Are you planning a road trip from Chicago to Indianapolis? The journey between these two cities offers a mix of urban and rural experiences, with plenty of opportunities to take in the scenic beauty of the Midwest. In this article, we’ll give you a detailed breakdown of the distance, drive hours, stops, and the best driving route from Chicago to Indianapolis. So, let’s get started!
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Chicago to Indianapolis Drive
The total driving distance between Chicago and Indianapolis is approximately 183.2 miles (294.8 km), which should take you about 2 hours and 53 minutes without any traffic. However, the driving time can vary depending on traffic, weather, and other factors.
The fastest route from Chicago to Indianapolis is via I-65 S. This highway will take you directly to Indianapolis and is the most direct route between the two cities. You can expect to drive through cities like Gary, Merrillville, and Lafayette before reaching your final destination.
How Far is Chicago from Indianapolis?
The driving distance between Chicago and Indianapolis is approximately 183.2 miles (294.8 km).
What is the Time Difference between Chicago and Indianapolis?
Chicago is in the Central Time Zone, while Indianapolis is in the Eastern Time Zone. This means that there is a one-hour time difference between the two cities.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Chicago to Indianapolis
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to travel from Chicago to Indianapolis, taking a bus is the way to go. Greyhound offers daily bus service between the two cities, with one-way tickets starting at just $37. However, keep in mind that taking a bus will take longer than driving or flying.
Chicago to Indianapolis Drive – Rent A Car In Chicago
If you’re planning to drive from Chicago to Indianapolis, you’ll need to rent a car. Here are some rental car companies to choose from in Chicago:
- Alamo: starts at $60 per day
- Avis: starts at $66 per day
- Budget: starts at $66 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $65 per day
- Hertz: starts at $68 per day
- National: starts at $65 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $53 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.54 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
Chicago to Indianapolis – Driving Stops Along The Way
There are many interesting and fun stops to make during the drive from Chicago to Indianapolis. Here are some of the top recommendations:
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is a protected area on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, located in the northwest corner of Indiana. It encompasses over 15,000 acres of dunes, wetlands, beaches, and forests, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, and other outdoor activities in this stunning natural setting.
Fair Oaks Farms
Fair Oaks Farms is an agricultural tourist attraction located in Northwest Indiana. It offers visitors a chance to learn about modern farming practices and see cows being milked. The farm also has a restaurant that serves food made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum
Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum is a historical museum located in Lafayette, Indiana. It is dedicated to the Battle of Tippecanoe, which took place in 1811 between the United States Army and Native American tribes. The museum houses artifacts, exhibits, and educational displays that offer insights into the battle and its impact on the War of 1812. Visitors can also take guided tours and participate in interactive programs to learn more about this important historical event.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an iconic racetrack located in Speedway, Indiana, just outside of Indianapolis. It is the home of the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious and historic races in motorsports. The track is 2.5 miles long and has a seating capacity of over 250,000 spectators. The Speedway also has a museum featuring a collection of vintage and modern race cars, as well as other exhibits and interactive displays
Best Driving Route from Chicago to Indianapolis
As mentioned earlier, the fastest route from Chicago to Indianapolis is via I-65 S. However, if you’re looking to make some stops along the way and take in the scenic views, here is a suggested route that will take you through some interesting towns and attractions:
- Start on I-90 E/I-94 E towards Indiana
- Take exit 15A towards US-20 E/Burns Harbor/Porter
- Continue onto US-20 E and then merge onto IN-49 S
- Turn right onto IN-231 S
- Continue onto US-231 S
- Turn left onto IN-43 S
- Turn right onto IN-28 W
- Turn left onto US-231 S
- Continue onto I-65 S towards Indianapolis
This route will take you through the Indiana Dunes National Park, as well as the towns of Porter, Rensselaer, and Lafayette, where you can visit the Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum. Once you reach Indianapolis, you can explore the city and visit attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the road trip from Chicago to Indianapolis offers a diverse range of experiences, from urban to rural, and is a great way to explore the Midwest. With a distance of approximately 185 miles, it takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to drive between the two cities. The most direct route is via I-65 S, and there are plenty of interesting stops to make along the way, such as the Indiana Dunes National Park, Fair Oaks Farms, Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Whether you choose to drive, fly, or take a bus, the journey from Chicago to Indianapolis is sure to be a memorable one.
