
Buses from Indianapolis to Columbus
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Journey Information
There are 14 intercity buses per day from Indianapolis to Columbus. Traveling by bus from Indianapolis to Columbus usually takes around 5 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Distance | 168 mi (270 km) |
Shortest duration | 3h 15m |
Cheapest price | $24.99 |
Trips per day | 5 |
Most frequent service | Greyhound |
Bus lines | 4 |
How much is a bus ticket from Indianapolis to Columbus?
$26.99 is the average price of a bus ticket from Indianapolis to Columbus. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Indianapolis to Columbus is expected to range from $47 to $60. If you are looking to travel to Columbus within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $48. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $47 and can be found on May 25, 2022.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in May. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $53 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Indianapolis to Columbus in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $66 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 27 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save $42.39 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Indianapolis to Columbus?
There are 4 bus lines from Indianapolis to Columbus available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 5 daily trips, Greyhound 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 |
---|---|---|---|
Barons Bus Lines | 2 | 9h 34m | $60.86 |
FlixBus US | 2 | 3h 23m | $29.50 |
Greyhound | 5 | 4h 6m | $60.96 |
Miller Transportation | 5 | 9h 23m | $55.83 |
Barons Bus Lines
Book Barons Bus Lines from Indianapolis to Columbus from $47. There are 2 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Indianapolis to Columbus and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Columbus. In Indianapolis, Barons Bus Lines departs to Columbus from 350 S Illinois St . In Columbus, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Columbus, Ohio and 2 other stations.
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Indianapolis to Columbus takes 9 hours and 34 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Columbus in 3 hours and 15 minutes .
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Columbus.
FlixBus US
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 2 trips per day from Indianapolis to Columbus, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound
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 5 bus trips from Indianapolis to Columbus every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 6 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Columbus usually start from $45.
Miller Transportation
Miller Transportation, through its popular bus service Hoosier Ride, connects a number of cities across six states in the Midwest via intercity bus travel. Miller buses keep you connected throughout your journey with free WiFi and power outlets on board. The carrier is consistently rated well for on-time bus arrivals. The trip from Indianapolis to Columbus usually lasts 9 hours and 23 minutes on Miller Transportation, and ticket prices start at $36.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by bus from Indianapolis to Columbus during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
In addition, federal law requires all bus passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the bus.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
How long is the bus ride from Indianapolis to Columbus?
The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 43 minutes to cover the 168 miles from Indianapolis to Columbus. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 15 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. 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.
What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
When do the earliest and latest buses leave Indianapolis?
The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Indianapolis to Columbus, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
How many buses are there each day?
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.
Columbus



Brimming with life and cultural events, Columbus is the affordable destination of your dreams! Featuring a budding art scene, Columbus attracts art lovers through the exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Arts where children and adults alike can indulge in thought-provoking artworks. Fans of sports should not miss out on a baseball game at Huntington Park, which offers reasonably-priced tickets; it is also rarely crowded. For those who simply want to stroll about, the German Village offers a quaint and scenic view rarely seen elsewhere.
As the sun goes down, dig deeper into the German heritage of Columbus by enjoying a traditional schnitzel dish at the Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus. When you are looking for a quick snack, Bodega serves some of the best sandwiches in town, and there are up to 47 varieties of craft beers for you to choose from.
Columbus’ busiest bus station is located on E Town St., and it offers intercity bus trips to Cleveland, Chicago, New York and many other cities. The Columbus Union Station was the first union station ever built, and it’s served by Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited train lines. The local airport, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is located on the east side of the city, 6 miles east of Downtown. It provides access to 31 other airports.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Indianapolis?

Image credit: Panoramio upload bot
Link to image attributionMain 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 bus stations in Indianapolis:
350 S Illinois St
Intl Airport - Zone 1 Ground Transp Ctr
E Washington St
Where does the bus arrive in Columbus?

Image credit: Antony-22
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Columbus, Ohio
The Bus Terminal at 111 E Town St is Columbus’ hub for intercity bus service on a variety of carriers including Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Miller Transportation, Barons Bus Lines, and Amtrak Thruway. Conveniently located in downtown Columbus, the station’s area features several parking lots, hotels, and fast food restaurants. The waiting area within the station building includes restrooms, vending machines, and even arcade-style games if you’re prone to boredom while waiting for the bus. From this station, you can travel to destinations including Cincinnati, Chicago, and New York.
All bus stations in Columbus:
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University
Intl Arpt
Columbus Intl Arpt
NE Corner of E Rich St and S 3rd St
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