Book Flights to Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis -- Indiana's capital and largest city -- is best known as home to the Indianapolis 500, the world's highest-attended single-day sporting event. But the city offers far more: the world's largest children's museum, a magnificent war memorial complex, a thriving Mass Ave arts district, and the NCAA headquarters. Indianapolis has emerged as one of America's most livable and most visitor-friendly Midwestern cities.
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) -- just 12 km from downtown -- is served by American, Delta, United, Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit. FareOptic compares all carriers to find the cheapest Indianapolis fares.
Cheap Flight Deals to Indianapolis
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Why Visit Indianapolis, Indiana?
Indianapolis 500, Children's Museum, Newfields, War Memorial, Mass Ave arts district, Colts and Pacers sports
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Brickyard -- Home of the Indy 500 Since 1911Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) -- the largest single-day sporting venue in the world (seating capacity 235,000+) -- has hosted the Indianapolis 500 every May since 1911, making it the longest-running major motorsports event in history. The 4 km oval circuit and the surrounding 253-acre infield (containing an 18-hole golf course) can be toured year-round. The IMS Museum houses the most complete collection of Indianapolis 500-winning cars in existence.
The Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500 -- run on the Sunday preceding Memorial Day each May -- is the world's highest-attended single-day sporting event (250,000+ spectators). Tickets range from $30 (infield general admission) to $400+ (grandstand premium). The race has been held without interruption since 1916 (cancelled only in 1917-1918 and 1942-1945 for the World Wars). The winner traditionally drinks milk -- a tradition begun accidentally in 1936 when Louis Meyer drank buttermilk after his victory.
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Largest Children's Museum in the WorldThe Children's Museum of Indianapolis -- 473,000 square feet (44,000 m²) across five floors -- is the largest children's museum in the world. Its 11 major galleries include: Dinosphere (full-scale dinosaur skeletons in a walk-through environment), a real Egyptian tomb with a 2,500-year-old mummy, the ScienceWorks exhibit, a historic 1917 Dentzel carousel, and the internationally acclaimed Anne Frank: A History for Today exhibit.
Dinosphere
Dinosphere -- an immersive walk-through Cretaceous environment -- contains some of the most complete dinosaur skeletons on display anywhere in the United States, including a juvenile T. rex skeleton, a baby Hypacrosaurus, and an extremely rare Dracorex skull. The exhibit is designed for both young children and adult paleontology enthusiasts; interpretive panels include cutting-edge paleobiological research.
Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
World-Class Art Collection on 152-Acre EstateNewfields -- a 152-acre campus incorporating the Indianapolis Museum of Art (founded 1883), 100 Gardens (including the Lilly House historic estate gardens), and The Garden (a 40-acre landscape art garden), is one of the most comprehensive art-and-nature experiences in the United States. The IMA's permanent collection of 54,000+ works includes outstanding Asian art, Neo-Impressionism, and the largest collection of J.M.W. Turner watercolors outside the UK.
100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
100 Acres -- a permanent outdoor sculpture park at Newfields -- contains site-specific large-scale works commissioned from internationally recognized artists including Atelier Van Lieshout, Andrea Polli, and Jeppe Hein. A lake at the park's center is accessible by rowboat from April through October. Entry to 100 Acres is free; museum admission required for indoor galleries.
Indiana War Memorial and Military Park
Neoclassical Monument Campus in the Heart of DowntownThe Indiana War Memorial Plaza -- six city blocks of neoclassical monuments, museums, and park space in downtown Indianapolis -- is one of the largest war memorial complexes in the United States. The Indiana War Memorial building (1930, modeled on the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus) contains the Shrine Room -- regarded as one of the most beautiful interior spaces in the US -- and extensive military history exhibits covering Indiana's role in every American conflict.
The Shrine Room
The Shrine Room of the Indiana War Memorial -- dedicated to Indiana veterans of World War I -- is adorned with 18-meter high walls of blue-violet Lasa marble from Czechoslovakia, 12 massive bronze doors, a 12-meter circular skylight, and 54 stained glass windows. The room is considered by architectural historians to be among the finest neoclassical interior spaces in North America. Free admission; open Tuesday-Sunday.
Mass Ave Arts District
Indianapolis's Premier Arts and Dining NeighborhoodMassachusetts Avenue -- Indianapolis's most vibrant 1-km arts and entertainment corridor -- contains over 200 independently owned restaurants, galleries, boutiques, theaters (Herron School of Art, Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center, IndyFringe), and public art installations. Mass Ave typifies Indianapolis's revitalized urban core and is the best introduction to the city's independent restaurant and arts scene.
Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library on Massachusetts Avenue celebrates Indianapolis's most famous literary son. Vonnegut (1922-2007) -- author of Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat's Cradle, and Breakfast of Champions -- was born in Indianapolis and drew heavily on Midwestern American life in his satirical science fiction. The museum displays original manuscripts, artwork, and memorabilia; special events include readings and discussions.
How to Find Cheap Flights to Indianapolis
Book 8-12 Months Ahead for the Indianapolis 500
The Indy 500 (Memorial Day weekend in May) drives the highest demand for Indianapolis flights of the entire year. Airfares for Indy 500 weekend routinely cost 200-400% of normal prices. Book 8-12 months ahead for race weekend travel; accommodation books out even faster. FareOptic's price calendar shows the sharpest spike of the year in late May.
IND Is Closer to Downtown Than Most US City Airports
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is just 12 km from downtown Indianapolis -- one of the shortest airport-to-downtown distances of any major US city. Taxis and rideshares cost $25-35 and take 20 minutes without traffic. The airport is consistently rated among the top US airports for cleanliness, efficiency, and ease of navigation.
