Indianapolis Layover Guide (IND)

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Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

The Indianapolis Airport (IND) is one of the largest FedEx Express hubs located in Marion County’s Wayne and Decatur townships and Hendricks County’s Guilford Township. The airport is located 11 km (7 mi) southwest of downtown Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana. Indianapolis International Airport has been rated the finest airport in North America for 2012-2020 by Airports Council International. Indianapolis also known as Indy, is the state capital and one of the most populous cities of Indiana, popular for its amazing food.

Can you leave Indianapolis Airport (IND) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible to leave Indianapolis during a layover. However, certain travelers may require visa in advance. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Indianapolis Organized Tours

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

With the multi-day tour, you can visit Indianapolis attractions. Spend an afternoon at Conner Prairie, a morning at the Children’s Museum, or a day at White River State Park. Indy’s diverse selection of attractions caters to various ages and interests. Why limit yourself to just one when there’s so much to see? The Indy Attraction Pass allows you to get the most out of your visit at a low cost. » book this tour

Amazing Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Do you want to convert Indianapolis into a massive game board? Urban Adventure Quest has developed an interactive treasure hunt that blends the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour sightseeing tour of Indianapolis. It is located at 2 miles a walk. Using any smartphone as a guide, parties travel around the island, solving puzzles and completing challenges while learning about the island’s history. Starting at the American Legion Mall, your Indianapolis Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure will take you to iconic military memorials, incredible outdoor art, and other hidden jewels throughout the city. While having fun answering clues and completing obstacles in downtown Indianapolis, you will explore the Capitol grounds, discover intriguing cultural venues, and enjoy parts of the Indianapolis Canal Walk! » book this tour

Fountain Square Food Tour

Fountain Square Food Tour is a very famous tour in Indianapolis to visit. On a culinary walking tour of the Fountain Square district, use your senses to discover one of Indianapolis’ most dynamic districts. Sample globally influenced cuisine like French, Greek, and Thai specialities and local treats like small-batch mead and tasty barbeque while taking in the area’s quirky cultural ambience. Enjoy Fountain Square’s magnificently renovated heritage buildings and a profusion of art galleries and theatres during digestion breaks. » book this tour

Indianapolis Things to do / Sightseeing

Indiana War Memorial

If you appreciate the National Mall in Washington, D.C., you’ll probably like spending some time here. Two museums, three parks, and 24 acres of monuments, statues, sculptures, and fountains make up the Indian War Memorial. Indianapolis is second only to Washington, D.C., regarding the area and quantity of memorials commemorating veterans. It is worth spending time in the Indiana War Memorial Museum, particularly the Shrine Room, of the two museums within the historic square. The Shrine Room, which has been described as “breathtaking” and “calm” by recent visitors, is devoted to World War I lost troops and has materials worldwide, symbolising the war’s global effort.

Time required: 1 to 2 hours.

Airport to here: 20 minutes with private transport.

Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo spans 64 acres and is home to over 1,600 animals and 23,000 plant varieties. It is a popular destination for families visiting Indianapolis. So, plan your visit around the zoo’s five biomes, or sections of plants and animals divided by climate: Oceans, Deserts, Plains, Forests, and Encounters to easily navigate its extensive expanse. The underwater dolphin viewing dome and the recently constructed orangutan centre were two highlights for recent visitors. The White River Gardens, which includes a glass-enclosed conservatory, a water garden, and 112 miles of walkways, was highly praised by visitors.

Time required: 16 minutes via private transport.

Airport to here: 2 hours to half day.

Eiteljorg Museum

The Eiteljorg Museum is a must-see for anybody interested in learning more about the art, history, and cultures of the American West and Native Americans. Another plus feature of the Eiteljorg Museum is that it is the only one of its kind in the Midwest and the only two museums east of the Mississippi that look at Native America and the American West. Andy Warhol, N.C. Wyeth, T.C. Cannon, and Frederic Remington are the artists represented in the permanent collection. The museum’s collection of modern Native art is named among the best globally, maybe the real star.

Time required: 1 to 2 hours.

Airport to here: 17 minutes via private transport.

