Facility Overview
The University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) parking facility serves as the primary gateway for travelers flying into the Champaign-Urbana area. Located directly adjacent to the terminal building in Savoy, Illinois, this facility features convenient surface lot parking. Because it is an open-air facility, there are no height restrictions, making it an ideal choice for oversized vehicles, full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans that might otherwise struggle with vertical clearance limitations in standard parking garages.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
The parking facility is situated on the grounds of Willard Airport, providing immediate access to airline gates. While the primary function is airport passenger service, the lot is located just a short 10-15 minute drive from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, State Farm Center, and Memorial Stadium. This makes it a strategic location for airport commuters heading into the heart of Champaign or those visiting the university for major athletic events and academic conferences.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Accessing the Willard Airport parking lot is straightforward via Airport Road, which connects directly to U.S. Route 45. The lot is designed for high-volume traffic flow, allowing for efficient ingress and egress even during peak travel periods. While public transit options like MTD buses serve the broader Champaign area, the airport lot remains most accessible via private vehicle or ride-sharing services, providing a seamless transition from road to runway.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Ample open-air surface parking for all vehicle sizes.
- Designated accessible and ADA-compliant parking spaces located near the terminal entrance.
- Well-lit pathways ensuring pedestrian safety during early morning or late-night arrivals.
- Clear signage and lane markings to assist with navigation.
- On-site payment kiosks and straightforward automated entry systems.
- Security surveillance covering primary vehicle access points.
Ideal For
- Long-term travelers departing from CMI Airport.
- Business travelers requiring proximity to the terminal.
- Visitors to the Champaign-Urbana area arriving via regional flights.
- Drivers with oversized vehicles who require open-air parking without height restrictions.
Visitor & Driver Tips
We recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time, especially during holidays or major University of Illinois event weekends when airport traffic increases significantly. Ensure you have your parking ticket safely stored, as it will be required for payment at the exit kiosk. For those dropping off passengers, utilize the designated curbside loading zones directly in front of the terminal to keep traffic moving smoothly through the main parking aisles.
