<p>Does anyone have advice or experience in getting from indianapolis airport to IU? My daughter's audition is Friday, and I'd rather not rent a car since we are staying at the hotel right on campus. I'd really appreciate some insight into our options. Thanks!</p>
<p>When I went to visit IU, I took the [GO</a> Express Travel | Bloomington Indiana Shuttle - 800-589-6004 - Indiana and Chicagoland Ground Transportation](<a href=“http://www.bloomingtonshuttle.com/]GO”>http://www.bloomingtonshuttle.com/) that dropped me off right at the hotel in the Student Union. The other one that was recommended to me was [Star</a> of America | Shuttles | Bloomington](<a href=“http://www.charterstaramerica.com/shuttles/bloomington.htm]Star”>http://www.charterstaramerica.com/shuttles/bloomington.htm).</p>
<p>Other information from IU: [Transportation</a> to Bloomington | Office of International Services - Indiana University](<a href=“http://ois.indiana.edu/newstudents/firststeps/transport_to.php]Transportation”>http://ois.indiana.edu/newstudents/firststeps/transport_to.php).</p>
<p>When we went to IU (twice) we did end up renting a car. It was just faster and simpler to drive there. If you stay at that on-campus hotel, there’s a parking lot right there. The second time we stayed at an off-campus hotel and had to park in a large school-owned parking lot, which was weirdly expensive considering that school is in such an isolated location.</p>
<p>glassharmonica - did you find it easy to get around campus with the shuttles or were you glad you had a car?</p>
<p>The campus is fairly large and it can get very cold at this time of year so if you wish to try a resturant off campus a car can be very useful. You may find that two round trips on the shuttle are more expensive than a rental car and a car can be more convienent if you just miss a shuttle. I seem to recall some kind of free parking pass being given for the audition weekend to use the lot opposite the music building but maybe not for the Friday night. Howver, as glassharmonica said the parking lot next to the hotel on campus is free if you are staying there.</p>
<p>We parked the car in a lot across from the audition hall (I think passes were provided?) and did not use it otherwise, except to explore the town and restaurants later.</p>
<p>On our most recent visit for S’s audition, we rented a car and stayed at a Holiday Inn near the football stadium where parking was free (I could be mistaken, but I believe there is a fee to park at the IMU hotel). The rental car itself cost less for three days than the shuttle would have for two people round-trip. The hotel was considerably cheaper (at least it was on the discount service I used to book it) and I was quite satisfied with it. This was our second stay there, and everyone there was extremely accommodating and friendly. For exploring the “town side” of town, I found free on-street parking (there isn’t a ton of it, but there is some). And during our visits to Jacobs and the immediately surrounding areas, we parked in the garage on Jordan Avenue (directly across from the MAC where you’ll check in for auditions). The admissions office gave us a pass which made parking there free both days we were there–and we stayed fairly late on Friday night having dinner and just walking around. By the time we left the garage that night, the gate was open and unattended, so we wouldn’t have paid for parking even without the pass. I enjoyed being able to drive around and explore and just get a better feel of the layout without having to worry about whether there was a bus or shuttle available. If I were to send S by himself I’d of course have him take the shuttle and stay on campus, but I think the rental car actually saved us quite a bit of money overall and certainly wasn’t a hindrance.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your advice – I couldn’t believe the prices of rental cars! Never have I seen such low prices!! So I did indeed book a rental car. I booked the hotel on campus months ago, so I’m all set there. Onto the audition tomorrow!</p>
<p>I agree with dobiemama-- having a car allowed us to explore the town and was cheaper than a shuttle for two. I also liked being able to time when we left for the airport rather than stick to a shuttle service. The first time we went we stayed in the on-campus hotel, which was fun because it was during auditions so there were other kids and parents there. The second time was later in the spring, to visit a teacher. I think it was the HOliday Inn where we stayed, and they did have free parking, although that time we had to pay to park in the garage on campus. Either way, it will be fine. Have a great trip!</p>
<p>We will be there too… voice audition late afternoon for D, long day!</p>