Driving to Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign is easily accessible by car and centrally located in the Midwest. The conference will be held at the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center, Address: 1900 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820
- From Chicago and Northern Illinois
Approximately 2.5 hours via I-57 South. - From Indianapolis
Approximately 2 hours via I-74 West. - From St. Louis
Approximately 3 hours via I-55 North and I-72 East. - From Central and Southern Illinois
Urbana-Champaign is accessible via I-57 and I-74, with clear signage to campus and conference venues.
Parking (free) is available at the conference venue and the host hotel.
Flying to Urbana-Champaign
> From Chicago Airports (O’Hare or Midway)
Chicago airports are approximately 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Urbana-Champaign.
Direct Shuttle (recommended)
Peoria Charter Coach offers direct service from both O’Hare and Midway to Urbana-Champaign, with drop off at the I Hotel and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
Rental Car
Rental cars are available at both airports. The drive to Urbana-Champaign is about 2.5 hours via I-57 South.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are available but can be costly for long distance trips. Typical fares range from $200–$300 depending on demand.
> From Willard Airport (CMI), Champaign
Willard Airport is the closest airport and is located about 10 minutes from the conference venue.
Transportation options include Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services. I Hotel & Conference Center also offers a shuttle service for guests (call 217-819-5000).
Lodging Accommodations
Host Hotel
I Hotel and Conference Center
1900 S 1st St
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 819-5000
A hotel block has been reserved for symposium attendees.
Block Code: MICR26
Guest Password: $2Kem
If calling to make a reservation, please mention the block code MICR26 when speaking with the guest services team.
Getting Around Urbana-Champaign
Once in town, transportation is straightforward.
- The I Hotel & Conference Center also offers a shuttle service for guests (call 217-819-5000).
- Uber and Lyft are widely available
- Local taxis operate throughout the area
- Public transit is provided by the Champaign-Urbana MTD bus system
Most conference-related destinations are within a short drive of the host hotel.
Questions
If you have questions about travel or lodging, please email: microbialsystems@illinois.edu