September and October for Big Ten Football Atmosphere
Indiana University (Bloomington, 75 km south) and Purdue University (West Lafayette, 95 km northwest) play Big Ten football on fall Saturdays. Home game weekends drive significant Indianapolis hotel demand -- book 1-2 months ahead for fall football weekends. The Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium (December) sells out quickly.
Consider Frontier for Budget Leisure Fares
Frontier Airlines operates an extensive point-to-point network from IND to leisure destinations (Orlando, Miami, Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix, Atlanta, Tampa) at base fares as low as $19-49. Know Frontier's fee model before booking: carry-on bags cost $30-60, seat selection is extra, and fares are non-refundable. For flexible travel with light packing, Frontier is genuinely the cheapest option.
Airlines Serving Indianapolis (IND)
American Airlines
Largest Network at IND -- Charlotte, Dallas, and Chicago ConnectionsAmerican Airlines operates the largest scheduled network at Indianapolis International, connecting IND to its Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL), and Washington National (DCA) hubs. American's Charlotte hub is particularly useful for southeastern US cities and international connections via Oneworld partners. American also offers service to New York LaGuardia (LGA) and Miami (MIA).
Key Routes
IND to Charlotte CLT (1h 45m); IND to Dallas DFW (2h 30m); IND to Chicago O'Hare ORD (1h 10m); IND to Philadelphia PHL (1h 50m); IND to Washington DCA (1h 40m); connections to all AA domestic and international routes
Southwest Airlines
No-Fee Budget Leader -- Florida, West Coast, and MidwestSouthwest Airlines is a major presence at Indianapolis with nonstop service to over 20 destinations including Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Las Vegas (LAS), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), Nashville (BNA), Baltimore (BWI), and Kansas City (MCI). Southwest's two free checked bags and no-change-fee policy make it consistently the best-value option for Indianapolis travelers.
Key Routes
IND to Orlando MCO (2h 10m); IND to Las Vegas LAS (3h 20m); IND to Denver DEN (2h 35m); IND to Los Angeles LAX (4h 00m); IND to Nashville BNA (1h 00m); IND to Tampa TPA (2h 10m); IND to Fort Lauderdale FLL (2h 20m)
Delta, United & Frontier
Atlanta, New York, and Ultra-Low-Cost OptionsDelta Air Lines connects Indianapolis to its Atlanta (ATL) hub -- the world's busiest airport -- providing access to Delta's global network. United Airlines links IND to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Washington Dulles (IAD). Frontier Airlines offers ultra-low-cost fares from Indianapolis to over 20 leisure destinations; fares start as low as $19-49 but add up quickly with seat and bag fees.
Key Routes
Delta: IND to Atlanta ATL (1h 45m), New York JFK; United: IND to Chicago ORD, Washington Dulles IAD, Newark EWR; Frontier: IND to Orlando MCO, Miami MIA, Las Vegas LAS, Denver DEN, Phoenix PHX
Things to Do in Indianapolis, Indiana
Essential Info for Your Indianapolis Trip
State
Indiana (IN)
Currency
USD — US Dollar
Time Zone
EST (UTC-5) / EDT (UTC-4) in summer
Airport Code
IND — Indianapolis International Airport (12 km west of downtown)
Population
~900,000 city; ~2.1 million Indianapolis metro
Top Attractions
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Children's Museum, Newfields, War Memorial, Mass Ave, Pacers, Colts
Emergency Number
911
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Indianapolis
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Indianapolis, Indiana
What airport serves Indianapolis?
Indianapolis International Airport (IATA: IND) is located 12 km west of downtown Indianapolis. It's one of the closest major US city airports to its downtown -- taxis and rideshares cost $25-35 and take 20 minutes. IND is served by American, Delta, United, Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant, and Spirit. The airport consistently wins awards for cleanliness and passenger experience.
What is Indianapolis known for?
Indianapolis is known primarily for the Indianapolis 500 -- the world's largest single-day sporting event, held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1911. The city also hosts the NCAA headquarters (Indianapolis has hosted more NCAA championship events than any other city), multiple professional sports teams (Pacers NBA, Colts NFL), the largest children's museum in the world, and a revitalized downtown arts and restaurant scene.
How far is Indianapolis from Chicago and Cincinnati?
Chicago is 290 km (2h 45m) north via I-65. Cincinnati is 175 km (1h 45m) southeast via I-74. Louisville, KY is 175 km (1h 45m) south via I-65. Columbus, OH is 290 km (3 hours) east via I-70. Indianapolis's central Midwest location makes it an excellent base for visiting multiple cities in a single road trip.
What is the best time to visit Indianapolis?
May (Indiana 500 month) and September-October (fall, Big Ten football, comfortable temperatures of 15-22°C) are peak times. June and July are pleasant for outdoor activities (20-28°C). January-February are cold (-5 to 2°C) with occasional snow but provide the cheapest flights and hotel rates. The city is an excellent convention destination year-round with consistently high hotel capacity.
Is Indianapolis a good city for conventions and events?
Absolutely -- Indianapolis is one of America's premier convention cities. The Indiana Convention Center (566,000 sq ft of exhibit space, connected by skywalk to 4,000+ hotel rooms) and Lucas Oil Stadium (adjacent) form one of the most capable event hosting complexes in the US. Indianapolis has hosted the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, Big Ten Championship, NBA All-Star Game, and World Police and Fire Games.
What should I eat in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis has a rapidly evolving restaurant scene. Don't miss: St. Elmo Steak House (cocktail shrimp with horseradish that clears sinuses -- an Indianapolis institution since 1902), Milktooth (nationally acclaimed brunch), Bluebeard (James Beard-nominated farm-to-table in a 1924 building), and the Mass Ave corridor for independent cuisine. The city's food scene has been transformed since 2010 by a new generation of chef-driven restaurants.
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