- Must visit
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The world's largest children's museum, known for immersive science, culture, and history exhibits and strong family appeal.
Cheapest price
$154
Average price
$286
Fastest journey
12 h 20 m
Average duration
13 h 30 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
370 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN will cost around $286 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $154.
It's difficult to get from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN without transferring at least once.
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8856 AMTRAK
22 Texas Eagle · 50 Cardinal
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8856 AMTRAK
22 Texas Eagle · 50 CardinalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $135.
Distance: 229 miles (370 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$144 Average price | $55 Average price Cheapest | $321 Average price | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 44m Average total duration 8h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN:
A bus is $89 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $144 (€119).
A bus is $265 (€219) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $321 (€264).
Other travel options to Indianapolis, IN take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 32m.
Train takes on average 8h 14m.
Tickets start at around $144 (€119) compared to roughly $48 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-96.01 (€-79.11). The journey takes 8h 14m versus 3h 39m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN trains for today, Wednesday, July 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8856 AMTRAK | 2:55 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 12h20 | 4:15 AM Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, July 2 | |||||
22 Texas Eagle · 50 Cardinal | 8:10 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 14h39 | 11:49 PM Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $70 (€58) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 15:39. The fastest train covers the 229 miles (370 km) distance in 11h 0m.
Distance 229 miles (370 km) |
Average train duration 8h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $70 (€58) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 11h 0m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 3:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Indianapolis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Indianapolis trip today.
The world's largest children's museum, known for immersive science, culture, and history exhibits and strong family appeal.
A major art museum with global collections, contemporary works, and landscaped grounds that make it one of the city's top cultural visits.
A famous motorsports museum showcasing Indy 500 history, winning cars, and racing heritage tied closely to the city.
The symbolic heart of downtown, centered on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and surrounded by historic buildings and city energy.
A lively cultural corridor known for independent shops, murals, nightlife, and a walkable urban atmosphere popular with locals.
A well-designed urban trail connecting neighborhoods, public art, and major attractions, especially popular for walking and cycling.
A Hoosier classic: a breaded and fried pork cutlet served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is one of Central Indiana’s most iconic comfort foods.
Indiana’s unofficial state pie, made with a simple custard-style filling of cream, sugar, and vanilla, often finished with cinnamon or nutmeg. It is a longtime regional dessert tradition.
Indianapolis is famous for a fiery version of shrimp cocktail served with extra-spicy tomato-horseradish sauce. It became a signature steakhouse starter in the city.
Historic downtown steakhouse best known for classic steaks, old-school service, and its famous spicy shrimp cocktail. A landmark Indianapolis dining experience.
Well-regarded modern American restaurant in the Fletcher Place area, known for seasonal cooking, creative small plates, and a stylish setting.
Classic, old-school tavern famous for thin griddled burgers and a no-frills neighborhood feel. It is one of the city’s most beloved casual food spots.
Generally affordable by major U.S. city standards. Hotels vary by events; dining and transport are usually moderate.
Tip 18-20% at full-service restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, USD 2-5 for hotel staff, and round up for casual service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN by train. 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 train, 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 St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN trains use the St. Louis Station to Indianapolis Station station pair. Use this guide to compare St. Louis, MO and Indianapolis, IN train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
St. Louis Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Landry's Seafood House, The Station Grille
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at St. Louis Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at St. Louis Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at St. Louis Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at St. Louis Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at St. Louis Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, Courtyard St. Louis Downtown West, Drury Inn St. Louis at Union Station.
Indianapolis Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Harry & Izzy's, St. Elmo Steak House
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Indianapolis Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Indianapolis Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Indianapolis Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Indianapolis Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union-Stn, Omni Severin Hotel, The Westin Indianapolis.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need