How Long Is the Drive to Cook, Simtra or Novo From Ellettsville, Bloomington or Bedford?
If you've just taken a job at Cook, Simtra or Novo Nordisk in Bloomington, one of your first questions is probably where to live, and how long the drive will be from each town.
Lesa Miller is a REALTOR® and broker in Bloomington, Indiana, who helps buyers and sellers in Bloomington, Bedford, Martinsville and the surrounding towns. Here are the drive times I checked, and what I'd look at before you choose.
Where are the three employers?
Cook Medical has its headquarters on Daniels Way, on Bloomington's west side.
Simtra BioPharma Solutions is on South Curry Pike, also on the west side.
Novo Nordisk's Bloomington site is on South Patterson Drive, on the south side, close to downtown.
Many employers have more than one building in town, so ask which address you'll report to, and measure the drive to that spot.
How long is the drive?
These are Google Maps drive times I checked on a weekday around midday in November. Rush hour will usually run longer, so treat them as estimates.
From downtown Bloomington (the courthouse square):
Cook Medical: about 11 minutes
Simtra: about 9 minutes
Novo Nordisk: about 5 minutes
From Ellettsville:
Cook Medical: about 11 minutes
Simtra: about 12 minutes
Novo Nordisk: about 16 minutes
From Bedford:
Cook Medical: about 32 minutes, by State Road 37
Simtra: about 30 minutes
Novo Nordisk: about 32 minutes
What changes the drive?
Which side of town you live on. Cook and Simtra are on the west side, so a west-side or Ellettsville home is closer to them than a home on the east side of Bloomington.
Your shift. A drive at 6 a.m. or at shift change can be very different from a midday drive. Check the route at the time you'll actually leave.
Weather and IU traffic. Winter roads and big IU weekends can add time, especially near campus and downtown.
Which town is right for you?
That's your decision, and it usually comes down to the drive you can live with, the kind of town you want, and your budget. Downtown Bloomington puts you closest. Ellettsville is a smaller town that is still a short drive to the west side. Bedford is about half an hour away, often with lower prices. I'll give you my best advice, based on my years of experience in these towns.
If you're comparing towns, Should Bloomington Buyers Look at Ellettsville or Bedford? Real Numbers, May 2026 is a good next read. If you're moving from out of state, see How to Buy a Home in Bloomington, Indiana When You're Relocating From Another City. Working at Crane instead? See How Far Is NSA Crane From Bloomington and Bedford? A Commute Guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cook Medical from Ellettsville?
About 11 minutes by Google Maps on a weekday around midday, and about 32 minutes from Bedford.
Where is Simtra in Bloomington, Indiana?
Simtra BioPharma Solutions is on South Curry Pike, on Bloomington's west side. It's about 9 minutes from downtown and about 12 minutes from Ellettsville.
Where is Novo Nordisk in Bloomington, Indiana?
Novo Nordisk's Bloomington site is on South Patterson Drive, about 5 minutes from downtown and about 32 minutes from Bedford.
Drive times are Google Maps estimates checked November 11, 2026, and will vary with time of day, traffic and weather.
Starting a new job in Bloomington? Call or text (812) 360-3863, or visit LesaMillerRealEstate.com/Links.
