Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Indianapolis
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Chicago to Indianapolis: Journey Information
There are 37 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Indianapolis. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Indianapolis usually takes around 4 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 5 minutes.
- Distance
- 165 mi (265 km)
- Shortest duration
- 3h 5m
- Cheapest price
- SEK 294.52
- Trips per day
- 28
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 4
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Chicago to Indianapolis Bus Schedule

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Indianapolis (Based on 76 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
Chicago to Indianapolis Route Map

There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Indianapolis:
- Amtrak Thruway: 2 daily buses from SEK 521
- Barons Bus Lines: 3 daily buses from SEK 786
- FlixBus US: 20 daily buses from SEK 309
- Greyhound: 13 daily buses from SEK 295
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Indianapolis?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Indianapolis cost SEK 445 on average. Tickets cheaper than SEK 445 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
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 SEK 422 to SEK 756. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 13, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Indianapolis this week, bus tickets are available starting at SEK 452.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Indianapolis by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Indianapolis is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only SEK 472. 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 SEK 540. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
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 22 days in advance. This way, you can save up to SEK 149.22 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Indianapolis?
There are 4 bus lines from Chicago to Indianapolis available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 20 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:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 2 | 3h 59m | SEK 520.66 |
| Barons Bus Lines | 3 | 9h 38m | SEK 994.88 |
| FlixBus US | 20 | 4h 12m | SEK 480.97 |
| Greyhound | 13 | 4h 1m | SEK 482.09 |
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 SEK 520.66. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
Barons Bus Lines is a ground transportation company that serves various cities across the Midwest. The company follows through on its slogan of “ride like royalty” with a fleet of modern coaches boasting enhanced amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, ADA accessible steps, and spacious bathrooms. With a reputation for skilled drivers, top-notch safety, and stellar customer service, it's no wonder Barons Bus won the 2022 Wanderu Passengers' Choice Award for #1 Business Travelers' Favorite.
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 20 trips per day from Chicago to Indianapolis, and the average ticket for this route costs only SEK 480.97.






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 13 bus trips from Chicago to Indianapolis every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 1 minute to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Indianapolis usually start from SEK 294.52.






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.
There are 37 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Indianapolis every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 28 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 SEK 373.
Trips per day
37
Direct trips
28
The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 29 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.
Distance (mi)
165
Distance (km)
265
The first bus leaves at 4:45 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:55 PM. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Indianapolis, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
4:45am
Latest bus
11:55pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Indianapolis for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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?
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
- Union Station
Where does the bus arrive in Indianapolis?
Main arrival station: Indianapolis Union Station

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
- Indianapolis (W Vermont St)
Need a return trip from Indianapolis to Chicago?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
More buses from Chicago
- Chicago to Atlanta BusSEK 815+
- Chicago to Iowa City BusSEK 422+
- Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN BusSEK 295+
- Chicago to South Bend BusSEK 246+
- Chicago to Detroit BusSEK 462+
- Chicago to Minneapolis BusSEK 1,022+
- Chicago to New York BusSEK 1,189+
- Chicago to Cleveland BusSEK 560+
- Chicago to Madison BusSEK 403+
- Chicago to Des Moines BusSEK 570+
- Chicago to Champaign BusSEK 413+
- Chicago to Lafayette BusSEK 305+
- Chicago to Ann Arbor BusSEK 403+
- Chicago to Grand Rapids BusSEK 1,572+
- Chicago to St Louis BusSEK 521+
- Chicago to Cincinnati BusSEK 727+
- Chicago to Columbus BusSEK 560+
- Chicago to Milwaukee BusSEK 187+
Continue by bus from Indianapolis
- Indianapolis to Atlanta BusSEK 550+
- Indianapolis to Chicago BusSEK 511+
- Indianapolis to Fort Wayne BusSEK 196+
- Indianapolis to Louisville BusSEK 206+
- Indianapolis to Ann Arbor BusSEK 560+
- Indianapolis to St Louis BusSEK 344+
- Indianapolis to New York BusSEK 1,159+
- Indianapolis to Cleveland BusSEK 619+
- Indianapolis to Philadelphia BusSEK 904+
- Indianapolis to Champaign BusSEK 442+
- Indianapolis, IN to Bloomington, IN BusSEK 128+
- Indianapolis to South Bend BusSEK 383+
- Indianapolis to Boston BusSEK 1,022+
- Indianapolis to Detroit BusSEK 452+
- Indianapolis, IN to Newark, NJ BusSEK 1,061+
- Indianapolis to Cincinnati BusSEK 206+
- Indianapolis to Columbus BusSEK 373+
- Indianapolis to Nashville BusSEK 501+
Check out these popular routes
- Toronto to Montreal BusSEK 511+
- Los Angeles to Las Vegas BusSEK 521+
- Washington DC to New York, NY BusSEK 334+
- Boston to New York BusSEK 403+
- Albany to New York BusSEK 314+
- New York to Montreal BusSEK 864+
- New York to Boston BusSEK 422+
- New York to Philadelphia BusSEK 295+
- Philadelphia to Brooklyn Bus

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.




