Indianapolis Travel Essentials

• Indianapolis has a continental climate with long and humid summers and short, cold and snowy winters. Temperatures range from 22°F in winter (December–March) to 85°F in summer (May–September).
• You can expect a snowfall between November and March in Indianapolis. January is the coldest month, with the most snow and when temperatures can drop to 19.9°F. February is the driest month of the year while July is the wettest, with frequent thunderstorms.
• June–August are the warmest months, with average summer highs of 86° F. These summer months are also the peak season in Indianapolis, with more crowds and usually higher accommodation rates.
• The best time to visit Indianapolis is from June to September, when the weather is warm and pleasant for most outdoor activities. Even so, the autumn months from September to December often draw crowds with peak foliage time in October.

• Plug type: A and B
• Electricity: 120 V
• Currency: United States Dollar (US$)
• International dialling code: +1 463
• Emergency telephone number: 911

Indianapolis is the capital of the state of Indiana, whose motto is the “Crossroads of America”. This is due to it being at the intersection of several major Interstate Highways, namely 65, 69, 70, and 74. This means it’s easily reachable on road trips from nearby cities if you’re in the States. Most international travellers fly into Indianapolis International Airport, the city’s primary gateway, which lies about 13 miles southwest of Mile Square or Downtown.

You can also get to Indianapolis by train or bus. Amtrak serves Indianapolis as one of its major intermediate stops along its long-distance, heavy-rail Cardinal route that runs between New York and Chicago. Greyhound buses from all across the country arrive in their dozens daily at Indianapolis Union Station.

Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

Indianapolis International Airport is the main international gateway to Indiana’s capital city. You can enjoy fast and free public Wi-Fi at IND.

From the airport, it’s a 15- to 20-minute drive northeast to the Mile Square, Downtown Indianapolis. Below are the ground transportation options available to get you to your hotel from Indianapolis International Airport:

• There are several scheduled bus services providing transport from the airport to the Greater Indianapolis area as well as to other outlying cities such as Muncie, Bloomington, and Lafayette. The one that takes you downtown is IndyGo, run by the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation.
• Black Car shared ride and luxury limousine services are available at the Ground Transportation Center outside the terminal.
• Taxis are available at the Taxi Station just outside the terminal’s Baggage Claim. An airport surcharge applies for all taxis. To hail one, simply press the designated green button.
• You can use ridesharing services Uber and Lyft at IND. Their pick-up areas are at the Ground Transportation Center, right outside the terminal.
• If you’ve booked a hotel within about a 10-mile radius of the airport, you should check whether they also provide courtesy shuttle transfers from the airport.
• Various major car rental companies have stands at the Ground Transportation Center, such as Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.

Getting to Indianapolis by Amtrak train or Greyhound bus

The modern intermodal transport centre south of the historic Union Station in Downtown Indianapolis is a grand Romanesque Revival building that dates back to 1888. This station is shared by Amtrak and various intercity bus operators. Indianapolis is one of the major intermediate stops along Amtrak’s Cardinal route. Trains come from 20 cities. Note that the station doesn’t have Wi-Fi nor ATMs.

Greyhound has buses from numerous destinations across the US. Daily buses arrive in their dozens at Indianapolis Union Station. Greyhound offers 3 classes of fares, namely Economy and Economy Extra, which are non-refundable, and Flexible fares that are. Besides Greyhound, other bus companies serving Indianapolis include OurBus, Burlington Trailways, and Megabus, whose services link Indianapolis to Chicago, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta.

Travel tips

Downtown Indianapolis, also known as the Mile Square, is very manageable on foot. For navigating the urban sprawls outside downtown, however, you’ll need to hop on the public bus system or hail a taxi. Indianapolis is a bike-friendly city to some degree, thanks to bike lanes that have been constructed alongside the city’s major thoroughfares.

Taking a taxi

Besides the Indy Airport Taxi (+1 317-381-1111) that’s also readily available downtown, taxis in Indianapolis include the blue-orange cabs run by Indianapolis Taxi Service (+1 317-759-2989), the yellow cabs by Liberty Taxi Indianapolis (+1 317-603-8788), and the silver cabs by zTrip (+1 317-487-7777).

You can also use ride-hailing apps Lyft and Uber, with plenty of drivers readily available anywhere in the metropolitan area so you can get a ride within minutes.

Travelling by IndyGo

Indianapolis’ public bus system is known as IndyGo, overseen by the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation. Their buses can take you throughout the city and into some parts outside downtown. Buses run Monday–Friday from 6 am to 6 pm and Saturday–Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm.

Single fares, day passes, and even week-long fare cards are available. You can buy them online or at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center, which is the public transit hub in Indianapolis. Route maps are available on IndyGo’s website. IndyGo buses have bike racks, adding more convenience if you’re exploring the city by bike.

Renting a car in Indianapolis

If you want total freedom for exploring Indianapolis, renting a car is a practical choice. If you haven’t hired a car at the airport, among the notable car rentals in the city are Budget Car Rental (+1 317-260-5820), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (+1 833-315-5897), Payless Car Rental (+1 317-777-7337), Alamo Rent A Car (+1 833-315-5899), and Hertz (+1 317-405-6363).

Take note of the speed limits on highways, with 55–70 mph being the general rule. There may be no speed limit stated along the city streets, but it’s always good to keep a maximum speed of 35 mph. Most of Indianapolis is flat and you can navigate your way to various spots in the Mile Square easily. There are parking meters throughout the city that accept coins and small bills, but they're often free over the weekends.

Indiana Pacers Bikeshare

To enjoy biking adventures in Indianapolis, particularly along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the state of Indiana offers its own bike-sharing scheme known as Indiana Pacers Bikeshare. It has about 50 stations located on or near the Cultural Trail in downtown Indianapolis, where the bright-yellow bikes are docked. Single-ride fares and annual passes for unlimited rides are available. Simply checkout, ride and drop the bike at any station after use.

Thanks to the mostly smooth and flat terrain, Indianapolis is a great biking city and there are various bike paths available. Check out the great Indianapolis Cultural Trail, where you can explore through downtown, passing public art installations and signposts that show you the city’s history. Other trails include the Monon Trail and other greenways. There are plans to continue adding cycle routes throughout the city.

500 Festival & Indy 500

• May
• A large and highly anticipated festival leading up to the Indianapolis 500 annual motor race. It features parades, marching bands, marathons, food festivals and various other family-friendly events.
• Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indiana State Fair

• August
• The state’s annual celebration in Indianapolis, which highlights all things Indiana ranging from youth and sporting events to agricultural expos and live entertainment.
• Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center

Symphony on the Prairie

• June–August
• A series of outdoor performances in summer presented by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra alongside pop artists and many special guest performers.
• Where: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park

Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument 

Also referred to as Monument Circle, this central and historical Indianapolis landmark serves as the public gathering place for notable events such as concerts and the major Circle of Lights celebration following Thanksgiving.

Indianapolis Museum of Art

One of the oldest and largest encyclopaedic art museums in the United States, with a permanent collection that includes tens of thousands of works from across the globe.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

A museum highlighting American motor racing history, particularly the various race stories and memorabilia of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Plan your visit around the annual Indy 500s or other summer races.

Scottish Rite Cathedral

One of the largest Masonic lodges in the world and an eye-catching historic landmark in downtown Indianapolis. It dates back to the Roaring Twenties and features travertine marble floors and Gothic-motif wall panels.