- 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
$54
Average price
$91
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
8 h 14 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
386 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN will cost around $91 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 4 buses that leave Detroit, MI for Indianapolis, IN on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 386 km distance in an average of 8 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 10 h 30 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.

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FlixBus
· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $95.
Distance: 239 miles (386 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$87 Average price Cheapest | $115 Average price | $414 Average price | $56 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 27m Average total duration 8h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 40m Average total duration 16h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 5m Average total duration Fastest 5h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN:
A bus is $29 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $115 (€94).
A bus is $327 (€268) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $414 (€339).
Other travel options to Indianapolis, IN take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 57m.
Train takes on average 16h 10m.
You'll arrive about -5h -42m sooner (8h 57m by bus vs 4h 15m by car) and save roughly $-30.15 (€-24.68) compared to fuel and tolls ($87 (€71) vs $56 (€46)). 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 Barons Bus.
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 07:15AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
The table below shows live departures for Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:00 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 5h25 | 7:25 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 7:55 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 8h15 | 4:10 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
+ FlixBus | 7:15 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 8h45 | 4:00 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 1 transfer | |
· | 8:20 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 10h30 | 6:50 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
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 Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN run on average 7 times per day, taking around 8h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 (€32) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 239 miles (386 km) distance in 7h 45m.
Distance 239 miles (386 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€32) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 7h 45m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 Detroit, MI 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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