The Amtrak service linking Chicago to Indianapolis is one of the best ways to get from city to city, whether you are a business commuter or a first-time traveler on Amtrak. There is no easier or more comfortable way to get to the Midwest’s business hub than using Amtrak’s service. The following guide will give you everything you need to know about trip planning with Amtrak and what to expect when traveling. Find the best ticket deals, learn about the schedule, find travel tips, see what you’ll find on the train, and learn about facilities when you reach Indianapolis.
Why Take the Train from Chicago to Indianapolis?
There are many compelling advantages to choosing Amtrak, compared to driving or flying. Here are some more specific reasons to choose the train.
- Taking the train is a stress-free alternative to fighting the traffic. Driving from Chicago to Indianapolis takes about three to four hours. That estimate can increase significantly during rush hour, high-volume weekend travel, or when the weather is poor. With Amtrak, the travel time is fixed and more predictable.
- Travel takes place from the center of one city to the center of the next. Chicago Union Station is an iconic train station and is where Amtrak departs from. Union Stations are also located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. With Amtrak, you eliminate the long drive to the suburban airports and the commute back to the city once you land.
- Being less expensive is always a plus. If you are an early enough traveler, Amtrak tickets are as low as $29. That also beats the cost of gas, parking, and plane tickets that are purchased with little time to spare.
- You can stretch your legs. The coach seats on Amtrak trains give you more leg room than economy airline seats. You can walk to the cafe or stretch and enjoy the scenery. The train rolls through Indiana farmland.
- Travel more sustainably. Of the options, train travel uses the least carbon emissions per person.
- You can be productive. You cannot do that when you are the one driving. The commute is a great time to get work done or watch videos. Many people enjoy arriving not fatigued and having saved time.
Which Amtrak Trains Run from Chicago to Indianapolis?
Amtrak’s Cardinal Train is the primary train connecting the cities of Chicago and Indianapolis. The Cardinal train overview is as follows:
| Train Name | Route | Days of Operation | Service Type |
| Cardinal (Train #51) | Chicago → Indianapolis → New York | Wednesday, Friday, Sunday | Long-distance |
| Cardinal (Train #50) | New York → Indianapolis → Chicago | Thursday, Saturday, Monday | Long-distance |
The Cardinal is a long-distance train that runs in each direction three times a week. The train starts in Chicago, goes through Indiana, Cincinnati, Charlottesville, and Washington, D.C., before stopping in New York Penn Station.
Since the Cardinal runs three days a week, you will need to make sure that your trip is planned around that. In fact, since no daily Amtrak is running between Chicago and Indianapolis, you will need to be flexible with the dates.
Chicago to Indianapolis Train Schedule: Departure Times and Frequency
The Chicago to Indianapolis segment of the Amtrak Cardinal has a general schedule available below. Since times can change somewhat seasonally and incrementally year to year, check Amtrak.com to confirm the most up-to-date schedule before making a reservation.
| Direction | Train | Departs | Arrives | Days |
| Chicago → Indianapolis | Cardinal #51 | ~6:00 PM (Chicago Union Station) | ~9:30 PM (Indianapolis Union Station) | Wed, Fri, Sun |
| Indianapolis → Chicago | Cardinal #50 | ~7:00 AM (Indianapolis Union Station) | ~10:30 AM (Chicago Union Station) | Thu, Sat, Mon |
Key Schedule Notes:
- The eastbound Cardinal (#51) leaves Chicago in the early evening. This timing makes it ideal for business travelers who want to leave Indianapolis after completing business in Chicago.
- The westbound Cardinal (#50) has a morning departure from Indianapolis and gets to Chicago by mid-morning.
- Expect to find date-specific changes to the schedule on the Amtrak site.
- Amtrak’s suggested time for checking in to the station is at least half an hour in advance of departure time.
Chicago to Indianapolis Train Travel Time: How Long Does It Take?
Traveling from Chicago to Indianapolis via The Cardinal train takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. An equivalent time would be spent if you drove, but that would include the added stress of dealing with construction, speed limits, and highway navigation.
| Travel Mode | Estimated Time | Notes |
| Amtrak Train | 3.5 – 4 hours | Relaxed, no driving required |
| Car (I-65) | 3 – 4 hours | Varies with traffic and weather |
| Bus (Greyhound/Megabus) | 3.5 – 5 hours | Multiple stops possible |
| Flight (with airport time) | 3.5 – 4.5 hours | Includes check-in, security, and boarding |
Flying into the airport gives you a rather unpleasant experience, along with extra travel time. First, you have to meet the security checks, then you have to arrive at the airport ahead of time with some extra time to spare. Getting into Indianapolis from the airport is also a pain. All things considered, taking the train is usually faster than flying and more convenient and pleasant.
