COVID-19 Travel Guide
Learn more ›
Wanderu Logo
United States flag
$
Log in

Trains from Chicago to Indianapolis

Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

No Wanderu Fees

Without any extra fees, we make it easy to book your tickets.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Chicago - Indianapolis Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Train Route Overview: Chicago to Indianapolis

There are 29 daily trains from Chicago to Indianapolis. Traveling by train from Chicago to Indianapolis usually takes around 36 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 4 hours and 54 minutes.

Distance165 mi (265 km)
Fastest train4h 54m
Lowest price$29.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to Indianapolis

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Elizabeth

January 22, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Cardinal

The seat was spacious and comfortable. The trip was on time and there were no problems.

The seat was spacious and comfortable. The trip was on time and there were no problems.

5.0

Antwan

March 30, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Cardinal

It was fast

It was fast

5.0

Anjana

July 2, 2020- Solo travel

Amtrak Cardinal

Pros: It was clean and comfortable. Cons: It was great. I am not sure why it takes amtrack 5 hours to get to Indy from Chicago when it’s 3 hours drive. I think it takes longer is the only issue.

Pros: It was clean and comfortable. Cons: It was great. I am not sure why it takes amtrack 5 hours to get to Indy from Chicago when it’s 3 hours drive. I think it takes longer is the only issue.

5.0

Nakia

March 7, 2020- Vacation

Amtrak Cardinal

Pros: I enjoyed the relaxation all around. Cons: Nothing. Tips: I would advise them to arrive 30 mins before time to depart.

Pros: I enjoyed the relaxation all around. Cons: Nothing. Tips: I would advise them to arrive 30 mins before time to depart.

4.0

Robert

December 28, 2019- Couples trip

Amtrak Cardinal

Pros: No highway driving! Cons: The Union Station lady in Chicago was rude and nasty. She yelled at us to move through the door to another room and sit down. This was 10 minutes before the train was scheduled to depart. The lady who took our tickets before that was ...

Pros: No highway driving! Cons: The Union Station lady in Chicago was rude and nasty. She yelled at us to move through the door to another room and sit down. This was 10 minutes before the train was scheduled to depart. The lady who took our tickets before that was very nice. Tips: Enjoy!

More

Chicago to Indianapolis Route Map

Chicago Indianapolis

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

In the last month, $164.95 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Indianapolis. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 3 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $63.24 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$225$150$75MayJun

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to Indianapolis will vary between $141 and $215. Planning a train trip to Indianapolis within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is $141. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$150$120$90$60$30JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Indianapolis by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for December. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $47 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Indianapolis in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $138 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$200$160$120$80$403020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 3 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Indianapolis from Chicago will be about $63.24 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Indianapolis?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Indianapolis. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 29 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak291d 12h 51m$179.85
Amtrak Cardinal14h 54m$31.70
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 29 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Indianapolis every day, as well as 15 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $37.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Cardinal

    Amtrak Cardinal

    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 Chicago to Indianapolis per day, with an average trip length of 4 hours and 54 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Indianapolis during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train 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, train 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 train 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.

Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to Indianapolis?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Indianapolis. 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.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Indianapolis?

The distance between Chicago and Indianapolis is approximately 165 miles, or 265 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 36 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 54 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains departing from Chicago to Indianapolis tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Chicago at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Chicago to Indianapolis?

There are 29 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to Indianapolis. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.

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

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 is the train station in Chicago?

Main departure station: 5885 Horton St

Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 15 stops and stations in Chicago where you can board the train.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • 5885 Horton St

  • Airport - 5601 S 6th St

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

  • Union Depot

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

  • Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd

  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

  • 4005 Taylor St

  • Union Station

  • Union Station

  • 1301 W 11th St

  • 100 LaCrosse St

  • 100 N Third St

  • King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

  • Union Station - 1701 Wynkoop Street

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 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 train stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Indianapolis to Chicago?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Chicago

Continue by train from Indianapolis

Check out these popular routes

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 and with no additional fees. 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.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android