Maps, Driving Directions, and Parking
Getting to URbana
Urbana-Champaign is readily accessible to visitors by car, plane, train, or bus. A number of interstate, U.S., and state highways serve the motorist (interstate directions). The University of Illinois-Willard Airport is about 8 km south of Champaign, just off U.S. 45. The community is within easy driving distance of international airports in Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The "Illinois Terminal" (45 East University Avenue, Champaign) provides a central location for ground transportation, including Greyhound and Illini Swallow bus lines, Amtrak, and local taxi cab companies. It is also the transfer point for Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District buses. The University provides general travel directions, or you can create your own customized driving directions.
Amtrak provides daily rail passenger service to and from Chicago and points south through Memphis to New Orleans. Greyhound, Burlington Trailways, and Illini Swallow provide national and regional bus service. Reliable daily shuttle bus service to and from Chicago's O'Hare and Midway Airports is provided by Lincolnland Express (LEX). The Suburban Express offers weekend service to and from the Chicago suburbs, and LEX offers service to Indianapolis International Airport.
Getting around town
The twin cities of Urbana and Champaign are divided by Wright Street, which runs north-south through the middle of the University campus. East-west streets have the same name in both cities, for the most part, but discrete numbering. If you are going to a building identified by a street address, you must know which city it is in. (For example, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, is nearly 5 km away from 1110 West Green Street, Champaign.)
Champaign-Urbana Interactive City Map
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD), which carries more than 10 million passengers a year, offers excellent public transportation, including a novel "bikes on buses" program. The fare is $1.00/ride; transfers are free (as of January 2006). Exact change is required after 7 p.m. Seven tokens (1 token/ride) may be purchased for $5.00 from any bus driver before 7 p.m.
Navigating the Campus
While any member of the University community will be happy to help you, two information centers on campus are specifically designed to assist visitors. You may also consult our interactive campus map or, if you know the name of the building, try the campus "locator." All University buildings are handicapped accessible, and ADA maps are available.
Print a campus map and legend (PDF file)
The Visitors Center, on the first floor of the Levis Faculty Center, 919 West Illinois Street in Urbana, welcomes prospective students and other visitors to the University. It is open Monday through Friday (except University holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Illini Union Information Desk, in the north lobby of the Illini Union, 1401 West Green Street, Urbana, provides information and assistance to all visitors. The desk is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday during the academic year; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday during intersession; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday when classes are not in session. Visitors may also telephone 333-INFO for campus information.
Parking once you get here...
A limited number of rental spaces in the parking lot adjacent to the southeast entrance of Loomis Laboratory are available for visitors. A permit must be displayed in the vehicle. Reserve a space and obtain the permit in the Physics Department Office, Room 211 Loomis. Visitors who park without a permit in University rental lots will be ticketed and may be towed.
A daily meter hang tag or a cashless meter key are available from the Division of Campus Parking and Transportation for extended visits.
Student and staff permits must be purchased from Campus Parking to park in University lots.
Parking meters are available on most streets and are rigorously enforced. Many of the older meters accept quarters only.
Other useful links
Motorist Assistance Service (locked out, flat tire, dead battery, out of gas)—for University staff and official visitors parked in University lots. Call 244-HELP for assistance from 7:00 am Monday through 7:00 am Saturday, except University holidays.
IDOT Current Road Conditions, including maps (Illinois has two seasons—"winter" and "road repair")
Chicago expressway congestion maps and travel times—updated hourly
