Although Bloomington has a public bus system and several taxi companies, convenient access requires a private vehicle. Most major rental car companies have Bloomington branches. Many of these are headquartered at the Central Illinois Regional Airport, but several, such as Enterprise, have neighborhood locations as well.

There are four taxi companies in Bloomington. Both the Amtrak station and the Central Illinois Regional Airport are close in, so a taxi ride to anywhere in Bloomington or Normal is not expensive. From the airport, anyplace in the city is about a 20-minute ride, or possibly 30 minutes during rush hour periods.

A small queue of taxis can sometimes be found at the airport during the day. However, during peak flight times or later in the evening, taxis may be difficult to hire, and it may be necessary to call for a dispatch. The opposite is true for downtown Bloomington. During the day, it is difficult to hail a taxi, but late in the evening, they cruise the streets of the nightlife districts.

For larger groups, limousine service is available, either in vans or luxury stretched vehicles, usually by reservation. Limo services often can be hired off the street in downtown later in the evening, although they are usually not licensed for pick-up service.

Local taxi companies are: Checker Cab Co., (309) 828-0123; Circle City Cab, (309) 829-5342, Red Top Cab, (309) 827-0156, and Twin City Cab, (309) 829-7923. At least Circle City and Twin City operate 24 hours, although few cabs are on the streets after about 2 a.m.