It is recommended that you fly into Indianapolis airport (IND), rather than directly into Bloomington. Indianapolis is served by a large metropolitan airport that is roughly an hour's drive north of Bloomington.
To get from the Indianapolis airport to Bloomington, one can either rent a car or use public transportation. Renting a car is suggested, especially if two or more people can share expenses. Most of the major US rental car agencies have booths located on the lower level of the airport. Directions are given below.
If you prefer not to drive, the two best alternatives are Classic Touch Limo Service, or Bloomington Shuttle. Classic Touch (812 - 339-7269) is personalized service, and costs $65 round-trip. Teresa Jones (teresa@iucf.indiana.edu) can make arrangements in advance, which is suggested. At the airport, you will need to go to the lower level, cross the main circular drive, and head for the Ground Transportation Center. Several limousines are usually parked outside. There may be a short wait for other passengers to arrive, though this is usually less than half an hour. In Bloomington, the driver will bring you right to your destination, such as IUCF or your hotel.
Bloomington Shuttle provides regular van service between Bloomington and IND, at a cost of $29 round trip. A van leaves every two hours from the airport, also departing just outside the Ground Transportation Center on the airport lower level. In Bloomington, the van will follow a route past most of the major hotels. You will need to check at your hotel for the pick-up times to return to Indianapolis (also every two hours).
By car: Directions from Indianapolis to Bloomington:
If you are renting a car at the airport, you should follow signs for
I465 South as you leave the airport area. After traveling on the
interstate about 4-5 miles, you will come to the US 37 interchange.
Head south on US 37; this will take you directly to Bloomington. If you
are in a neighboring state you may find it easiest to drive to IUCF in
your own car. In many cases you will pass through Indianapolis. I465 circles
the city and you will probably want to stay on this and avoid going into
the central city. Circle on I465 until you come to the US 37 South exit,
which is roughly south-southwest of downtown Indianapolis.
US 37 South will take you through Martinsville and on into Bloomington. The total driving time (from the airport) should be just under an hour. There are several Bloomington exits. The easiest route is to take the first exit, to College Avenue. After crossing back over US 37, you will travel about 3-4 miles before entering Bloomington proper. At the second light, you will cross a major road, the SR 45/46 Bypass. Memorize this intersection! To your left will be a McDonald's restaurant. Ahead you will see several hotels, with the Hampton Inn on the left. IUCF is located just off the bypass, so turning left here will take you to the main entrance to the lab (see below). Many of our visitors stay at the Hampton Inn. To reach the Hampton, go straight for about 1/2 mile, then make a U-turn right across from a Steak 'n Shake, which will put you on Walnut Street heading north. The Hampton Inn will now be just ahead on your right.
You might want to make a copy of the map showing the locations of IUCF and some of the major hotels.
Getting to IUCF:
If coming into town, turn left at the first main intersection (with
the McDonald's mentioned above) onto the SR 45/46 Bypass.
From the Hampton Inn, head north on Walnut
Street (turn right out of the hotel) and at the first intersection,
turn right onto the SR 45/46 Bypass. Now that you are heading east
on the Bypass go straight at the next light. The turnoff for IUCF
(and the Meadowood
Community) will be on the left about 1/3 mile past the light, so watch
for the large brown sign. If you get to the second traffic light
by the State Police you have gone too far.
After turning (onto Milo B. Sampson Lane)
and cresting a small hill, you will see the main parking area directly
ahead. Try to park in one of the spots labeled Visitor.
If you are lost and the person you ask directions doesn't know where
the Cyclotron Facility is tell them you want to get on the "Bypass"
near the football stadium.