By Train
AMTRAK – Do NOT wait to purchase train tickets. Check-in for Orientation runs from 8:30 AM - 9:25 AM. You will need to arrive the night before Orientation as Amtrak does not have early morning arrivals out of Chicago. Make sure your final destination is the Springfield, IL Amtrak Station.
By Automobile
Parking: Pay kiosks are available in lots D, G, J, and I. Lots G and J are the closest visitor parking lots to the Student Union where most of Orientation will be held. Please pay attention to the signage on the parking lots, some are designated “permit only.” Refer to the Visitors and Residential Student Parking map (pdf) for more information. Make sure you give yourself plenty to time to secure parking before Orientation begins at 9:30 AM
Driving Directions to UIS Campus (pdf)
Ground Transportation
Gracious Cab Company (GCC) provides a discount to UIS students (showing their i-Card) and families a discount. Call ahead of your arrival to reserve space(s) on a Gracious Cab shuttles. Print your orientation or family weekend confirmation email and show it to the driver in order to receive the UIS discount.
Springfield also has Uber and Lyft transportation options available. Download those apps to your phone to use them in Springfield.
(TRAVEL ALERT – GCC is the only company that has made arrangements with the university to offer discounted ground transportation. GCC cabs and shuttle vans are labeled with the GCC logo. If it doesn’t say Gracious Cab or GCC they are not offering a sponsored UIS discount).
Gracious Cab Company – phone: 217-685-9900
Accessible Transport
Families that need accessible transportation from the train station to UIS, and later the hotel, should check out these Springfield resources:
- The website Easy Access Springfield lists hotels that offer Hotel Shuttles that will provide accessible transportation with 48 hrs. notice. The website also provides information about private transportation companies that are lift or ramp equipped.
- Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) also provides transportation to visitors that have registered with their department.
Overnight Accommodations
Parents, family members, and guests may need to make arrangements for overnight accommodations. The Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau has a listing of area hotels. The list below is for convenience. We only update information when a hotel sends us new information. ** This page is frequently updated so check back regularly for information.
Plan Your Trip:
Make the most of your trip to the Capital City and get to know the community UIS calls home. Whether you are planning to stay overnight or a day visit, check the calendar of events to see what is going in Springfield. While you are in the Capital City explore some of our sites and places to eat. Walk in Lincoln’s footsteps – from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum to the Lincoln Home or Tomb. No trip to Springfield is complete without trying a local favorite, the famous horseshoe sandwich.
Hotels offer UIS Parents/Families special Orientation rates.(Older information remains for contact purposes only. We cannot guarantee specials from previous years will be honored). When making reservations use the local number or the link provided. National reservation centers do not know about local promotions.
New Student Orientation and Parent Relations is thankful for the generous support from our 2023-2024 Community Partners:
Community Partners
Crowne Plaza (Last updated May 2022)
Distance from campus: 2.4 miles. 3000 South Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62703 Phone number(s): 217-529-7777 Email address: sales@cpspringfield.com Web Address: www.cpspringfield.com Reservation Information (and any special rates): Mention Rate Code IPUIS to receive the $85.00 special rate for UIS Students and Families Information about early and/or late check-in: $50 for early in or late out Hotel’s amenities: 3 on-site restaurants, meeting space, gaming machines, hydromassage, indoor pool, fitness center, and shuttle.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (last updated May 2022)
Distance from campus: 2.4 miles. 3050 South Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62703 Phone number(s): 217-529-7771 Email address: sales@cpspringfield.com. Reservation Information (and any special rates): Mention Rate Code IPUIS to receive the $85.00 special rate for UIS Students and Families Information about early and/or late check-in: $50 for early in or late out Hotel’s amenities: complimentary hot breakfast, meeting space, on-site laundry, indoor pool on hotel complex, sundry shop, and fitness center.
Baymont Inn & Suites (Community Partner 2017-18; 2016-17. Rates and codes were not updated by this hotel in 2022. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus: 2.3 miles. 5871 S. 6th St. Frontage Rd East, Springfield IL 62703. (217) 529-6655. Email address: baymontsp@aol.com. Special for UIS Parents: $10 off ongoing price when booked direct with the local hotel number. Early check-in or late check-outs available with prior request and availability of rooms. One of the nearest hotels to UIS campus, indoor heated pool, hot tub. Free Wi-Fi. Free hot breakfast buffet. Free Parking. All rooms with Microwave/Fridge/40" LED cable television. Easy access to I-55. Close to restaurants.
