The cheapest and fastest trains from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
£50
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h
Trains per day
1
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.
Of the 1 trains that leave Indianapolis, IN for Chicago, IL 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 5 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 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.
51 Cardinal6:255h00Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN10:25Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£501One-way0 changes
51 Cardinal6:255h00Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN10:25Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL£501One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL 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 25m. 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 £78.
Distance: 263 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£74 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest | £241 Average Price |
4h 51m Average total duration 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m 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.
Live departures
Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Sunday 12 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
51 Cardinal | 10:25 Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN | 5h00 | 15:25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL by train, coach or flight
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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL
Trains from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
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 5h 0m.
Distance 263 km |
Average train duration 4h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 0m |
First train 6:00 |
Last train 17:55 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Indianapolis, IN and Chicago, IL from £27. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Indianapolis, IN and Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available a few blocks away from the station.
- Harry & Izzy's
- St. Elmo Steak House
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union-Stn
- Omni Severin Hotel
- The Westin Indianapolis
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform for Amtrak's Cardinal line
- Bus: IndyGo routes available nearby
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL
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