Travel Guide: Chicago to Indianapolis by Bus 

Traveling from Chicago to Indianapolis with FlixBus is an easy, comfortable, and affordable way to move between these two Midwest cities. The journey takes around 4 hours, and it will be a breeze with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power outlets, spacious seating, and onboard restrooms. With multiple departures daily, including night trips and weekend round-trip options, you’ll have plenty of flexibility to plan your travel. So just sit back and enjoy the journey through the heart of the Midwest. 

Departing from Chicago by Bus 

FlixBus operates from several locations in Chicago, so it’s important to check your ticket for the correct departure point before you travel. Common pick-up spots include: 

• The bus station on West Garrison Street 
• The train station on West Jackson Boulevard 

To ensure a smooth departure, arrive at your bus stop at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This gives you enough time to check in, locate your bus, and board without stress. 

Getting to the FlixBus Stop in Chicago 

Chicago is well connected with public and private transportation options, so reaching your departure point is simple—whether you’re coming from within the city or arriving from the suburbs. 

By CTA (‘L’ Trains and Buses) 

Chicago’s CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) operates the nation’s second-largest public transit system, offering eight ‘L’ train lines and over 120 bus routes. Despite the name, not all 'L' trains are elevated—some run at street level or underground—but all serve as reliable ways to get around the city. 

• The Blue Line connects O’Hare International Airport to downtown and operates 24/7. 
• The Red Line, running from the North to the South Side via downtown, also runs all day and night. 
• CTA buses stop every few blocks and cover the city extensively. Some routes offer Night Owl service into the early morning hours. 

You can pay with cash on buses, or use a Ventra Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass to travel seamlessly between buses and trains. Download the Ventra app to check real-time train/bus arrival times and to manage your balance. 

By Metra Commuter Rail 

If you're traveling from the suburbs, Metra is a high-speed commuter rail system that connects many outlying areas with downtown Chicago. It’s a fast, efficient way to get to your FlixBus stop. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Ventra app. 

By Taxi or Ride-Share 

Taxis are easy to hail throughout the city. You can also use CHICABS-approved apps like ARRO or CURB to book and pay digitally. All taxis accept credit cards. 

For a more personalized route, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. Just download the app, enter your location and destination, and request a ride—ideal if you're carrying luggage or traveling during off-peak hours. 

With so many ways to get around, reaching your FlixBus stop in Chicago is straightforward—just make sure to check your departure location and give yourself enough time to arrive. Once onboard, you can sit back and enjoy the comfortable bus ride to Indianapolis. 

Arriving in Indianapolis 

Once your FlixBus arrives in Indianapolis, take a moment to confirm your drop-off location. FlixBus stops are conveniently located and provide easy access to various transportation options that will help you get around the city comfortably. 

Getting Around Without a Car 

IndyGo Bus System 

The city’s public bus network, IndyGo, is the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around Indianapolis. With 31 routes covering the city and surrounding neighborhoods, it’s easy to reach most areas. 

Route 8 connects Indianapolis International Airport to downtown and runs seven days a week. 

The Red Line is a rapid transit route stretching 13 miles between Broad Ripple and the University of Indianapolis. It runs every 15 to 20 minutes and stops near many popular attractions such as the Indianapolis Art Center, the Broad Ripple Farmers Market, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Harrison Center for the Arts, and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library. 

All IndyGo buses are wheelchair accessible. Travellers with disabilities can also apply for IndyGo Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. 

If you prefer contactless payment, use the MyKey system to pay digitally. You can also download the MyStop app to view real-time bus locations and estimated arrival times. 

Ride-Hailing with Uber and Lyft 

For more flexibility, Uber and Lyft are widely available in Indianapolis. These services are convenient for occasional rides, especially if you're not relying on public transit throughout your trip. 

Fares vary depending on demand, time of day, and driver availability. It’s a good idea to have both apps open to compare wait times and request your ride with a few minutes of buffer time, as availability can fluctuate. 

Exploring by Bike 

The Indiana Pacers Bikeshare program offers over 500 bikes stationed around downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. It’s part of the larger BCycle network, making it a great choice for active travellers. 

One of the best routes for exploring by bike is the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, an eight-mile path that links six cultural districts across the city. 

Using Electric Scooters 

Lime and Bird scooters are popular in downtown Indianapolis. They’re a quick, fun way to travel short distances and skip traffic. 