Indianapolis Union Station Guide for Passengers
In Indianapolis, you will enter the Indianapolis Union Station located at 39 West Jackson Place. The first Union Station in the world, it opened in 1888 and has an interesting history that has been preserved.
This historic facility is also a hotel (the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station), a food court, and several shops. Amtrak has leased a special area in the station for its ticketing and boarding operations.
Key Information for Arriving Passengers:
| Feature | Details |
| Address | 39 West Jackson Place, Indianapolis, IN 46225 |
| Nearby Hotels | Crowne Plaza (on-site), Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn (within walking distance) |
| Taxi / Rideshare | Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available outside the station |
| IndyGo Bus | Public bus service stops nearby for city connections |
| Parking | Public parking garages available adjacent to the station |
| Distance to Monument Circle | Approximately 0.5 miles (10-minute walk) |
| Distance to Lucas Oil Stadium | Approximately 0.7 miles |
| Distance to Indiana Convention Center | Approximately 0.4 miles |
The station’s location downtown is ideal for travelers heading to the convention center, sporting events, restaurants, museums, or hotels. Central in the city.
Key Stops Between Chicago and Indianapolis
The Cardinal has multiple scheduled stops between Chicago & Indianapolis. If you are beginning or ending your journey between Chicago & Indianapolis, you will have the option to take a more convenient, nearby train stop.
| Station | State | Distance from Chicago | Notes |
| Chicago Union Station | Illinois | 0 miles | Departure point |
| Dyer | Indiana | ~25 miles | Small suburban stop |
| Hammond-Whiting | Indiana | ~20 miles | Serves the Calumet region |
| Gary Metro Center | Indiana | ~30 miles | City of Gary, IN |
| Michigan City | Indiana | ~65 miles | Near Lake Michigan |
| South Bend | Indiana | ~90 miles | Home of Notre Dame |
| Indianapolis Union Station | Indiana | ~180 miles | Final Indiana destination |
Coming from or heading to South Bend? Hop on the train that serves the city directly- the Cardinal! The Cardinal is a great option for South Bend travel and is frequently used by Notre Dame fans and visitors to the university.
Ticket Prices and Best Ways to Save Money on Amtrak
With dynamic pricing, Amtrak’s ticket prices are influenced by demand, how far in advance a ticket is purchased, and class of service.
Standard Fare Ranges (Chicago to Indianapolis)
| Ticket Type | Approximate Price Range | Notes |
| Coach (Saver) | $29 – $59 | Best value, book early |
| Coach (Flexible) | $55 – $85 | Refundable |
| Business Class | $65 – $120 | More comfort, reserved seating |
| Roomette (Sleeper) | $150 – $250+ | Private room, meals included |
Money-Saving Tips
- Book in advance to get saver fares. They sell out quickly. Booking weeks in advance can cut ticket prices by 30 to 50 percent.
- Sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards. You get points for every dollar spent, which saves money on traveling, and it’s free to sign up!
- Utilize the Rail Sale. Amtrak hosts sales on a majority of Wednesdays and Thursdays, where select routes can be up to 50% off.
- Use midweek trains. The Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday trains are typically less full, and the tickets are usually cheaper than the ones for weekend trains.
- AAA and senior discounts. Amtrak offers a 10% discount to AAA members and also to seniors (65+), active military members, and children ages 2-12.
- Look into a USA Rail Pass for multi-city traveling. These passes are ideal for those who want to book a lot of train travel.
Onboard Amenities on the Chicago to Indianapolis Train
The Cardinal is a long-distance Amtrak train service. Hence, amenities offered on the Cardinal are more robust than those offered on shorter, regional trains.
| Amenity | Available | Notes |
| Café / Lounge Car | Yes | Hot and cold food, snacks, and beverages |
| Wi-Fi | Limited | Available on most trips; speeds vary |
| Power Outlets | Yes | Available at most seats |
| Restrooms | Yes | Available in each car |
| Checked Baggage | Yes | At staffed stations |
| Carry-on Luggage | Yes | Two bags + two personal items |
| Sleeping Rooms | Yes | Roomettes and Bedrooms available |
| Dining Car | Yes (long-distance) | Full meals available for sleeper passengers |
| Accessible Seating | Yes | ADA-compliant seats and facilities |
Traveling in Coach Class makes for an enjoyable journey. The seats have more room and recline more than a typical airline seat. The train also has more space to walk around. The ride lasts for only 3-4 hours, so the additional space makes a noticeable difference.
