How to travel from Chicago to Indianapolis

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2 ways to go from Chicago to Indianapolis

Bus
Average Price$34 - $194Average Duration3h 55m
7kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
Fastest
Most eco-friendly
Train
Average Price$30 - $112Average Duration7h 55m
24kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
Cheapest
%{brand}s logoBusbud recommends taking the bus from Chicago to Indianapolis

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Indianapolis. The journey takes about 3 hours 55 minutes and with fares starting at just $34, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day
3h 55mAverage Duration
$34Cheapest ticket
7kgCO₂ emissions
TodayDec 22
from $94
TomorrowDec 23
from $45
TueDec 24
from $38
WedDec 25
from $37
ThuDec 26
from $37
FriDec 27
from $37
SatDec 28
from $39
SunDec 29
from $37

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest + Fastest
    Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: Indianapolis
    Destination location: Downtown Transit Center
    Operated by: FlixBusFlixBus
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
    Arrival time: December 23 at
    Destination city: Indianapolis
    Destination location: Indianapolis Bus Station
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

From Chicago to Indianapolis: Trip Overview

Travel the 165 miles (266 km) from Chicago to Indianapolis by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Chicago to Indianapolis is $59. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket price$59
Average trip duration5h 55m
Number of daily departures1
Number of daily train departures1
Earliest departure6:10am
Distance165 miles (266 km)
Latest departure10:30pm
Cheapest mode of travelTrain - $30
Fastest mode of travelBus - 2h 45m
Popular travel companiesFlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from Chicago to Indianapolis

Whether you're a budget traveler or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from Chicago to Indianapolis is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from Chicago to Indianapolis for an average of $48 and a travel time of 4 hours. Greyhound, FlixBus, Amtrak offer tickets starting at $34.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Chicago to Indianapolis. The trip typically takes 6 hours 56 minutes, with ticket prices starting at $30. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Chicago (Union Station), IL, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from Chicago to Indianapolis is sometime an option travelers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from Chicago to Indianapolis and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Helpful tips to choose the best way to go from Chicago to Indianapolis

Indianapolis is located approximately 165 miles from Chicago. The most popular departure point for buses is the Downtown Greyhound Station station, while most trains depart mostly from Union Station.

Although flying is an option, taking the train proves to be the quickest and often the most cost-effective choice, with tickets starting at just $30 when booking with Greyhound, FlixBus and Amtrak.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from Chicago to Indianapolis?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the train. The cheapest train ticket costs $30, and the average price is $72. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between Chicago and Indianapolis?

    If you're pressed for time, the bus reigns supreme, taking you from Chicago to Indianapolis in roughly 3h 55m.

  3. How do I travel from Chicago to Indianapolis without a car?

    You can take a bus or train for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend train.

  4. How long is the bus ride from Chicago to Indianapolis?

    The average travel time between Chicago and Indianapolis is around 3h 55m, although the fastest bus will take about 2h 45m. This is the time it takes to travel the 165 miles that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from Chicago to Indianapolis?

    When taking the bus from Chicago to Indianapolis, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound, FlixBus, Amtrak.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between Chicago and Indianapolis?

    The number of buses from Chicago to Indianapolis can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Chicago to Indianapolis by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Chicago to Indianapolis?

    Buses traveling between Chicago and Indianapolis leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Chicago O'Hare International Airport and arrive at Greyhound Amtrak Station.

  8. How long is the train trip from Chicago to Indianapolis?

    A train trip between Chicago and Indianapolis is around 7h 55m, although the fastest train will take about 4h 54m. This is the time it takes to travel the 165 miles that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Indianapolis?

    The number of trains from Chicago to Indianapolis can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Indianapolis by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Chicago to Indianapolis?

    Trains traveling between Chicago and Indianapolis leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Chicago O'Hare International Airport and arrive at Greyhound Amtrak Station.

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travelers no matter where they are in the world. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from Chicago to Indianapolis

Buses from Indianapolis to Chicago

Go by train

Trains from Chicago to Indianapolis

Trains from Indianapolis to Chicago

Popular routes