- Must visit
Newfields
Major campus combining the Indianapolis Museum of Art, gardens, and seasonal installations. Strong all-around choice for art, design, and outdoor strolling.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 32 m
Buses per day
14
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 14 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Indianapolis, IN on Fri, Jun 19, 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 263 km distance in an average of 3 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 3 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
FlixBus

FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $83.
Distance: 163 miles (263 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$57 Average price Cheapest | $65 Average price | $333 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 28m Average total duration 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN:
A bus is $8 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $65 (€53).
A bus is $276 (€226) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $333 (€272).
Other travel options to Indianapolis, IN take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 58m.
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
You'll arrive about -2h -13m sooner (3h 58m by bus vs 2h 45m by car) and save roughly $-7.55 (€-6.17) compared to fuel and tolls ($57 (€46) vs $49 (€40)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Greyhound, FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h35 | 10:45 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h55 | 12:55 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4h10 | 3:05 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3h50 | 3:05 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h30 | 3:00 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h40 | 4:10 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:40 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4h50 | 6:30 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4h15 | 6:15 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h05 | 6:50 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h50 | 12:05 AM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $34 (€28) by train.
There are 14 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 163 miles (263 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Indianapolis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Indianapolis trip today.
Major campus combining the Indianapolis Museum of Art, gardens, and seasonal installations. Strong all-around choice for art, design, and outdoor strolling.
One of the world’s largest children’s museums, known for immersive science, history, and culture exhibits that also appeal to many adults.
Respected museum focused on Native American and Western art, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.
Iconic downtown circle and gathering place centered on the city’s best-known monument. A top orientation point and classic Indianapolis photo stop.
Popular pedestrian route along the downtown canal, lined with museums, public art, paddle boats, and skyline views.
Large urban park complex connecting major attractions, trails, green spaces, and event venues near downtown.
Indiana’s signature sandwich: a breaded and fried pork cutlet served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is a classic Central Indiana comfort food.
A St. Elmo Steak House staple in Indianapolis, known for jumbo shrimp served with an intensely spicy horseradish cocktail sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous signature dishes.
Often called Indiana’s state pie, this simple custard-style pie is made with cream, sugar, and nutmeg. It is a beloved Hoosier dessert with deep local roots.
Historic downtown steakhouse famous for shrimp cocktail, steaks, and classic old-school service. One of Indianapolis’s most iconic dining rooms.
Well-known modern restaurant in Fletcher Place serving seasonal American cooking with a chef-driven menu in a stylish, industrial space.
Established upscale-casual spot related to St. Elmo, known for steaks, shrimp cocktail, and polished service in a more relaxed setting.
Generally moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels vary by events; dining and transport are usually manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for cafes if desired.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Indianapolis, IN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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