Indianapolis Airport: Getting There By Bus

Indianapolis Airport (IND) is located just seven miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis. While the city does not have a modern public transportation system, there are a few different ways to get from the airport to downtown Indianapolis by bus.

Bus route and schedule

The bus route from Indianapolis International Airport to downtown Indianapolis is served by the IndyGo bus service, which operates Route 8 (Washington) from the airport to downtown. The bus stop at the airport is located on the Ground Level, in Zone 6 of the Ground Transportation Center, at the north corner of the Terminal Garage building. The bus arrives at and departs from the airport every 30 minutes from 5:04 a.m. to 11:03 p.m. Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, the service starts an hour later, and on Sundays, it starts two hours later. The last bus from the airport on Sundays is at 8:52 p.m. The bus ride takes approximately 45-50 minutes, depending on traffic.

The IndyGo bus service provides a non-express, fixed-route service with multiple stops along the way. The bus ride typically takes around 50 minutes, but it can be longer during peak hours or if there is construction work. The bus service is a convenient and affordable option, with an adult fare of $1.75 and free rides for children aged 5 and under when accompanied by a paying passenger. Day passes for all fixed IndyGo routes throughout Indianapolis are also available for $4.

IndyGo is not the only bus service available from the airport. There are also shuttle services offered by companies such as GO Express Travel, Lafayette Limo Inc., and Reindeer Shuttle, which provide transportation to nearby cities and universities. These shuttle services offer a more direct and faster journey to specific locations but may require reservations and have different fare structures.

Bus fares

IndyGo Bus Service

IndyGo offers a non-express, fixed-route bus service from the airport to downtown Indianapolis, known as Route 8 (Washington). The adult fare for this service is $1.75, and the ticket is valid for 2 hours. Day passes for all fixed IndyGo routes throughout Indianapolis are available for $4. Children aged 5 and under travel for free when accompanied by a paying passenger. IndyGo buses run every 30 minutes from 05:04 to 23:03, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, the service starts one and two hours later, respectively, with the final departure on Sunday from the airport at 20:52.

Miller Transportation

Miller Transportation also operates a bus service from Indianapolis Airport to downtown. The fare for this service is $2, and the journey takes around 38 minutes.

Lafayette Limo Inc.

Lafayette Limo Inc. offers shuttle services between the Indianapolis International Airport and the Greater Lafayette Area. While they do not explicitly state their bus fares, they do mention that children aged 2 and under ride for free, children aged 3-12 travel at half price, and airline employees with valid identification or a pay stub can also travel at half price. They also charge $10 for each additional bag, with one suitcase and one carry-on included in the base fare.

GO Express Travel

GO Express Travel provides shuttle services from the Indianapolis Airport to Bloomington and Indiana University, Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Purdue University. Unfortunately, their bus fares are not readily available, but they can be contacted at 800-589-6004 for more information.

Reindeer Shuttle

Reindeer Shuttle is another option for shuttle services from the Indianapolis Airport to Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Purdue University. Their contact number is 765-637-5124, but specific fare information is not available online.

It is worth noting that the bus is generally considered a slow and unreliable option for travelling to and from the airport, with journeys taking up to 50 minutes due to multiple stops along the way. However, it is also praised for being super cheap, reliable, and easy to navigate.

Pick-up and drop-off points

Ground Transportation Centre

The Ground Transportation Centre is the designated area for the bus pick-up and drop-off. It is very clearly marked and easily accessible from baggage claim. It is also the central spot for ride-sharing, rental cars, hotel shuttles, and parking shuttles. After exiting baggage claim, simply cross the street/arrivals pick-up area, and you'll find yourself at the centre. There is only one crosswalk from baggage claim, leading directly to the transportation area.

IndyGo Bus Stop

IndyGo, the public bus service provider, operates Route 8 (Washington) to and from the airport. The IndyGo bus stop is located on the Ground Level of the airport, in Zone 6 of the Ground Transportation Centre. Specifically, it is at the north corner of the Terminal Garage building. This bus service is a non-express, fixed-route option, so it makes multiple stops and takes approximately 45-50 minutes to reach downtown Indianapolis.

