Travel

The 61st International Congress on Medieval Studies takes place in a hybrid format Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16, 2026. The Congress includes traditional in-person sessions, virtual sessions via our online platform and some hybrid sessions that make it possible for speakers to present and audiences to attend both in-person and online.

Kalamazoo is located at the crossroads of Interstate-94 and US Route 131 in southwest Michigan, a two-and-a-half hour drive from Chicago and Detroit.

Important Addresses

• Western Michigan University: 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
• Valley 2 main (accessible) entrance: 147 Valley 2 Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
• Western Heights (Hall Archer Pickard): 1925 Ring Road North, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) is served by Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. Detroit and Minneapolis (Delta) and Chicago (American) are the major hubs offering air connections. Rental car companies at AZO include Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Nationa.
 
Some Congress attendees find it convenient to fly to Grand Rapids, South Bend, Detroit or Chicago and rent a car. Driving time from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR, Grand Rapids) and from South Bend Regional Airport (SBN) is less than two hours. Driving time from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is about two and a half hours, from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at least three hours. Kalamazoo (Eastern Time) is always one hour ahead of Chicago (Central Time). 

Metro Cars (1-800-456-1701) offers car service from Detroit Metro Airport to Kalamazoo (ca. $448.80 plus gratuity. Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Kalamazoo (1-616-957-1835, ca. $187.20 plus gratuity). Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for either route.

Ground Transportation from the Airport

Medieval Institute buses meet all incoming flights at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport on Wednesday and Thursday and transport passengers to Congress registration.

The Radisson Plaza Hotel and the Delta by Marriott provide shuttle service to and from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.

Taxi service is also available at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.

Amtrak trains (Chicago–Detroit–Pontiac and Chicago–East Lansing–Port Huron routes), as well as Greyhound and Indian Trails buses, serve Kalamazoo daily, arriving at the Kalamazoo Downtown Transportation Center.

On Wednesday, Medieval Institute shuttle buses travel between selected Congress locations on the Western Michigan University campus and the Radisson Plaza Hotel, a three-block walk on Rose Street from the Downtown Transportation Center (483 meters, 6 minutes).

Kalamazoo Metro Transit bus #16 (departing from the transportation center) stops near Congress registration (limited Sunday service), and taxi service is also available at the transportation center.

Parking for Congress attendees is included with registration and available in selected parking lots near Congress venues on campus. The closest parking to the Student Center is behind Sangren Hall and is accessible from the Western Heights lot. Please do not park at meters or in prohibited areas.