Scooters are rented using mobile apps and can be parked almost anywhere. Pricing details and availability can be found directly in each app. 

Driving in Indianapolis 

If you have your own car or choose to rent one, getting around Indianapolis is easy. The city is connected by four major interstates—I-65, I-69, I-70, and I-74—earning it the nickname "Crossroads of America." Its grid layout makes navigation straightforward. 

Rental cars are available from +10 companies at Indianapolis International Airport. This is a good option if you’re planning to explore areas beyond downtown. 

Parking is generally accessible throughout the city. Meters are enforced between 7 AM and 9 PM, but parking is free on Sundays. Download the ParkMobile app to pay for metered parking easily and check space availability. 

Top Things to See and Do in Indianapolis 

• Newfields: A 152-acre cultural campus that includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art, known for its impressive European art collection, lush gardens, and rotating exhibitions. 
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway: The world-famous racetrack that hosts the Indy 500. Visit the Speedway Museum to see historic race cars and explore the legacy of American motorsport. 
• Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: The largest children’s museum in the world, featuring interactive exhibits on dinosaurs, space, science, and world cultures across five expansive floors. 
• Indiana War Memorial: A monumental tribute to U.S. military service, located downtown. Did you know? Indianapolis has more war memorials than any U.S. city except Washington, D.C. 
• Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library: Dedicated to the legendary author and Indy native, this museum includes personal items, original drawings, and an intimate look at his life and work. 
• The Idle: A quirky hidden green space tucked along the Cultural Trail between Fletcher Place and Fountain Square, offering city views and a touch of local humor. 
• White River State Park: A scenic downtown park home to trails, waterways, green spaces, and cultural institutions like the Eiteljorg Museum and the Indiana State Museum. 
• Indiana Medical History Museum: Located in a former psychiatric hospital, this museum offers fascinating guided tours through preserved medical labs and 19th-century equipment. 
• Eiteljorg Museum: A unique museum of Native American and Western art, featuring pottery, masks, basketry, and paintings by artists like Frederic Remington and Georgia O’Keeffe. 
• Dallara IndyCar Factory: Explore how IndyCars are built at this interactive museum near the Speedway, with racing simulators and behind-the-scenes factory insights. 
• Rhythm! Discovery Center: A fun, hands-on percussion museum where visitors can play drums, gongs, and instruments from around the world. 

Buses from Chicago to Indianapolis

Find the cheapest buses from Chicago to Indianapolis

It couldn't be easier to book your travel from Chicago to Indianapolis with FlixBus - and when you book in advance, you can save money too! Make your journey even easier with the FlixBus app. All your information will be saved for the next time you travel.

No matter whether you want to travel first thing in the morning or late at night, you'll find a journey to suit your plans. The first bus is at 6:10 am with the last bus leaving at 11:59 pm.
You can pick up a bus ticket from Chicago to Indianapolis for just $40.98 - that's way cheaper than traveling by any other method.
Buses are also a great choice for environmentally-conscious travelers. We're working towards being 100% carbon neutral and offer all travelers the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions when booking their tickets. Simply select the "CO2 compensation" box when paying online and we'll use all of the money to make a direct impact on the future of sustainable mobility.

What to expect onboard the FlixBus bus from Chicago to Indianapolis

Traveling from Chicago to Indianapolis is stess-free, clean and comfortable - and it couldn't be easier to book a ticket. You can book online via the website, on our app, in person at a FlixShops or at resellers.
We accept card payment as well as Paypal, Google Pay and Apple Pay, but there are many more payment options that you can choose from. The easiest way to book your ticket is using our app. You'll be able to make your reservation within seconds and there's no need to print and carry the ticket with you, as your phone will be your ticket.

Want to sit beside family or friends or keep the space beside you free? Need easy access to the toilet or a table to get on with some work whilst traveling? You can reserve a seat when you book on the app or website, and you can choose from a variety of seat options. Once you're settled in your seat, you can sit back and relax with plenty of onboard services to help you make the most of your trip. Most of our buses have onboard Wifi so you can catch up on your favorite shows, chat with your friends or listen to music and podcasts. We've also got toilets onboard, as well as power outlets.
What's more, you get a generous luggage allowance when you travel with FlixBus with one carry-on bag and one checked bag, so you can bring everything you need for your trip.