yet, a one-way trip is just $1 at the door, cash or via the Token Transit app, so you can affordably and sustainably get around Champaign-Urbana. Check out their routes and plan a trip online at mtd.org. You may also call 217.384.8188 to speak to a live representative anytime buses are in service.

Taxicabs & Limousines

Over two dozen taxi and limousine companies service the community. For a current list of licensed operators, visit the City of Urbana's website.

Zipcars

If you simply need a quick ride to get around, we've got Zipcars ready for you! With several pick up points throughout Champaign County, including a convenient pick up at Illinois Terminal, you can use this car-sharing program for a few hours or all day.

Uber & Lyft

Don't want to navigate the streets? Use Uber or Lyft! Download the app on your smartphone to be connected to a variety of drivers who will get you where you need to be.

Rural Transit

The Champaign County Area Rural Transit System (C-CARTS) provides safe, reliable and affordable on-demand public transportation outside of the MTD service area to residents and visitors of Champaign County. For more information on pricing, hours of operation, service areas and reservations, visit c-carts.com or call 217-344-4287.

Rental Vehicles

Biking

Bring your bicycle on your trip to Champaign-Urbana to minimize your footprint when getting around. The League of American Bicyclists has deemed Champaign-Urbana a bronze-level bicycle-friendly community. With bike lanes adorning most city streets, it's easy to make your way through town. Whether you're biking the University of Illinois campus, our Park District's bike paths or navigating the country roads, our flat landscape and bike-friendly community makes this an ideal travel option. 

Click here to download the Champaign County Bikes map.

Don't want to bring your bike? No problem, check out these rental programs:

Parking

Looking for where to park in Downtown Champaign, Urbana or at the University of Illinois? Find out more about on- and off-street metered parking, visitor parking lot locations, rates and payment options:

ACCESSIBILITY

The Champaign-Urbana area strives to be an accessible, welcoming and enjoyable community for all. Learn more about accessibility services and policies for visitors and residents.

Brilliant Stories →

Experience Guide →

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