Traveling Sleeper Class is the way to go if you plan to continue past Indianapolis to New York. These cars include private spaces and pull-down beds. Plus, meals are included.
Cafe cars are a passenger favorite. You can get food and drinks here, and to a lot of people’s pleasure, this space serves a dual purpose as a social lounge. Lots of passengers use this space to converse.
Chicago to Indianapolis Train vs. Other Travel Options
Does Amtrak compare to other ways of getting between Chicago and Indianapolis?
| Factor | Amtrak Train | Driving (Personal Car) | Bus (Greyhound/Megabus) |
| Travel Time | 3.5 – 4 hrs | 3 – 4 hrs (no traffic) | 3.5 – 5 hrs |
| Average Cost | $29 – $85 | $40 – $70 (gas + tolls) | $15 – $40 |
| Comfort Level | High | Moderate (driver fatigue) | Low – Moderate |
| City Center Arrival | Yes | Depends on the destination | Partial |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes | No | Moderate |
| Productivity | High | Zero (you’re driving) | Moderate |
| Frequency | 3x per week | Anytime | Daily |
| Stress Level | Low | High (traffic) | Moderate |
The main drawback of the train is that it only runs three days a week. If you have to travel on one of those days when the Cardinal is not running, driving or taking the bus are your only options. However, when you have the opportunity to take the train, it is worth the experience.
Tips for First-Time Travelers on the Chicago to Indianapolis Route
If you are taking Amtrak between these two cities for the first time, here are a few things to make your travel easier:
- Get to Chicago Union Station early. Finding your track can take time because the station gets very busy. Plan on being there at least 30-45 minutes before the scheduled departure. The CTA Blue and Pink lines (Clinton) and several bus routes stop at Union Station.
- Use the Amtrak app. It’s easy to manage your trip using the app. Your ticket is saved in the app, and you can see the status of your train and get notified of any delays.
- Pack snacks and some entertainment. The trip is more enjoyable if you have snacks and entertainment while you wait for the café car. Snacks are also useful when the café car sells out.
- Travel light. Overhead racks and storage are under your seat, but there is a limit on how much you can bring. You are allowed two carry-on bags and two personal items. The less you carry, the easier your trip will be.
- Dress for the weather, but keep a light jacket or sweater handy. Train cars get very cold in the summer because of the air conditioning. Cars also get cold in the winter. A light jacket or sweater is a good idea any time of year.
- Make your reservation. Amtrak’s Cardinal requires seat reservations. Find the signs that show car numbers to find your assigned car.
- Travel in the quiet car. No phone calls or loud music are permitted, so it’s a good car for reading or working.
- Plan for delays. Amtrak’s Cardinal is a long-distance train that can be very slow because it has to stop for freight trains. Factor in extra time in your schedule, especially if you have a connection or a meeting in Indianapolis.
What to Do When You Arrive in Indianapolis
Indianapolis, the bustling Midwestern city, has something for everyone. Located just steps from the heart of the city are the attractions that you can enjoy after arriving at Union Station.
Top Things to Do Near Indianapolis Union Station:
| Attraction | Distance from Station | Notes |
| Monument Circle | 0.5 miles | City’s iconic centerpiece |
| Lucas Oil Stadium | 0.7 miles | Home of the Indianapolis Colts |
| Indiana Convention Center | 0.4 miles | Major events year-round |
| White River State Park | 1 mile | Museums, trails, zoo |
| Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields) | 4 miles | World-class art collection |
| Indianapolis Motor Speedway | 8 miles | Home of the Indy 500 |
| Mass Avenue Arts District | 1.2 miles | Restaurants, galleries, nightlife |
| City Market | 0.6 miles | Historic indoor market since 1886 |
Getting Around Indianapolis: Both Uber and Lyft are easily accessible for rideshare around Indianapolis. Public transport is serviced by the bus system IndyGo, and key routes are serviced by bus rapid transit, the Red Line. Walking is reasonable for short distances between the station and your destination, thanks to downtown’s flat, pedestrian-friendly design.
Food and Dining Near Union Station: Choose from various restaurant styles, including fine dining and casual establishments across the Monument Circle and Mass Ave area. You’ll find burger joints, craft breweries, and a locally loved menu item, the tenderloin sandwich.
Booking Your Chicago to Indianapolis Amtrak Ticket
There are multiple easy options available and methods for purchasing your tickets.
- Online at Amtrak.com. Most people find this method the most convenient. You can search your route, choose your date, select your ticket class, and make your payment. Tickets are emailed and can be saved in the Amtrak app.
