Getting Around
Transportation in Rexburg
Getting Around Without a Car
Good news: Many BYU-Idaho students get by just fine without a car. Rexburg is a small, walkable town, and most student housing is within a mile of campus.
🚶 Walking
Most of Rexburg is easily walkable. Campus to downtown is about 10-15 minutes on foot.
- • Most apartments are within 10-20 minutes of campus
- • Downtown shops and restaurants are close together
- • Invest in good winter boots for snowy sidewalks
- • Walking paths connect most residential areas
🛒 Grocery Runs
Without a car, grocery shopping requires some planning.
- • Broulim's is closest to campus (walkable)
- • WinCo has the best prices but is farther out
- • Get a folding shopping cart - game changer for car-free grocery runs
- • Coordinate grocery trips with roommates who have cars
- • Instacart delivers from local stores
Pro Tip: Make Friends With Car Owners
One of the best strategies for carless students is to build relationships with roommates or ward members who have vehicles. Offer to chip in for gas money when they give you rides to the grocery store or for weekend adventures. It's a win-win!
🚲 Biking in Rexburg
Best Times to Bike
Biking is a fantastic option from April through October. However, Rexburg winters make biking impractical from November through March due to ice, snow, and extreme cold.
Biking Season (April-October)
- • Perfect weather for cycling
- • Campus has many bike racks
- • Quick way to get across town
- • Great exercise between classes
Off-Season (November-March)
- • Store your bike indoors
- • Ice and snow make roads dangerous
- • Temps often below 0°F
- • Switch to walking or catching rides
Where to Get a Bike
- Walmart: Budget-friendly options starting around $100
- Facebook Marketplace: Great deals on used bikes from graduating students
- Bill's Bike Shop: Quality bikes and repairs in Idaho Falls
- Bring from home: Ship or drive your bike from home
Bike Safety Tips
- • Always use a sturdy U-lock (cable locks are easily cut)
- • Register your bike with campus police
- • Use front and rear lights at night
- • Wear a helmet (seriously!)
- • Follow traffic laws and use hand signals
🚌 Bus & Shuttle Options
TART (Teton Area Regional Transit)
Rexburg is served by TART, a public transit system covering Madison County and connecting to nearby areas.
Service Details
- • Routes connect major shopping areas
- • Service to Idaho Falls
- • Wheelchair accessible vehicles
- • Affordable fares for students
How to Use
- • Check schedules at targheetransit.com
- • Call to schedule dial-a-ride service
- • Download the app for real-time info
- • Cash or passes accepted
Campus Shuttles
BYU-Idaho occasionally runs shuttle services for special events and to certain off-campus housing areas. Check with Student Services for current offerings.
- • Free shuttles for devotionals and major events
- • Some apartment complexes offer their own shuttles
- • Ask your housing manager about transportation options
✈️ Airport Transportation
Getting to and from the airport is one of the biggest transportation challenges for BYU-Idaho students. Here are your options:
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
Distance: 28 miles from Rexburg (~35 minutes)
Pros
- • Closest airport to Rexburg
- • Easy shuttle access
- • Direct flights to Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix
Cons
- • Limited flight options
- • Often more expensive than SLC
- • May need connecting flights
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Distance: 230 miles from Rexburg (~3.5 hours)
Pros
- • Much cheaper flights (often $100+ savings)
- • Way more flight options and destinations
- • Major hub for Delta Airlines
Cons
- • 3.5+ hour drive each way
- • Need to arrange transportation
- • Winter driving can be risky
Airport Shuttle Services
- Salt Lake Express: The most popular option for students. Runs daily shuttles between Rexburg and both airports. Book online at saltlakeexpress.com. Prices around $50-70 one way to SLC.
- Facebook Rideshares: Check BYU-I Rideshare groups for students driving to SLC. Often cheaper than shuttles if you split gas.
- Private Drivers: Some local residents offer airport runs. Check community boards and ask around.
Semester Break Tips
Airport transportation gets BUSY during semester breaks. Plan ahead!
- • Book early: Salt Lake Express fills up fast during breaks - book 2+ weeks ahead
- • Post early: Put up rideshare requests in Facebook groups a week before you need to leave
- • Be flexible: Flying in/out a day early or late can save money and stress
- • Coordinate with roommates: If multiple people are heading to the airport, rent a car together
🅿️ Parking in Rexburg
Campus Parking
- Parking Permits: Required for all campus lots - purchase through Student Services
- Cost: Around $50-100 per semester depending on lot
- Limited spots: Arrive early for the best parking, especially for popular lots
- Enforcement: Campus police actively ticket - don't risk it!
- Motorcycle/Scooter: Separate permits available at lower cost
Apartment Parking
- Most complexes include parking: Usually one spot per tenant
- Covered parking: Crucial for winter - worth paying extra
- Visitor parking: Often limited, check with your complex
- Winter prep: If outdoor, plan time to scrape ice and warm up your car
Downtown Parking
Downtown Rexburg has plenty of free parking, making it easy to visit shops and restaurants.
- • Street parking is free with time limits (usually 2 hours)
- • Public lots available behind Main Street businesses
- • No parking meters in downtown Rexburg
- • Be mindful of snow emergency parking rules in winter
Winter Driving & Parking Tips
- • Warm up your car: Give it 5-10 minutes on cold mornings (but don't leave it running unattended)
- • Keep an ice scraper/snow brush combo: You'll need it almost daily November-March
- • Snow tires: Highly recommended for Rexburg winters
- • Don't park on streets during snow emergencies: Your car may get towed
- • Battery issues: Cold kills batteries - keep a portable jump starter in your trunk
Winter Car Kit Essentials
Every car in Rexburg should have these items during winter months:
- • Snow brush & ice scraper combo
- • Portable jump starter
- • Ice traction cleats for walking on ice
- • Blanket and extra gloves
- • Small shovel for digging out
- • Flashlight with extra batteries
Quick Transportation Reference
Walking
10-20 min to most places
Biking
Best April-October
TART Bus
Public transit option
Salt Lake Express
Airport shuttles
Have questions about getting around Rexburg? Check out our other helpful resources: