Getting Around Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne is the cultural and economic center of northeastern Indiana, and getting around it is generally straightforward — but the city is built for cars, and visitors should plan accordingly. Public transit exists but is limited, so most trips will involve a car, a taxi, or a ride-hailing app.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Fort Wayne has no metro or tram system, and it is not directly served by passenger rail. The nearest Amtrak service stops in Waterloo, about half an hour north of the city. That station is served by the Capitol Limited (between Washington, D.C. and Chicago) and the Lake Shore Limited (between New York, Boston and Chicago). If you arrive by train, be prepared to phone for a cab or have someone meet you, because transportation from the station into the city is limited.
Buses and Public Transport
The city's municipal bus system is called Citilink, and it can get you around town. Keep in mind that the system has limited routes and limited hours of operation, so check schedules in advance and don't count on it for late-night or spontaneous trips.
For travel to and from other cities, Greyhound runs multiple long-haul services to Fort Wayne from most nearby cities. The Greyhound bus station is located downtown at 121 W Baker St.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are not reliably waiting at the airport, especially if you arrive on a late flight. Call ahead to arrange one — A-1 Taxi is a local option. Ride-hailing apps are a practical alternative for getting around the city and to and from the airport.
Walkability
Walking is a reasonable way to explore downtown Fort Wayne, but the city as a whole is spread out and car-oriented. For most visitor itineraries beyond the central area, you'll want a car, taxi, or ride-hailing service.
By Car
Driving is the most practical way to get around Fort Wayne. Interstate 69 makes the city easily accessible from the north and south, connecting to Indianapolis to the south and Lansing to the north. I-469 is a southern and eastern bypass that connects with I-69 at both ends. Several U.S. highways also serve the city: U.S. 24 connects to Toledo, Ohio to the northeast and Lafayette, Indiana to the southwest; U.S. 27 is the main north-south highway through downtown; U.S. 30 connects to Lima, Ohio to the east and Valparaiso to the west; and U.S. 33 connects to Columbus, Ohio to the south and Goshen and Elkhart to the northwest.
To reach downtown, use U.S. 27 from the north or south and Jefferson Boulevard from the west. From the east, Washington Boulevard leads into downtown and passes through New Haven.
All major rental car companies have franchises at the airport, but the airport branches are much more expensive. A money-saving tip: call the Enterprise location on the southwest or northeast side and have them pick you up. They offer a weekend rate, and reserving online generally gets you the best rates.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) is the main gateway to the city. It operates around the clock, every day of the week, and is served by commuter and regional jets from most major hubs in the country, with daily direct flights to and from Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, and Dallas-Fort Worth. The terminal has free wireless internet, ample parking, and short security lines.
Once you land, your options for reaching the city are limited. Don't assume taxis will be waiting — call ahead to arrange one, or use a ride-hailing app. Rental cars are available at the airport, though as noted above, off-airport rental locations are usually cheaper. There is also a shuttle bus service between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne run by Hoosier Shuttle, which may be useful if you're connecting from that direction.
A couple of practical notes for air travelers: if you're flying to Chicago, expect to pack your hand luggage into a small cargo hull, as the smaller airlines operate tiny planes on that route with little room even for a purse — avoid packing anything fragile in your carry-on. And if you're arriving at FWA, volunteers meet passengers and give away free cookies as you come through security.