Your Airport Options for Getting to Champaign-Urbana

Before you can thrive in Champaign-Urbana, you first have to get here. And depending on where you’re coming from, several airports can bring you closer to your new home. Here’s a breakdown of your best options:

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Located in Chicago, this is the primary airport serving Chicago and Illinois. As a result, O’Hare is the busiest airport in Illinois and the top choice for most internationals heading to Champaign-Urbana. With flights from all over the world, chances are good you’ll land here. The commute time to Champaign-Urbana from O’Hare is about 3 hours.

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Also located in Chicago, Midway Airport is smaller than O’Hare but still international, and it is another common entry point for internationals. It’s likely the second most popular airport used by internationals to get to Champaign-Urbana. Despite being only minutes away from O'Hare, some airlines only fly into Midway, so it’s worth knowing. Commute time to Champaign -  3 hours.

Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)

Located in Bloomington-Normal and much closer to Chambana - less than 1 hour away. This regional airport is a convenient option if your route connects here. As a regional airport, it doesn’t serve international flights directly, but it’s an easy hop from other U.S. hubs.

Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

This is an international airport located just 7 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis. This is a medium-sized airport that can serve internationals coming to Chambana. There are fewer flights when compared to O'Hare, but it's worth a shout for a few reasons. It's less overwhelming and easier to navigate due to its smaller size, and it's only about 2 hours from CU. Many internationals appreciate its smaller size and quicker experience.

General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA)

It's an international airport and is only about a 1.5-hour commute to Chambana. Those are about the only reasons this airport makes the list. It is likely not the most frequently used airport by internationals heading this way, but it is an option worth considering.

Willard Airport (CMI)

Right here in town! Operated by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Willard is only about 5 miles from downtown Champaign. It's a fantastic (and most convenient) option if you can afford the steeper prices. It's worth noting that public transportation does not serve the airport; you will need an Uber or Lyft to get to your final destination in town, or have a friend pick you up.

Getting to Champaign from the Airport

You will notice that commute times were mentioned when talking about the airport options. This means you need to hop on a bus or train, maybe even a horse, to get to town. Most people use Peoria Charter Coach, Greyhound buses, or Amtrak trains. Each has online booking, making it fairly straightforward. You’re welcome to rent a car too (still no luck finding a horse or chariot service to get you here…we’ll keep looking 🐎).

Whichever airport you fly into, there’s always a way to get to the cornfields Champaign-Urbana — and we’ll be here to help make the rest of your journey smoother.

And while this post is about getting to Champaign-Urbana, consider these airports if flying to other parts of the country or world too.