Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN train with Amtrak

Tue, Aug 04
+ Add return
Amtrak
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN

Showing times and prices for Aug 04

Cheapest price

€46

Average price

€46

Fastest journey

4 h 54 m

Average duration

4 h 54 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

263 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN will cost around €46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €46.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Indianapolis, IN on Tue, Aug 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 263 km distance in an average of 4 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 54 m .

On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 4 h 54 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Amtrak50 Cardinal
    5:55 PM4h54
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    11:49 PMIndianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN
    461One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, and a flight costs an average of €68.

Distance: 263 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€53

Average price

€46

Average price

Cheapest

€272

Average price

5h 6m

Average total duration

4h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 28m

Average total duration

3h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 14m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Republic Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN by train, bus, or flight

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.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN?

The best time to book your train from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN is 21 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €28 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 17:55. The fastest train covers the 263 km distance in 4h 54m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
263 km
Average train duration
4h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
€28
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
4h 54m
First train
6:00 AM
Last train
5:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
42 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN from €28. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 54m
Cheapest Price
€28
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN can start from as little as €28 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN is €53; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN is 4h 54m to travel the 263 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN leaves at 6:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN leaves at 5:55 PM.
Yes,there are 1 direct trains a day from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN, you can count on Amtrak for the best way to get you to Indianapolis, IN. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Indianapolis, IN from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 54m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN

Most Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN trains use the Union Station to Indianapolis Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Chicago
Arrival train stations in Indianapolis

Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Indianapolis, IN leave from?

Trains from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN leave from Union Station. The station is 3 km from Chicago, IL city centre at 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA.
Union Station225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre

Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus28, 151 · 7m · €3 · every ~13 min

Union Station train station facilities and services

Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.

Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USAChicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN train

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