Even though you might not have a car and are in an unfamiliar place, don’t worry — there are plenty of easy and free ways to navigate Bloomington and the areas around it.
Biking and walking
The majority of students either bike or walk to class, which are the easiest ways to get around campus.
The city has many easily accessible bike paths.
“It is beautiful around campus, and I walk as my main source of exercise,” IU graduate Meredith Hanrahan said. “I don’t think any distance is too long to walk on campus.”
Buses
Both the city and IU offer buses around campus and town. Bloomington Transit provides free transportation on any route to those with an IU student ID.
A route commonly used by students is the 9, which goes to College Mall and Kroger, allowing easy access to groceries and shopping. Visit bloomingtontransit.com to see all the routes.
IU buses also travel almost anywhere you need to go on campus, including Memorial Stadium and Third Street. For complete schedules and information, visit iubus.indiana.edu.
Taxis and other ?options
If you can’t catch a bus and don’t feel like walking, you can always call a cab. Rates are billed by zone, person and sometimes carry-on items, such as large suitcases.
Bloomington resident Emily Brown said cabs are a nice convenience.
“I don’t often use cabs, but it is good to have another option,” she said.
Local cab companies include Red Tire Taxi (812-269-2690), E2 Taxi (812-961-8294) and Yellow Cab (812-339-9744).
Z ipcar
Zipcars are cars parked on campus that can be checked out. After a registration process, you receive a card. You simply reserve a car at a certain time and pick it up.
For more information, visit zipcar.com/iub.
IU safety escort
If it’s late at night and you’re not comfortable walking, you can call the IU Safety Escort. This service will transport you from any campus location to another or from one off-campus location to a campus location, or vice versa, for free. For rules, hours and information, visit safety.indiana.edu. For a ride, call 812-855-SAFE (855-7233).
Travel to ?other ?countries or cities
If you’re looking to explore Indianapolis or another part of the country and need to get to the airport, there are several options.
Bloomington Shuttle and Star of America both offer shuttle rides to the airport for $15, and they pick up from campus locations.
Bloomington resident Mi Sook Kim said the shuttle is worth it.
“Shuttles to Indianapolis Airport definitely make (it an) easier trip to other states.”
For information or to buy a ticket online, visit bloomingtonshuttle.com or soashuttle.com.
