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Cheap train tickets from Indianapolis to Chicago

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Indianapolis to Chicago Train Timetable

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Indianapolis to Chicago?

There are usually 25 daily bus trips from Indianapolis to Chicago.

Coach
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
£42.98
Avg. Price
£46.27
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
25
Daily Trips
2
Duration
Duration
5h 12m
Duration
5h 14m

Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Indianapolis and Chicago. The average train journey from Indianapolis to Chicago takes 5 hours and 11 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance165 mi (265 km)
Fastest train3h 45m
Lowest price£21.44
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Indianapolis to Chicago

(Based on 14 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Lois

21 May 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: I didn't have to drive. Cons: . Tips: No.

5.0

Elizabeth

5 February 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Cardinal

Pros: Liked the friendly staff and spacious seating. Cons: Indianapolis train station could be cleaner. Tips: Wifi is onboard but you won’t be able to watch videos. Staff is very friendly. Seat was spacious. The Indianapolis trains station is dirty and a little scary so be aware.

5.0

Betzabe Margarita

28 January 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Qué logré hacer lo que necesitaba, en un día. Cons: Me gustaría que en la Estación que salimos y llegamos ubiera un Concesionario de comida rápida, que tanto Americanos como Latínos degustaremos, un buen café, una sopa caliente con unas mesitas, que el lugar sea más acogedor. La Estación de Indiana es deprimente, le falta personal de limpieza idóneo, el de Chicago está más limpio y su personal muy tratable y bien uniformados,. Tips: Los buses son buenos y los choferes saben su trabajo.

5.0

Gracinda

13 March 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Cardinal

Had a great trip.

5.0

Kimberly

18 January 2020- Couples trip

Amtrak Cardinal

Pros: The train was very spacious! Cons: I can't think of anything.

Indianapolis to Chicago Route Map

Indianapolis Chicago

What is the price of a train ticket from Indianapolis to Chicago?

The average price for a train ticket from Indianapolis to Chicago is £45.30, By booking your trip at least 10 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay £6.51 more.

Average train ticket prices from Indianapolis to Chicago by travel date

£60£40£20NovDec

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Indianapolis to Chicago will cost between £38 and £58. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly average prices

£60£48£36£24£12JFMAMJJASOND
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Indianapolis to Chicago. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of £36. If you're planning a trip from Indianapolis to Chicago during August, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about £42 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

£60£48£36£24£123020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Indianapolis to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 10 days in advance. That way, you’ll save £6.51 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Indianapolis to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Indianapolis to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak25h 14m£50.97
Amtrak Cardinal15h 0m£31.89

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Indianapolis to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £43.

  • The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Indianapolis to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 5 hours and 0 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Indianapolis to Chicago

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Indianapolis to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Indianapolis and Chicago is approximately 165 miles, or 265 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Indianapolis to Chicago. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Indianapolis at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 07:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Indianapolis twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Chicago faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Indianapolis.

City Information

Indianapolis

Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.

Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.

Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Union Station (350 S Illinois St) - INDAMT-0

Image credit: Panoramio upload bot

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 350 S Illinois St

Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.

All train stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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