Country Inns & Suites (Last updated March 2023) web address
Distance from campus: 2.7 miles. 3092 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL. (217) 544-5151. Email: klfurman@sandcompanies.com. Located near campus, Country Inn & Suites Springfield provides complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, fitness center, coin laundry facilities, and indoor pool. Consider us your new home away from home. You can also call the property directly and request the University of Illinois rate at $119/night +tax. Check-in 3 p.m., check out 12 p.m. Easy access from I-72 and near I-55. Close to shopping and restaurants.
Drury Inn & Suites - Springfield (Community Partner 2016-17. Rates and codes were not updated by this hotel in 2022. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus: 2.8 miles. 3180 S Dirksen Parkway - Springfield, IL, 62703. 1-800-378-7946 (general reservations) 217-529-3900 (direct). Email address: dis.spril.73.gm@druryhotels.com. Reservation Information Rate: $92.00 (+taxes) deluxe room with two queen beds (valid through June 30, 2017, some blackout dates do apply). Rate can also be accessed by referencing University of Illinois on the Online Reservation Link. Check in is at 3:00 pm. Early check in can be requested but is not a guarantee. Late check in is not a problem as long as the room is guaranteed on a credit card. Hotel’s amenities: Free Hot Breakfast Buffet; Free 5:30 Kickback® - Hot Food & Cold Beverages; Free Wireless Internet; Free 60 Minutes of Long Distance; Free Soda/Popcorn in Lobby (daily 3-10 pm); Free Local Phone Calls; Smoke-free hotel; Pets Accepted - $10 daily cleaning fee*. Easy access to I-55 and I-72. An Official Sponsor of UIS Athletics.
La Quinta by Wyndham (Updated 2023. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus: 2.4 miles. 1121 Lejune Drive Springfield, IL. 62703. Reservations: 217-697-5686 Check in: 3 pm/Check out: Noon Amenities- indoor pool, exercise room, free breakfast, free WiFi If you have any questions, please call 217-460-0255
Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center (Community Partner: 2017-18. Rates and codes were not updated by this hotel in 2022. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus: 2.8 miles. 625 E. Saint Joseph Street. Springfield, IL 62703. (217) 529-6626. Email: route66hotel@gmail.com. Locally owned hotel with new owner. Currently undergoing major updates. Onsite restaurant - Mother Road Diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Early and late check-in can be requested, based on availability. Complimentary WiFi. Outdoor heated pool. When making reservations ask for the UIS Orientation rate: $66/night. Located near restaurants, shopping, and beauty/spa services.
Wingate by Wyndham (Rates and codes were not updated by this hotel in 2022. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus 2.8 miles. 3185 S. Dirksen Parkway. Springfield, IL 62703. (217) 529-1100. Fax: (217) 529-1105. Please call the hotel directly for their UIS Orientation/Family Weekend rates for the dates you are visiting campus. Close to downtown, UIS, and walking distance to restaurants and entertainment. Amenities include: Complimentary Hot Breakfast; indoor heated pool; free WiFi; Fitness Center; Business Center; Cable; Late check-in/check-out; Early check-in upon availability.
Candlewood Suites (Last updated May 2022)
Distance from campus: 4 miles. 2501 Sunrise Drive. Springfield, IL 62703. (217) 522-5100. Fax: (217) 522-5101. Email: gm.cwsuites@gmail.com. Each room has a full kitchen for your convenience: Refrigerator, microwave, 2-burner cooktop, dishwasher, and dishes. Amenities: Free WiFi, Laundry facilities, work out room.
Comfort Inn & Suites (Community Partner 2018-19; 2016-17. Last updated May 2022)
Distance from campus: 2.8 miles. 3675 South 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62703. (217) 529-8898 or (877)424-6423. Please call the hotel directly and ask for the UIS $79 rate. Rate available through 2022 year for UIS Parents & Family members. Early & late check-in and check-out is available by request, based on availability of the hotel. The hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast buffet, free WIFI, indoor pool, spa, and fitness center. Free parking, easy access to I-55 and I-72. Close to shopping and restaurants.
