background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Cheap train tickets from Indianapolis to South Bend

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

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:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Indianapolis to South Bend Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00
No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Indianapolis to South Bend?

There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from Indianapolis to South Bend.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$61.98

Avg. Price

$83.96

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

6

Daily Trips

3

Duration

Duration

7h 40m

Duration

13h 0m

Search BusesSearch Trains

Trip Summary

4 trains operate daily from Indianapolis to South Bend. The train trip from Indianapolis to South Bend is usually about 13 hours and 31 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 9 hours and 59 minutes.

Distance132 mi (212 km)
Fastest train9h 59m
Lowest price$46.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Indianapolis to South Bend was $72.90. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $21.76 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Indianapolis to South Bend by travel date

$90$60$30OctNov

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Indianapolis to South Bend is expected to fluctuate between $68 and $88 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to South Bend in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Indianapolis is $68.

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20DJFMAMJJASON
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Indianapolis to South Bend. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $57. If you're planning a trip from Indianapolis to South Bend during October, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $94 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$253020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Indianapolis to South Bend, book online with Wanderu at least 28 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $21.76 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Indianapolis to South Bend?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Indianapolis to South Bend. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak413h 31m$77.35
  • 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 4 Amtrak trains from Indianapolis to South Bend every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $46.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Indianapolis to South Bend

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

The distance between Indianapolis and South Bend is approximately 132 miles, or 212 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 59 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.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Indianapolis to South Bend. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Indianapolis at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

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

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.

South Bend

South Bend, IN - SOB-0

Image credit: Pixabay

South Bend, IN - SOB-1

Image credit: Unsplash

South Bend, IN - SOB-2

Image credit: Unsplash

South Bend is quite a small city in Indiana, but this town offers plenty of beautiful landmarks and outdoor activities that will keep you captivated. When visiting South Bend, don't miss the Century Center, which not only hosts some of the best exhibitions in town but also boasts a great view towards the nearby St Joseph River, making it a particularly photogenic spot. The North/South Continental Divide is one particular point of interest, just a bit further down the US 20 bypass. Immerse yourself in nature at Shiojiri Niwa, a Japanese garden with more than twenty different large plants.

Though a small town, South Bend still has plenty of great dining options on its plate. For the best locally sourced burgers and a killer view of the river, check out Oaken Bucket Restaurant. If you can splurge a little bit, LaSalle Grill offers some of the finest dishes in town!

South Bend is a convenient location to reach from anywhere in the Midwest, with several bus stations in the city and Amtrak service stopping at a station close to downtown. In addition, South Bend International Airport is very close to the city and offers flights to domestic and international destinations.

Station Information

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 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 is the train station in South Bend?

2702 W Washington St  - SOBAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
2703 W Washington St  - SOBAMT-1

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 2702 W Washington St

The South Bend Amtrak Station opened more than 50 years ago. In 1970, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad constructed the station, and South Shore Line was the main rail provider until 1992. Located in the cultural hub of "Michiana," the station is near the Notre Dame University campus. Today, the South Bend Station is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, connecting South Bend with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The practical one-story concrete block station is painted a vivid, deep blue. Passengers can wait for trains on the spacious porch beside the tracks. A small shelter is also accessible on the adjacent platform.

All train stations in South Bend:

  • 2702 W Washington St

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in South Bend by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from South Bend to Indianapolis?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

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.