Getting around in Indianapolis isn’t a challenge with many modes of transportation. Although Indianapolis is the 15th largest city in the United States, it isn’t as compact as other big cities, such as nearby Chicago.
Because Indianapolis is so spread out, the most convenient way to get around is by car, which is fitting since the city is best known for the Indianapolis 500, the annual racing event and biggest single-day sporting event in the world. However, even if you’re not planning on getting behind the wheel while you’re in town, you can still navigate Indianapolis and have a good time, especially if your accommodations are in downtown Indy.
Whether you’re driving, cycling, or taking public transportation, here are the best ways to get around in Indianapolis.
Get Around the City Using the IndyGo Bus System
How do you navigate Indianapolis without a car? The best way is by bus. The Indianapolis bus system is called IndyGo, which has 31 routes across the county. Use Route 8 to travel from Indianapolis airport to downtown, operating seven days a week.
The Red Line is the newest addition to Indianapolis’s public transportation network. This rapid transit line takes riders along a 13-mile route from Broad Ripple to the University of Indianapolis. Consequently, traveling on this line allows you to visit plenty of Indianapolis attractions, including the Indianapolis Art Center, the Broad Ripple Farmers Market, Indiana State Fairgrounds, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Harrison Center for the Arts, and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library. Buses on the Red Line run every 15 to 20 minutes.
Inside tip: Don’t carry cash? MyKey allows you to pay digitally. You can also download the MyStop app to get accurate GPS locations of the buses, so you know when yours will arrive.
Enjoy a Leisurely Pedal on a Rental Bike
The Indiana Pacers Bikeshare program has stations around downtown and throughout neighborhoods on the outskirts of downtown. More than 500 of these bikes can be found across Indianapolis, and the program is part of the wider BCycle initiative. The bikes charge a base fee of $1 per ride, with each additional minute costing 15 cents, or an annual membership option costs $125 for unlimited 60-minute sessions. If you buy the annual membership, you can also use BCycle bikes in other cities.
Taking a bike to explore Indy’s neighborhoods is particularly enjoyable along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, an eight-mile art trail connecting six cultural districts: Massachusetts Avenue, Fountain Square, the Canal and White River State Park, Indiana Avenue, the Wholesale District, and Broad Ripple.
Enjoy Total Freedom with a Car
Indianapolis is situated about a day’s drive away from more than half of the US population, making it convenient to drive your own car into the city. Indy is nicknamed the Crossroads of America because of its access to four major interstate highways: I-65, I-69, I-70, and I-74. These highways, along with the city’s grid layout, simplify navigation.
If you don’t have a car, rental cars are available from 10 companies at the airport. Driving is the most straightforward option if you’re planning to travel outside of the downtown area. Moreover, it’s easy to find free parking in Indianapolis. Some spaces are metered between 7 am and 9 pm, but on Sundays, it’s free. The ParkMobile app is a great choice for convenient contactless payments.
Catch a Ride with Uber or Lyft
If you’re planning to use public transportation only a few times during your trip to Indianapolis, using a ride-hailing app such as Uber or Lyft could be convenient. You can get a price estimate on both the Uber and Lyft websites, but actual fares may vary depending on driver availability and the time of day. Consequently, ride availability can be hit or miss in Indianapolis, so it’s best to have both apps accessible. It is advisable to request a ride with five to ten minutes of buffer time to find a driver.
Scoot Through Downtown Quickly on a Lime or Bird
Electric scooters like Lime and Bird are prevalent in downtown Indianapolis, and riding one is a fun way to navigate the downtown area. It doesn’t take as much time as walking, and you can easily avoid potential traffic congestion you might experience in a car or bus. Moreover, you can park your scooter anywhere. Unlike a rental bike, there’s no need to dock it at a specific station.
You will need a smartphone to use either of these electric scooters because the rentals are checked out via their apps. Pricing varies and the most updated city-specific prices are available on the apps.
Accessible Transportation in Indianapolis
All of the IndyGo buses are wheelchair accessible. Travelers with disabilities can apply for IndyGo Access, a paratransit shared-ride service for those who aren’t able to use the standard IndyGo buses. If you’re just visiting Indianapolis, you must apply for your temporary IndyGo Access status at least three days in advance of your trip. A one-way ride on the IndyGo Access costs $3.50 and operates on a reservation basis rather than a strict time schedule.
Find out more information about accessible travel with external resources focused on this important aspect of travel.
Why Traveling by Car is a Great Option in Indianapolis
Traveling around Indianapolis by car is fast and efficient, providing a comprehensive sense of the city’s layout. Since I don’t live downtown, I prefer to have everything I may need before heading out so that I won’t have to return before the day’s end. My car trunk holds everything from a picnic blanket to extra layers in case I get cold. A grocery trip to Needler’s Market has transformed into a delightful picnic more than once thanks to the convenience of the car, which also keeps any goods I purchase securely stored. When I’m ready to head home after a day downtown, I just need to get back into my car with no logistics to manage.
