Getting Around Indianapolis
Indianapolis's transportation system is a mixed network suited to different needs. Outside of the walkable downtown and cultural districts, you'll need some form of transportation to navigate the city's sprawl. The public bus system is fairly clean and efficient, but routes can be complex, and substantial portions of the metro area are inaccessible by transit. Outside of peak hours, waits can be prohibitively long.
Public Buses
The public bus system is Indy Go. It operates throughout much of the city and into some suburbs. Single fares cost $1.75, and day passes are $4. You can purchase fares with cash, a reloadable tap card, or the MyKey app. From January 1, 2026, the fare system will change to offer 2-hour unlimited rides for $2.75 and a daily capped fare of $6.
For longer stays, you can purchase week-long cards for $20 or monthly passes for $60; these are available at the Julia Carson Transit Center in downtown or online. Half-price discount fares are available for eligible riders who complete an application at the Julia Carson Transit Center.
All buses are equipped with two bike racks on the front. Most routes travel from outlying neighborhoods to centrally-located downtown stops and back. If you want to travel across town, you'll likely need to catch two buses. Outside of rush hour, waits can be half an hour or longer on some routes.
Useful Bus Routes for Visitors
- Route #11 East 16th Street runs through many popular dining and nightlife spots, including the Mass Ave strip.
- Route #18 Broad Ripple heads from downtown up Broad Ripple Avenue, running roughly every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, and hourly on Sundays.
- The Red Line is a rapid transit alternative that runs two blocks west of Route #11 in downtown, with more frequent service (every 15 minutes, including weekends) in the downtown core and access to restaurants and attractions southeast of downtown.
- Route #8 Washington travels west through downtown and continues to the Zoo and Canal, passing through a Latino district and along the old US-40/Washington Street route before reaching the airport. It also heads east from downtown to the neighborhood of Irvington.
- Route #18 Nora travels north on Meridian Street past the Children's Museum and a large shopping district on the northside.
- The Purple Line passes by the Children's Museum before heading west on 38th Street past Newfields (formerly the Indianapolis Museum of Art) and Crown Hill Cemetery.
- JAGLINE provides free shuttle service from Purdue's Indianapolis campus to Riverside and University Park in downtown.
Rapid Transit
The Red Line is a newer rapid transit route that offers more frequent service in the downtown core compared to standard bus routes, making it a good alternative for accessing downtown attractions and nearby neighborhoods.
Biking and Bike Trails
Biking is a practical option due to the smooth, flat terrain of the area. Bike paths run throughout the city and include the Monon Trail and the Central Canal. The city has constructed bike lanes alongside major roads, though cyclists will be sharing the road with traffic. The city features 115 miles of bike lanes and 116 miles of trails and greenways.
Bikeshare and Scooters
Indianapolis has a bikeshare system available for short-term rentals. The city has also become known for its prevalence of electric scooters, which are a common sight throughout the urban area.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city. These are particularly useful for trips from the airport to downtown, which typically cost $20–25 on Uber.
Getting Around by Car
If you rent a car, the city planning is largely logical and follows a grid pattern with some exceptions. A handful of streets cut across the city north–south; a few streets (10th, 38th, 82nd/86th, and 96th) go across east–west. Washington Street is the main east–west through street. Meridian runs north–south well past city boundaries. Due to the flat terrain, you can see downtown from most spots in the city, which helps with navigation.
On city streets, if no speed limit is posted, assume 35 mph. Indianapolis and surrounding areas have several roundabouts, which are safe and common in newer developments. Parking meters are found downtown, controlled by a private company with aggressive enforcement. Meters accept cards, coins, and small bills. Parking is free in late hours and on weekends.
Intercity Transportation
Amtrak Train Service
Indianapolis Union Station, a historic grand station with the distinction of being the world's first union station, is served by Amtrak. The Cardinal route operates three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City with stops throughout the Midwest and East Coast, including a stop in Indianapolis.
Intercity Buses
Greyhound provides bus service covering almost the entire country, with buses arriving in the city more than a dozen times a day from various regions. The station is located in the heart of the city. Burlington Trailways serves the Midwest and operates from the same station as Greyhound. The Megabus service also operates from this location.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Indianapolis International Airport is located in the southwest corner of the city, about 15 minutes from downtown without traffic. The airport is situated near several hotels, some of which provide free shuttles to the terminal.
The airport is served by public bus Route #8, which runs every 30 minutes, costs $1.75 per trip, and takes about 40 minutes to reach southern parts of downtown.
Ride-hailing services are available at the airport. Uber trips from the airport to downtown typically cost $20–25.
The airport has a designated area for rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber.
Walkability
Downtown Indianapolis and some cultural districts are walkable neighborhoods where you can accomplish most activities on foot. However, outside these areas, you'll need a vehicle or transit to navigate the city's sprawl.