Indianapolis International Airport

Welcome

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) stands out for its unique vibe, more in tune with a well-designed civic space than a bustling transit hub. Locals and travelers alike praise its Civic Plaza, a bright space brimming with local eateries and public art. The lack of long security lines and its compact, user-friendly design make it one of the most stress-free mid-sized airports in the U.S. It's no surprise seasoned travelers rank it highly when considering efficient airports.

At a glance

Handling approximately 5.18 million passengers every year, Indianapolis International is not just a gateway but a proud part of the community. Its single Main Terminal hosts carriers like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and American Eagle. Located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) southwest of downtown Indianapolis, IND serves as a hub for FedEx Express.

Terminals & layout

Indianapolis International operates from its Main Terminal, showcasing a savvy layout that maximizes convenience. The terminal is split into Concourses A and B, both easily accessible and connected airside by a hallway, allowing passengers to switch between them without the hassle of additional security checks. This thoughtful design encourages travelers to explore all dining and shopping options without missing their departure times.

Getting to and from the city

For those heading to downtown Indianapolis, the airport is conveniently situated with several transport options. IndyGo Route 8 bus serves passengers for $2.00, taking roughly 45 to 60 minutes. Ridesharing options like Lyft and Uber generally offer quicker trips to the city center, often taking 10 to 25 minutes, albeit being faster and cheaper than local taxis. The on-site Car Rental Center is a quick 5 to 10-minute walk from the terminal, while travelers can also use intercity buses and rail connections from downtown.

Traveller essentials

Parking at IND is structured to accommodate different traveler needs with options ranging from Valet Parking at $32 per day to Economy Parking at $9. Daily and Hourly Parking are also available, ensuring no shortage of space. The Cell Phone Lot, a free option, is particularly useful for those ferrying passengers to or from the airport, conveniently located just off I-70 exit 68.

Dining & shopping highlights

The dining offerings at Indianapolis International reflect the local flavor with standout options like Bub's Burgers and Tinker Coffee Café. Eateries like Harry & Izzy's in Concourse A and the range of options in Civic Plaza ensure a satisfactory meal no matter your schedule. On the shopping front, Main Terminal features favorites such as iStore, Scoreboard, and Natalie's Candy Jar. A fair heads-up: food and drink costs are noted to be higher than what you might expect in Indianapolis, though the quality and selection make up for it.

Lounges

The airport hosts a USO Lounge, located on the landside ticketing level, providing military personnel and their families with a comfortable space to rest and recharge.

Insider tips

• Insider: For those being picked up, have your driver wait at the Cell Phone Lot, just off I-70—no need to risk a ticket with the airport's diligent curb site enforcement.
• Time: Security is generally fast but allow extra time during Monday mornings and major events like the Indy 500; the quick 15-minute screening might become a myth on those days.
• Local: Civic Plaza is praised for better-than-average local coffee and pastries—plan to indulge before heading through security.
• Quiet: Prefer a peaceful departure? Head towards the end-of-concourse seats away from crowded gate clusters to find some tranquility.
• Money: For budget-conscious parkers, the Economy Parking options are significantly cheaper than the Terminal Garage, with frequent shuttles keeping things convenient.
• Avoid: Beware rental car lines during major events like Indy 500—the entry and return can be more of a bottleneck than airport security.