Taxi Pick-up

Taxis are readily available just outside the baggage claim area on the lower level of the terminal. This option is ideal if you're heading to downtown Indianapolis, as it is only a 20-minute drive away.

Shuttle Services

Several companies offer shuttle services to and from the airport, providing a convenient and reliable way to get to your destination. These include GO Express Travel, Lafayette Limo Inc., Reindeer Shuttle, and Jayride. These shuttles usually depart from the Ground Transportation Centre as well, and some companies offer the option to reserve your seat and pre-pay online.

Alternative transport options

Indianapolis Airport (IND) offers a variety of alternative transport options to suit different traveller needs. Here are some of the options available:

Taxi or Limousine

Taxis and limousines are readily available at the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) on Level 1 of the Parking Garage. The minimum charge for a taxi ride from the airport is $15, and the standard metered cost to downtown Indianapolis is around $40. Alternatively, you can pre-book a taxi or limousine for a fixed-rate fare with no hidden costs.

Private Shuttle or Bus

Several private shuttle services are available at the airport, including Lincoln Land Express, Bloomington Shuttle, Star of America, and Lafayette Limo. These shuttles offer routes to various destinations, such as Champaign, Urbana, Bloomington, Indiana University, Lafayette, Purdue University, and Muncie.

Ride-sharing Services

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate at Indianapolis Airport, with designated pick-up and drop-off locations at the Ground Transportation Center.

Rental Cars

Rental car facilities are located at the Ground Transportation Center, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels offer courtesy shuttle services to and from the airport for their guests. Be sure to contact your hotel to inquire about their specific shuttle services.

Express Buses

In addition to the public bus services offered by IndyGo, there are express bus services provided by CIRTA and Miller Trailways, which serve the airport and offer routes to Fishers and Carmel.

Pros and cons of taking the bus

Taking the bus to Indianapolis Airport is a straightforward, affordable, and eco-friendly option. Here is a detailed list of pros and cons to help you decide if taking the bus is the best choice for your travel needs:

Pros:

• Affordability: The bus is a cost-effective option, with a flat rate of $1.75 per ride on IndyGo's Route 8 from the airport to downtown Indianapolis. Day passes for all fixed IndyGo routes throughout the city are also available for $4, offering even greater value.
• Ease of Use: The Indianapolis Airport (IND) is well-organised and easy to navigate, with ample signage. The bus pick-up location is at the ground transportation centre, which is clearly marked from the baggage claim area. The bus system itself is relatively simple compared to larger cities, making it convenient for travellers.
• Reliability: The bus service is reliable, with buses departing every two hours, and the airport being the end of the line, eliminating any confusion about the direction of travel.
• Eco-Friendliness: Opting for the bus is a more environmentally conscious choice compared to individual car or taxi trips, reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
• Accessibility: The bus service is accessible to everyone, with IndyGo offering discounted fares for seniors, youths, and persons with disabilities.

Cons:

• Frequency: One of the main drawbacks of the bus system is the infrequent service, with buses arriving approximately every 30 minutes at the airport. This can result in longer waiting times, especially during peak hours or when connecting flights.
• Speed: The bus journey from the airport to downtown Indianapolis takes approximately 38 minutes to 1 hour, which is significantly longer than taxi or ride-share options that take around 15-20 minutes. If you are in a hurry, the bus may not be the best option.
• Crowding: Depending on the time of day, the bus can get crowded, especially on busy routes like Route 8. This can make it uncomfortable, especially if you are carrying luggage or travelling with a large group.
• Limited Coverage: While the bus service covers major attractions, shopping malls, and downtown areas, it may not serve all specific destinations in the city. It is important to check the bus routes and plan your journey accordingly.

Frequently asked questions