All Routes Lead to Pekin
Thanks to nearby I-74, I-474, I-155, Route 9, Route 29, and Route 24, getting to Pekin is an easy drive from other cities and states throughout the Midwest. Free parking and easy traffic make it easy to move around once you’re here. Pekin has its own airport along with the full-service international airport in Peoria along with Amtrak service in Bloomington/Normal! Check out our best tips for getting here below!
Drive It
From the North
It takes about 2 hours, 42 minutes to drive the 170 miles from Chicagoland to Pekin. I-55 S and I-80 are both popular interstates to get here from Chicago and beyond.
From the South
Pekin is also only about 2 hours, 30 minutes from St. Louis via I-55 S. It’s also an easy, minimal traffic drive coming from the south.
From the East
Coming from Indianapolis or beyond? Just hop on I-74 and follow it all the way in! You’ll get here in around 3 hours, 30 minutes.
From the West
Heading this way from Des Moines? I-80 to I-74 S make it an easy drive at just around 4 hours total!
Fly In
General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport
6100 W. Everett McKinley Dirksen Parkway, Peoria
A mere 20 minutes away, Peoria’s airport operates flights daily and has five car rental offices on site. Major airlines operating from the airport include American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Allegiant Air. Premier parking and lounge options cater to frequent travelers and their Premier Conference Suite provides a convenient meeting location for anyone in the area. Free wi-fi and kid-friendly zones top off your travel, making it an easy day for all travelers.
Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA)
Only 30 minutes from Pekin, the airport in Bloomington-Normal has everything you need and more. Located two miles east of Veteran’s Parkway on Route 9, CIRA offers flights from American, Delta, Allegiant, and Frontier Airlines, five car rentals, and retail shops. They also have free wi-fi throughout the airport, a business center that is open to the public, conference rooms, and a VIP lounge catering to busy business travelers.
Pekin Municipal Airport
Whether you’re a professional or recreational pilot, you’ll find Pekin’s airport a convenient option to make quick hops for business or pleasure. Avoid congested Class C Peoria Airspace and enjoy high-quality aviation amenities including a 5,000-foot paved and lighted runway, three instrument approaches, low gas prices, no landing fees, and no short-term tie-down or parking fees. They also have a courtesy car, pilot lounge, free coffee, and wireless internet.
Ride the Rails
Amtrak
Nearby Normal is home to an Amtrak station is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Pekin. The station has paid long- and short-term parking, a checked baggage service, car rentals, a vending area, and restrooms. It is also a fully staffed station to help with all your travel needs.
Take the Bus
CityLink
Based in Peoria, CityLink provides bus service around Pekin with two routes, plus a connector route that transports passengers from the Tazewell County Courthouse to the CityLink Transit Center in Downtown Peoria every hour from 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.