Central Canal

The Central Canal is also known as Indy Canal Walk. It was built in the 1840s as part of an effort by the Indiana state government to increase business in Indianapolis. However, the state went bankrupt soon after, and the plans for a 296-mile waterway were cancelled. The Central Canal is now a 3-mile circle that runs through the Indiana State Museum, Victory Field, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the 250-acre White River State Park, among other popular destinations. Aside from walking along the canal or booking a segway trip, you may hire a gondolier, rent a pedal boat, or kayak.

Time required: Less than 1 hour.

Airport to here: 17 minutes via private transport.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Since its inception in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has witnessed more than 100 races pass. About 50 years later, the 30,000-square-foot museum opened, with about 75 automobiles and even a theatre showing Indy 500 videos from the years. Visitors can tour the complex by purchasing race tickets, visiting the museum, or participating in the famous and extensive grounds tour. According to recent visitors, even if you are simply a casual NASCAR or vehicle history lover, you should visit this National Historic Landmark. Aside from the massive amount of memorabilia on display, visitors were particularly impressed by the helpful and pleasant employees.

Time required: 2 hours to half day.

Airport to here: 18 minutes via private transport.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

This museum is a must-see for families visiting Indianapolis. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the world’s biggest children’s museum, with 472,900 square feet of exhibit space and 11 primary galleries. A planetarium, the highly acclaimed “Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World” (featuring an archaeological dig), and the “National Geographic Treasures of the Earth” exhibit, which features re-creations of three archaeological sites, including an Egyptian tomb, a pirate shipwreck, and China’s Terra Cotta Warriors, are among the attractions at the highly praised facility. There are numerous more floors of displays and some Chihuly glass for decorating beyond these highlights. In addition, the museum has its carousel and a 12,500-year-old mastodon skeleton.

Time required: 2 hours to half day.

Airport to here: 24 minutes via private transport.

Lucas Oil Stadium

Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, is a must-see for sports enthusiasts, according to recent visitors. The stadium (which debuted in 2008 and hosted the 2012 Super Bowl) is consistently regarded as a “beautiful sports facility” by tourists, with a retractable roof that offers unparalleled views of the downtown Indianapolis skyline. Recent visitors reported the stadium was clean and that the layout was simple to traverse. The retractable roof was especially welcomed by sports fans who saw a game during unusually hot Indianapolis weather. The stadium is less than a mile south of downtown and can be reached via Interstate 70.

Time required: 2 hours to half day.

Airport to here: 14 minutes via private transport.

Victory Field

Indianapolis does not have its own Major League Baseball franchise, but it does have the Indianapolis Indians, a Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, you should consider going to a game at Victory Field, particularly if you have children. Locals and visitors laud this 14,230-seat ballpark for its cleanliness, inexpensive rates, and spectacular skyline views. Recent guests with children appreciated the sufficient grass space for them to play on and the spots where families may spread out blankets to watch the game. The crowd and staff are also said to be nice and entertaining.

Time required: 2 hours to half day.

Airport to here: 16 minutes via private transport.

Things to Do in Indianapolis Airport (IND)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are lounges available in the airport. Such as "Delta Sky Club" located at Concourse A, "USO Lounge" located at the lower level of the terminal. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
You will find many hotels near the Indianapolis Airport.» view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There is no designated rest or sleeping area inside the Indianapolis Airport.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: You can use free WiFi at the Indianapolis Airport. Here is the name "IND PUBLIC WIFI", just search & connect it and enjoy.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM Card is available to buy in various shops at the Indianapolis Airport. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Indianapolis Airport (IND) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis are readily accessible outside of Baggage Claim on the lower level curb. All cabs are metered, and there are no bookings required.

Train: There is no train service to/from the Indianapolis Airport.

Bus: Bus service is available at the Indianapolis Airport. IndyGo Route 8 runs a frequent bus service from IND airport to downtown via Washington Street. (more info).

Shuttle: Many companies provide Shuttle services to/from the Indianapolis Airport. Some of the popular shuttle companies are Go Express, Bloomington Shuttle Service Inc., Miller Trailways, and Star America.

Car rentals: The Ground Transportation Center, located on the first floor of the parking garage, has car rental desks. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty are among the automobile rental companies with locations on-site. ACE Rent A Car offers a complimentary shuttle service from the Ground Transportation Center (Zone 1) to its off-site location. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Parking spaces are located near each terminal, and information regarding reserving and reservation options are available online.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The service of Luggage storage & Lockers is not available at the Indianapolis Airport. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Indianapolis Airport (IND) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks