Cheap train tickets from Columbus to Indianapolis
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Columbus to Indianapolis. Traveling by train from Columbus to Indianapolis usually takes 12 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 287 mi (463 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 52m |
| Lowest price | $81.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Columbus to Indianapolis Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Columbus to Indianapolis:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Columbus to Indianapolis?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Columbus to Indianapolis was $107.83. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.
Average train ticket prices from Columbus to Indianapolis by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Columbus to Indianapolis is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $78 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Columbus to Indianapolis by month
Ticket prices for the train from Columbus to Indianapolis often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $88. If you're thinking of traveling from Columbus to Indianapolis during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $116 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
You can score the best price on a train ticket from Columbus to Indianapolis by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.
Which train should you take from Columbus to Indianapolis?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbus to Indianapolis. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 12h 21m | $113.95 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Columbus to Indianapolis every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $81.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Columbus to Indianapolis
Trains leave the station in Columbus twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Indianapolis to Columbus.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Columbus and Indianapolis is approximately 287 miles, or 463 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 52 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.
Distance (mi)
287
Distance (km)
463
The earliest train departs Columbus at 1:47pm while the last train of the day leaves at 4:23pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
1:47pm
Last train
4:23pm
Trains from Columbus to Indianapolis are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Columbus?
Main departure station: 359 N Ludington St
There is one train station in Columbus.
All train stations in Columbus:
- 359 N Ludington St
Where is the train station in Indianapolis?
Main arrival station: Indianapolis Union Station
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
Need a return trip from Indianapolis to Columbus?
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