- Amtrak App (iOS & Android). This free app allows passengers to search, book, manage, and store tickets. The app shows ticket holder status, and the app is updated with train status.
- At the Station. Easy access to a ticket agent and an option to buy tickets at a kiosk. Noted for a higher walk-up fare.
Booking Procedure:
- At Amtrak.com or on the Amtrak app.
- Input (Origin) Chicago, IL; (Destination) Indianapolis, IN.
- Select your date of travel (Wed, Fri, Sun).
- Select from available fares (Coach Saver, Coach Flexible, Business Class, or Sleeper).
- Select your seat.
- Complete by entering passenger information and payment.
- Booking is complete, and tickets are saved.
Tickets are digital; no need to print, and ticketing agents on the train will scan your QR code.
Best Time to Travel from Chicago to Indianapolis by Train
Choosing the right time to travel can save you money and make the experience more enjoyable.
Best Seasons to Travel:
| Season | Pros | Cons |
| Spring (Mar – May) | Mild weather, lower fares, fewer crowds | Occasional rain delays |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Vibrant city life, festivals, Indy 500 in May | Higher demand, slightly pricier tickets |
| Fall (Sep – Nov) | Beautiful foliage, comfortable weather, lower fares | College football demand spikes |
| Winter (Dec – Feb) | Very low fares, quiet trains | Potential weather delays |
Best Days to Travel: Taking the Cardinal on Wednesday with a return ticket for Thursday is the best value and the best way to avoid crowds. Traveling on the weekends is the worst, with a typical Friday outbound and Sunday return being the most crowded and the most expensive.
Special Events to Be Aware Of: Events in Indianapolis, like the Indianapolis 500 in May, Gen Con in August, the Big Ten Championship in December, and Super Bowls or NCAA events in the city, all drive up prices for hotels and trains. If you are traveling during these events, you need to make reservations early.
Pro Tip: Set a fare alert on Amtrak.com or use other price trackers. Amtrak’s Rail Sale promotions are seen every Tuesday morning and have great discounts for select dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often does Amtrak run between Chicago and Indianapolis?
Travelers can take Amtrak’s Cardinal train traveling in both directions between Chicago and Indianapolis three times each week. Chicago’s eastbound train leaves on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The westbound train leaving from Indianapolis departs on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays.
2. How long is the train ride from Chicago to Indianapolis?
The approximate time is three and a half to four hours. The duration is subject to the day of travel and schedule changes. The train ride provides a comfortable and scenic view of the Midwest.
3. How much does an Amtrak ticket from Chicago to Indianapolis cost?
The early bird savings for a ticket start at $29. Normal savings tickets are between $45 and $85. Business Class tickets are from $65 to $120. The price of Sleeper rooms starts at $150 and is higher the less available they are.
4. Which Amtrak train goes from Chicago to Indianapolis?
The train that goes from Chicago to Indianapolis is the Amtrak Cardinal, traveling on the eastbound (Train #51) and westbound (Train #50) routes.
5. Where does the train arrive in Indianapolis?
The Amtrak train arrives in Indianapolis at Union Station. It is conveniently located in downtown Indianapolis at 39 West Jackson Place. Union Station is a short walk to both the stadium and the convention center.
6. Is there Wi-Fi on the Amtrak from Chicago to Indianapolis?
Wi-Fi is offered on most departures of the Cardinal, though the quality of the service is not guaranteed. If you need to do work that requires you to be online or if you plan to stream videos during the trip, be sure to download your content beforehand.
7. Can I bring luggage on the train?
You can bring luggage on the train. Amtrak allows two carry-on bags and two personal items at no additional charge. There is also an option to check your bags for a fee at select stations. Trains have overhead storage space as well as space on the floor beside the seats.
8. Is there food on the Amtrak from Chicago to Indianapolis?
There is food available. The Cardinal has a café and lounge car that sells hot food, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages, including coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol. Passengers in sleeper class have access to a dining car with complimentary full meals.
9. How do I take the train from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolis Union Station?
You need to purchase a ticket for the Amtrak Cardinal from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolis Union Station. Chicago Union Station is at 225 South Canal Street. The station is accessible from the CTA via the Clinton station of the Blue and Pink lines, as well as numerous bus routes. This trip requires no transfers. It is a direct service.
10. Is the Amtrak train from Chicago to Indianapolis worth it?
For the majority of people, the answer is yes. It is a quick and cheap option to travel between city centers, and eliminates the parking costs and the airport hustle! The main issue is that the train only runs 3 days a week, so it requires some planning. However, when the train schedule matches yours, it is the best option.