- Must visit
Newfields
A major art museum campus with global collections, design, historic homes and extensive grounds for both gallery visits and outdoor walks.
Cheapest price
£41
Average price
£41
Fastest journey
4 h 54 m
Average duration
4 h 54 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN will cost around £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Indianapolis, IN every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 263 km distance in an average of 4 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 54 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 54 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
50 Cardinal
50 CardinalOmio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, and a flight costs an average of £61.
Distance: 263 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£48 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest | £245 Average Price |
5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 17:55. The fastest train covers the 263 km distance in 4h 54m.
Distance 263 km |
Average train duration 4h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 54m |
First train 6:00 |
Last train 17:55 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Indianapolis, IN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Indianapolis, IN trip today.
A major art museum campus with global collections, design, historic homes and extensive grounds for both gallery visits and outdoor walks.
A hands-on museum focused on Indiana history, with rotating exhibitions and family-friendly displays in White River State Park.
A university art museum with European, Asian and African works, suited to a quieter cultural stop near downtown.
A lively downtown entertainment district with restored warehouses, public art, nightlife and easy access to major venues.
A landmark urban canal for walking, cycling and boat rides, linking museums, parks and skyline views near downtown.
A spacious urban park with trails, gardens, sports areas and riverside scenery, popular with locals for relaxed outdoor time.
A breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is a long-standing Central Indiana pub and diner staple.
A sugary cream pie with vanilla custard filling, whipped topping and nutmeg. It is widely regarded as Indiana’s signature state pie.
Chunks of morel mushrooms, usually lightly floured and fried in butter or oil. In Indiana, spring morel season is a treasured local food tradition.
Beloved old-school steakhouse and lunch counter celebrated for its shrimp cocktail and straightforward Midwestern dining in a historic setting.
Refined Midwestern restaurant known for seasonal Indiana ingredients, inventive plating and a polished yet relaxed dining room in downtown Indianapolis.
Lively brewery and taproom for locally made craft beer, especially Cream Ale, with casual food and a sociable city-centre atmosphere.
Moderate for a US city. Hotels and dining are mid-priced, while car use is common and public transport is limited for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. In cafés, small change or $1 per drink is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Indianapolis, IN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN trains use the Union Station to Indianapolis Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Indianapolis Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Harry & Izzy's, St. Elmo Steak House
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Indianapolis Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Indianapolis Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Indianapolis Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Indianapolis Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union-Stn, Omni Severin Hotel, The Westin Indianapolis.
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