If you’re looking for a road trip that combines urban exploration and natural beauty, Indianapolis to Louisville is a perfect drive to take. Whether you’re driving for business or leisure, this 2.5-hour drive along I-65 S is an excellent option.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the Indianapolis to Louisville drive. We’ll discuss the best driving route, how far the two cities are from each other, how long the drive takes, and the cheapest way to get there. We’ll also suggest some stops to make along the way, along with some tips for your Indianapolis to Louisville road trip.
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Indianapolis to Louisville Drive
The most direct way to drive from Indianapolis to Louisville is to take I-65 S. The highway passes through Greenwood and Columbus before crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky. The drive is approximately 114.9 miles (184.9 km) and should take around 1 hour and 55 minutes without making any stops.
How Far is Indianapolis from Louisville?
Indianapolis is approximately 114.9 miles (184.9 km) northwest of Louisville. It takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes to drive between the two cities, depending on traffic conditions.
How Far is Indianapolis to Louisville by Plane?
The flight distance from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Louisville International Airport (SDF) is about 111 miles (178.6 km). The flight from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Louisville International Airport (SDF) takes about 50 minutes.
However, when you factor in time spent arriving at the airport, security checks, and possible layovers, it can take much longer to fly than to drive.
What is the Time Difference between Indianapolis and Louisville?
Indianapolis and Louisville are both in the Eastern Time Zone. There is no time difference between the two cities.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Indianapolis to Louisville
The cheapest way to get from Indianapolis to Louisville is to drive. If you’re on a budget, car rental companies like Enterprise and Alamo offer affordable rates starting at $40 per day.
Indianapolis to Louisville Drive – Rent A Car In Indianapolis
If you decide to rent a car in Indianapolis, there are many car rental companies to choose from. Here are some options with their daily rates:
- Alamo: starts at $40 per day
- Avis: starts at $41 per day
- Budget: starts at $40 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $39 per day
- Hertz: starts at $44 per day
- National: starts at $51 per day
Gas prices will vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $50 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.295 per gallon and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
Indianapolis to Louisville – Driving Stops Along The Way
If you’re looking to break up your drive and see some sights along the way, consider making a stop at one of these attractions:
Brown County State Park (Nashville, IN)
Brown County State Park is a great spot to stretch your legs and take a scenic hike. The park has more than 70 miles of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for horseback riding, fishing, and swimming.
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge (Seymour, IN)
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The refuge has more than 7,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and grasslands, as well as hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas.
Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards (Starlight, IN)
If you’re a fan of wine, be sure to stop at Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards.
This family-owned winery and orchard offers wine tastings, a farm market, and pick-your-own fruit experiences. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy some locally-made wine and cider.
Kentucky Derby Museum (Louisville, KY)
Once you arrive in Louisville, visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn about the history of this iconic horse race. The museum has interactive exhibits, tours of Churchill Downs, and a chance to meet real racehorses.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (Louisville, KY)
Baseball fans won’t want to miss the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Take a tour of the factory and see how the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bats are made. The museum also has exhibits on the history of baseball and the role of the Louisville Slugger in the sport.
Best Driving Route from Indianapolis to Louisville
The most direct route from Indianapolis to Louisville is to take I-65 S. The highway is well-maintained and should take around 2.5 hours without making any stops. Along the way, you’ll pass through Greenwood and Columbus before crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky. If you’re looking to make stops along the way, consider taking US-31 S, which runs parallel to I-65 and passes through several small towns and scenic areas.
Tips for Your Indianapolis to Louisville Road Trip
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Indianapolis to Louisville road trip:
- Check traffic conditions before you leave. I-65 can be congested during rush hour, so plan your departure time accordingly.
- Pack snacks and drinks for the road. While there are plenty of rest stops and gas stations along the way, having some snacks and drinks on hand will save you time and money.
- Don’t forget your camera. There are plenty of scenic spots along the route, so be sure to capture some memories of your road trip.
- Check the weather forecast before you leave. This will help you plan for any adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow.
- Bring comfortable shoes if you plan on hiking or walking. Some of the attractions along the way, such as Brown County State Park and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, have hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
- Make hotel reservations in advance. If you’re planning to stay overnight in Louisville, book your hotel room in advance to get the best rates and availability.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the Indianapolis to Louisville drive is a great road trip option for those looking to explore urban areas and natural beauty. With a distance of approximately 114 miles and a driving time of about 2.5 hours, it’s a relatively short journey that can be completed in a day. The most direct route is I-65 S, which takes you through Greenwood and Columbus before crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky. While driving, there are several attractions you can visit, including Brown County State Park, Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, and Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, this drive offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.