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Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Indianapolis

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Chicago to Indianapolis Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Chicago to Indianapolis.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
CZK 1,068.80
Avg. Price
CZK 1,660.84
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
31
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
4h 46m
Duration
7h 1m

Bus from Chicago to Indianapolis: Journey Information

There are 31 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Indianapolis. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Indianapolis usually takes around 4 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance165 mi (265 km)
Shortest duration3h 5m
Cheapest priceCZK 675.75
Trips per day24
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines5

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Chicago to Indianapolis

(Based on 69 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

farentina

May 26, 2025- Solo travel

FlixBus US

Pros: Take a break. Cons: More phone charger.

4.0

Phoenicia

May 12, 2025- Visiting family

FlixBus US

Pros: The drive was fine ! The driver was militant and lied about k9 dogs sniffing the dam bus and he made people feel like they were children by talking in a strict tone ! Cons: The drive was fine bus was clean and on time . Tips: Keep the phone conversation minimum people want to enjoy the ride or nap!

5.0

Elizabeth

February 21, 2025- Solo travel

FlixBus US

Pros: Everything was perfect. Cons: Nothing to improve. Tips: Good hospitality.

5.0

Deborah

December 27, 2024- Visiting family

Greyhound

Pros: My trip to Indianapolis was good. Cons: The bathroom could be kept cleaner. Tips: Continue to wear your face mask.

5.0

Phoenicia

November 28, 2024- Visiting family

FlixBus US

Pros: Timing. Cons: Asking customers to reframe their phone calls on speakerphone and not talk so loud. Tips: Dress accordingly.

Chicago to Indianapolis Route Map

Chicago Indianapolis
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How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Indianapolis?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Indianapolis cost CZK 1,063.86 on average. Tickets cheaper than CZK 1,063.86 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Indianapolis by travel date

CZK 1,288CZK 859CZK 429JunJun

If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Indianapolis in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from CZK 987 to CZK 1,181. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on July 10, 2025.

If you’re looking to travel to Indianapolis this week, bus tickets are available starting at CZK 1,095.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Indianapolis by month

CZK 1,610CZK 1,288CZK 966CZK 644CZK 322JASONDJFMAMJ
Taking the bus from Chicago to Indianapolis is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only CZK 902. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Indianapolis during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 1,116. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

CZK 1,610CZK 1,288CZK 966CZK 644CZK 3223020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to CZK 234.20 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Indianapolis?

There are 5 bus lines from Chicago to Indianapolis available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 14 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway23h 50mCZK 1,202.10
Barons Bus Lines39h 43mCZK 1,825.48
Burlington Trailways211h 8mCZK 2,741.66
FlixBus US144h 2mCZK 1,023.51
Greyhound103h 55mCZK 1,072.88

  • Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Chicago to Indianapolis start at CZK 1,202. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Indianapolis from CZK 1,503. There are 3 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Indianapolis and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Indianapolis. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines departs to Indianapolis from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St . In Indianapolis, Barons Bus Lines arrives at 350 S Illinois St .

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Indianapolis takes 9 hours and 43 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Indianapolis in 3 hours and 5 minutes .

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 3 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Indianapolis.

  • Book Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Indianapolis from CZK 1,503. There are 2 trips per day offered by Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Indianapolis and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Indianapolis. In Chicago, Burlington Trailways departs to Indianapolis from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St . In Indianapolis, Burlington Trailways arrives at 350 S Illinois St .

    An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Indianapolis takes 11 hours and 8 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Indianapolis in 3 hours and 5 minutes .

    On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Indianapolis.

  • FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 14 trips per day from Chicago to Indianapolis, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 10 bus trips from Chicago to Indianapolis every day, with the average journey taking around 3 hours and 55 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Indianapolis usually start from CZK 676.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Indianapolis

Yes, there is a train from Chicago to Indianapolis. The Amtrak Cardinal covers this route 1 time per day. Tickets average about $28, and the trip takes almost 5 hours.
The best way to get from Chicago to Indianapolis is probably by bus. The bus is often both the cheapest and fastest travel option for this particular route, and also has the most schedules per day.
To get from Chicago O’Hare to Indianapolis, you’ll take a 46 minute subway trip from the O’Hare station to the Clinton Blue Line Station. From there, you can travel two blocks north and catch a bus from Union Station, about three blocks south to take a Megabus, or about a block and a half southwest to the Greyhound station.

The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 28 minutes to cover the 165 miles from Chicago to Indianapolis. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 5 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Indianapolis at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Indianapolis, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 31 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Indianapolis every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 24 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Indianapolis; ticket prices start at CZK 729.85.

City Information

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.

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.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses to Indianapolis leave from 4 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Where does the bus arrive in Indianapolis?

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

Image credit: Panoramio upload bot

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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 bus stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St

  • E Washington St

  • Indianapolis Northeast

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