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Journey Information
There are 8 intercity buses per day from Columbus to Indianapolis. Traveling by bus from Columbus to Indianapolis usually takes around 4 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 168 mi (270 km) |
| Shortest duration | 2h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $54.99 |
| Trips per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Buses from Columbus to Indianapolis
- Barons Bus Lines: 5 daily buses from $64
- FlixBus US: 2 daily buses from $55
- Greyhound: 4 daily buses from $55
How much is a bus ticket from Columbus to Indianapolis?
Bus tickets for a trip from Columbus to Indianapolis cost $57.69 on average. Tickets cheaper than $57.69 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 prices by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Columbus to Indianapolis in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $56 to $67. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 11, 2023.
If you’re looking to travel to Indianapolis this week, bus tickets are available starting at $56.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 25 days in advance to save up to $9.59.
What bus companies travel from Columbus to Indianapolis?
There are 3 bus lines from Columbus to Indianapolis available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 4 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 | 5 | 9h 47m | $67.75 |
| FlixBus US | 2 | 3h 41m | $56.88 |
| Greyhound | 4 | 4h 1m | $62.45 |
Book Barons Bus Lines from Columbus to Indianapolis from $64. There are 5 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Columbus to Indianapolis and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Indianapolis. In Columbus, Barons Bus Lines departs to Indianapolis from Columbus and 2 other stations. In Indianapolis, Barons Bus Lines arrives at 350 S Illinois St .
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Columbus to Indianapolis takes 9 hours and 47 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Indianapolis in 2 hours and 35 minutes .
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 5 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 2 trips per day from Columbus 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 4 bus trips from Columbus to Indianapolis every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 1 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Indianapolis usually start from $55.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.
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.
The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 59 minutes to cover the 168 miles from Columbus to Indianapolis. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 hours and 35 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 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Columbus to Indianapolis, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
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.
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 Columbus?
Image credit: Antony-22
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Columbus, OH (Bus Station)
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, OH (Bus Station)
Columbus (Airport)
Columbus
Ohio State University
100 E Rich St
Where does the bus arrive in Indianapolis?
Image credit: Panoramio upload bot
Link to image attributionMain 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
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