77th International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy

June 17-21, 2024

divider image
divider image

Flying to ISMS

Flying to Champaign (CMI)

Champaign has a small airport which is owned by the University and is serviced by American Airlines and United Airlines. American has direct service from Dallas (DFW) once a day, and direct service from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) five times a day. United has direct service only to Chicacgo O'Hare, twice a day.

If you are flying into Champaign, there are always several taxis available at the airport. A list of taxi companies is available here if you wish to reserve ahead of time. There is car-rental available on-site.

PLEASE NOTE: There is NO foreign currency exchange at the airport (or anywhere in Champaign). If you wish to exchange your local currency for USD, please do so at your connecting airport.

The airport is approximately 10 minutes from campus.

Because of the limited number of flights and seats into CMI, we suggest you book your airfare early if you want to fly directly to Champaign.

IMPORTANT: In past years, we have had a number of attendees impacted with delayed flights (some overnight delays). While CMI is generally very convenient, it is prone to delays and cancellations when there are thunderstorms in the midwest. Please keep this in mind if have international connections. You may be better served to fly into Chicago O'Hare or Indianapolis.

divider image

Flying to Chicago (ORD)

Many attendees may wish to terminate their flights at Chicago O'Hare.

Charter Buses

It is about a 2.5 hour drive from Chicago to Champaign, so the symposium is coordinating charter buses to bring those attendees to Champaign and back. You may book a one-way in either direction, or the round-trip, depending on your travel schedule. There are shuttles (see below) that can reserved between ORD and Champaign if you need to come/leave on a different day.

We will have charter buses running on Sunday spaced throughout the day at fixed times, and departing Champaign on Friday immediately after the meeting (which should arrive at O'Hare by 3:00, though to be safe you may want to schedule your international flights departing no earlier than 5:00 PM). If there is sufficient demand for an earlier bus on Friday, we will charter one to depart around 7:30 AM (to arrive around 10:30 AM).

The buses hold 55 people and have wifi and a restroom aboard. For the convenience of attendees, there will be a Hospitality Room (internet and light snacks will be provided) at a local hotel (the Hilton O'Hare) where attendees can wait for the next scheduled bus on Sunday. The Hilton is located in the airport, and you can walk to it.

To make a reservation, log into the Registration Page (Add/View Registration link).

Shuttles

There is ONE shuttle company that runs regular service between campus and O'Hare. These shuttles are comfortable and safe, but do take longer due to multiple stops, and have limited/specified pick-up and drop-off locations and times. PLEASE NOTE: There is NO foreign currency exchange anywhere in Champaign. If you wish to exchange your local currency for USD, please do so at O'Hare.

divider image

Other/Regional Airports

If you will be renting a car at the airport, there are a number of other regional airports that are closer than O'Hare and may offer additional options.

Indianapolis, IN (IND)

Indianapolis Airport is the next closest major airport outside of Chicago. It was popular with attendees because it is an easy 2 hour drive (very little traffic) from campus. It is serviced by Air Canada, AirTran, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, United and U.S. Airways. Burlington Trailways has bus service between Indianapolis and Champaign.

Peoria, IL (PIA)

Peoria Airport is a regional airport that is served by Allegiant, American, Delta and United Airlines. Peoria is about 90 minutes from campus.

Springfield, IL (SPI)

Springfield Airport is a regional airport that is served by Allegiant, American and United Airlines. Springfield is about 90 minutes from campus.

Bloomington-Normal, IL (BMI)

Bloomington Airport is a regional airport that is served by Allegiant, American, Delta and Frontier. Bloomington is 35 minutes from campus.