- Must visit
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
World-class children's museum with science, history, dinosaurs, sports, and immersive exhibits. One of Indianapolis's signature attractions for all ages.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$40
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$51
Fastest journey on Sep 17
3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
3 h 31 m
Buses on Sep 17
13
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 $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 13 buses from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN, including 12 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 263 km distance in an average of 3 h 31 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest buses will take 3 h 45 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
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 an average ticket price of $54 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 4h 29m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $54, while a flight costs an average of $629.
Distance: 163 miles (263 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$54 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price | $629 Average price | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration 4h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration 4h 6m Onboard + 2h 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 $7 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $60 (€49).
A bus is $575 (€468) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $629 (€512).
Other travel options to Indianapolis, IN take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 6m.
Train takes on average 4h 54m.
Tickets start at around $54 (€44) compared to roughly $50 (€41) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-3.86 (€-3.14). The journey takes 3h 59m versus 2h 45m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility 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 $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN buses for today, Wednesday, September 16. 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 | 3h45 | 12:45 PM Indianapolis, IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
319 · 8890 | 9:50 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 9h00 | 7:50 PM Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 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, IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h40 | 4:10 PM Indianapolis, IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:40 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4h50 | 6:30 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h05 | 6:50 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4h15 | 11:15 PM Indianapolis, IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h50 | 12:05 AM Indianapolis, IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4h25 | 4:15 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4h05 | 4:15 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) if you book in advance.
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 2h 55m.
Distance 163 miles (263 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Indianapolis, IN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Indianapolis, IN trip today.
World-class children's museum with science, history, dinosaurs, sports, and immersive exhibits. One of Indianapolis's signature attractions for all ages.
Leading art museum set on the Newfields campus, with major collections from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America plus temporary exhibitions.
Museum and restored home of the 23rd U.S. president. Guided visits reveal politics, domestic life, and architecture from the late 1800s.
Pedestrian-friendly downtown canal lined with museums, public art, and boats. Ideal for a scenic walk and one of the city's most popular areas.
Historic city center surrounding the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. A signature urban space for architecture, events, and classic downtown views.
Popular cultural trail linking downtown districts with public art, bike lanes, and green streetscape design. Perfect for exploring the city on foot.
Indiana pork tenderloin sandwich is a breaded, fried cutlet served on a bun, often comically oversized. It is a beloved statewide classic common in Indianapolis pubs and diners.
Sugar cream pie is Indiana's state pie, made with cream, sugar, and nutmeg. Its simple farm-pantry origins make it a traditional Hoosier dessert tied closely to local identity.
Shrimp cocktail in Indianapolis style features chilled shrimp with very spicy tomato-horseradish sauce. St. Elmo made this fiery version a city dining icon.
Established fine-dining restaurant serving seasonal Midwestern cuisine with polished service. Known for refined plates and a warm, contemporary atmosphere.
Historic downtown steakhouse famous for aged steaks and the city's iconic fiery shrimp cocktail. Classic, upscale atmosphere with longstanding local prestige.
Long-running Indianapolis institution known for classic steaks, seafood, and old-school service. A traditional downtown choice with historic local character.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are mid-range, while transit is limited so many visitors use rideshare or rental cars.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Small cafe tips are appreciated but optional.
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.

Most Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station is 14 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are aTM is located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station): The station is wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need