Cheap train tickets from Indianapolis to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Indianapolis to Chicago. Traveling by train from Indianapolis to Chicago usually takes 5 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 5 hours.
| Distance | 165 mi (265 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h |
| Lowest price | $37.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Indianapolis to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Indianapolis to Chicago?
There are usually 24 daily bus trips available from Indianapolis to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$93.26 | Avg. Price$61.68Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips24 |
Duration | Duration5h 37m | Duration5h 3mFaster |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Indianapolis to Chicago (Based on 14 ratings and reviews)
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Indianapolis to Chicago Route Map

There are several train options that can take you from Indianapolis to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Indianapolis to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Indianapolis to Chicago was $74.48. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $66.94 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Indianapolis to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Indianapolis to Chicago will cost between $59 and $112. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Indianapolis to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Indianapolis to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $57. If you're thinking of traveling from Indianapolis to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $87 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Indianapolis to Chicago on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $66.94 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Indianapolis to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Indianapolis to Chicago, including Amtrak, Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 6h | $97.39 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 5h | $86.40 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Indianapolis to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $77.










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 Indianapolis to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 5 hours and 0 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Indianapolis to Chicago
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Indianapolis. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Indianapolis to Chicago for $30.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Indianapolis and Chicago is approximately 165 miles, or 265 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours, 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
165
DISTANCE (KM)
265
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Indianapolis at 6:25am and arrives in Chicago around 5 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:25am
LATEST TRAIN
6:40am
Trains from Indianapolis to Chicago are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Indianapolis?
Main 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 train stations in Indianapolis:
- 350 S Illinois St
Where does the train arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Union Station


The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to Indianapolis?
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