Comfort Suites (Rates and codes were not updated by this hotel in 2022. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus: 3.6 miles. 2620 S. Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62703. (217) 753-4000. Email: gm.il127@choicehotels.com. Group Blocks will be made for each date. Reservations must be made through the hotel only. Special rate for 2017-18 UIS Parents&Families $89 plus tax. Early check in or late check out is not guaranteed. This is an all suite hotel with a mini fridge and microwave in every room. They also have an extended complimentary breakfast with a hot egg and meat item.
Crowne Plaza (Community Partner 2018-19, 2019-20; 2021-22; Last updated May 2022)
Distance from campus: 3.1 miles. 3000 South Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62703. 217-529-7777 or 217-585-2808. Email: jthoron@cpspringfield.com. $84 rate available for standard room through the 2018-19 school year. Visit the NEWLY renovated Crowne Plaza hotel! Enjoy the many amenities the hotel has to offer including a heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, free parking, 24 hour business center, Long 9 Restaurant, full service coffee bar, fitness center and more. Book today by calling 1-877-227-6963 and use rate code IPUIS or make your reservations online.
Extended Stay America (Updated 2023)
Distance from campus: 3.2 miles. 3185 S. Dirksen pkwy Springfield, IL 62703. (217) 529-1100. Email: esaspringfield @gmail.com. Each room has kitchenette with a full refrigerator, microwave, electric stove, sink. Smart TV in each room with Netflix, Prime, You Tube and hundreds more free channels. Pool. Limited continental breakfast. 24 hours coffee station. Onsite 24 hours guest laundry. High speed free Wi-Fi. Convenient parking. Near many restaurants.
Hilton Garden Inn (Community Partner: 2017-2018, 2016-17. Rates and codes were not updated by this hotel in 2022. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus: 3.1 miles. 3100 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL. (217) 529-7171. Email: Director of Sales Alie Fricke ; General Manager Chris Fulz. Located just 3 miles from University of Illinois Springfield campus, this Hilton Garden Inn features complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour Business Center, complimentary fitness center and a full-service restaurant on the property providing everything you need to make your stay successful. We supply Keurig coffee maker, mini-fridge and microwave in every room. Also available is Coin Laundry, Lounge, Luggage Hold, On-Site Convenience Store, Room Service, Safety Deposit Box, Fitness Room and a Pool. Come stay at the Hilton Garden Inn where everything is right where you need it! UIS Orientation Rate: $89 with breakfast included for up to 4 guests per room! To make a reservation, ask for UIS Orientation rate, by calling 217-529-7171 ext. 508 or Book online.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Community Partner 2018-19, 2019-20; 2021-22; Last updated May 2022)
Distance from campus: 3.1 miles. 3050 South Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62703. 217-529-7771 or 217-391-0331. Email: jthoron@cpspringfield.com. Join us at the NEWLY renovated Holiday Inn Express for a great stay! Ask for our special UIS rate or refer to rate code IPUIS and reserve a standard room for $84 a night. Included is a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, free wi-fi, newspaper, parking, business center and use of the Crowne Plaza pool/sundeck/Jacuzzi/sauna. The hotel is 100% smoke free and pet friendly. You may also use the link to reserve a room today. Make your reservations online.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham (Last updated May 2022)
Distance from campus: 3.6 miles. 2636 Sunrise Drive. Springfield, IL 62703. Phone 217-753-2636 Email: Microtel29037@gmail.com. Complimentary Continental Breakfast, Wi-Fi, and Parking. Refrigerator & Microwave in each Suite. Laundry onsite. Business Center and Fitness Room. Pets welcome with small fee per pet. NOTE: Rate is per room, per night and subject to tax. Rates $89-99 plus tax. Subject to availability at the time of booking. Check-in after 9 a.m. Check-out no later than 12:30 p.m.
