↓Skip to main content
2024 NSF HDR Ecosystem Conference

Getting around

Once in town, there are a variety of ways to get around quickly, safely and sustainably.

Mass Transit
#

CU Mass Transit

The greater Champaign-Urbana area boasts one of the best public transportation systems in the country — the Champaign Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) system. 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.

Zipcar | 866-4ZIPCAR

Uber & Lyft
#

Both Uber or Lyft are active in the Champaign-Urbana area. 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.

Car Rental
#

  • Alamo | Willard Airport, 11 Airport Rd., Ste. 1, Savoy | 800-327-9633
  • Avis Rent-A-Car | Willard Airport, 11 Airport Rd., Ste. 1, Savoy | 217-359-5441
  • Budget Car Rental | 2309 W. Bloomington Rd., Champaign | 217-398-8584
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car | 1212 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign | 217-355-1300 and 11 Airport Rd., Savoy | 833-516-2248
  • Hertz | Willard Airport, 11 Airport Rd., Savoy | 217-359-5413
  • National Car Rental | Willard Airport, 11 Airport Rd., Savoy | 217-352-2775

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.

There are a number of bike rental services around town:

Note that many area hotels, include the I-Hotel at the conference venue, provide complimentary bike rentals upon request to their guests.

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.

For more information about C-U Accessibility
#

https://experiencecu.org/accessible-cu

For more information
#

https://experiencecu.org/trip-planning/getting-here-around