Residence Inn by Marriott (Community Partner: 2018-19; 2016-17. Updated 2023. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus. 3.4 miles. 2915 Stanford Avenue, Springfield, IL 62703. (217) 527-1100. Check-in at 3 p.m. & check-out at 12 noon; however, hotel will make every effort to provide an early check-in or late check-out based on availability. Amenities: complimentary hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour coffee & tea station, complimentary parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, free grocery shopping service, guest laundry facility, outdoor sports court, outdoor courtyard with casual seating, barbecue grill & fire pit. Near restaurants and convenient to I-55.
Sleep Inn (Rates and codes were not updated by this hotel in 2022. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus: 7.2 miles. 3470 Freedom Drive, Springfield, IL 62704. (217) 787-6200. Email address: springfield@ipdhospitality.com. Newly refreshed hotel located just a short drive from the UIS campus. Convenient location is just off I-72 near many shops and restaurants. The Sleep Inn offers complimentary hot breakfast buffet, free WiFi, free daily newspaper and free coffee. Amenities: in-room coffee maker, microwave, and micro-fridge. Access the special UIS rate of $69 (+tax).
SpringHill Suites Springfield Southwest (Updated 2023)
Distance from campus: 6.5 miles. 3921 MacArthur Boulevard. Springfield, IL 62711. (217) 789-0000. Email: lisa.nardi@marriott.com – Director of Sales.
Check-in at 3 p.m. & check-out at 12 noon; however, hotel will make every effort to provide an early check-in or late check-out based on availability. Hotel’s amenities: complimentary hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour coffee & tea station, guest laundry, outdoor courtyard with fire pit, complimentary parking, complimentary Wi-Fi along with room service offered by Engrained Microbrewer & Restaurant.
State House Inn (Community Partner 2019; Rates and codes were not updated by this hotel in 2022. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus: 6.2 miles. 101 E Adams St. Springfield, IL 62701. (217) 528-5100 x800. Email address: jami@thestatehouseinn.com. UIS Orientation: $79/night Standard King or Double room. Includes complimentary hot breakfast for each guest. Early arrival and late check-in if available - call the hotel prior to arrival to confirm availability. Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, on-site parking, daily paper, coin laundry, Business Center, Fitness Center. Walking distance to Amtrak, downtown restaurants, shops, historical sites and attractions.
Wyndham Springfield City Centre (Rates and codes were not updated by this hotel in 2022. Rates and codes listed may no longer be valid. Contact the hotel by email or phone with questions.)
Distance from campus: 6.1 miles. 700 E Adams Street, Springfield, IL 62701. (217) 789-1530 Ext. 4502 Fax: (217) 522-5346. Email address: ktilton@wyndhamcitycentre.com. Orientation rates in June/July $89-109/night check with hotel. Close to Abraham Lincoln Museum and historic sites, shops, dining.
Hampton Inn and Suites (Last updated May 2022)
Distance from campus: 6.7 miles. 2300 Chuckwagon Drive Springfield, IL 62711. (217) 793-7670. The hotel is located on Springfield’s west side near shopping, restaurants, and amusement park. Book online or call the hotel directly. Early check-in and late check-out can be requested but not guaranteed. Complimentary hot breakfast and free parking. Indoor heated pool. 24hr fitness center, business center, and suite shop.
Fairfield Inn Springfield (Last updated May 2022)
Distance from campus: 8.7 miles. 3446 Freedom Drive Springfield, IL 62704. (217) 793-9277. Email address: gm.ffispringfield@finehospitality.com. The hotel is located on Springfield’s west side near shopping and restaurants. Please call hotel directly to inquire about rates. Check-in time is 4 p.m./Checkout is 11 a.m. Amenities: complimentary hot breakfast, coffee, Wi-Fi, indoor pool and hot tub.
Courtyard by Marriot (Last updated March 2023)
Distance from campus: 8.9 miles. 3462 Freedom Drive Springfield, IL 62704. (217) 793-5300. Email: Caitlin Rydinsky, Director of Sales caitlin.rydinsky@marriott.com. Located on the west side of Springfield near the heart of the area’s shopping district and many restaurants, Courtyard by Marriott offers on-site work out room, indoor pool, and an in-house eatery the Bistro (featuring Starbucks in the mornings) and evenings for dinner featuring our bar. Reservation Information Special Rate 15% off for UIS Parents/Family members (subject to availability and occupancy). Check-in at 3 p.m./Check-out 12 p.m. Book your reservation here.