Indianapolis, IN, USA to Washington, DC, USA from $30: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Indianapolis to Washington: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$30 by trainBest price
946 kmDistance
3h 38m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Indianapolis to Washington with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Indianapolis - Washington operators
Explore transport companies operating between Indianapolis and Washington, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
aa.com
Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Reagan Washington (DCA)
Average Duration
1h 41mEstimated price
$1235-1236Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Reagan Washington (DCA)
Average Duration
4h 2mEstimated price
$1235-1236Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Reagan Washington (DCA)
Average Duration
4h 8mEstimated price
$1235-1236Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Reagan Washington (DCA)
Average Duration
4h 11mEstimated price
$1235-1236Website
united.com
Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Reagan Washington (DCA)
Average Duration
4h 18mEstimated price
$1239-2750Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Washington Dulles (IAD)
Average Duration
1h 41mEstimated price
$1239-2751Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Washington Dulles (IAD)
Average Duration
4h 3mEstimated price
$1239-2751Website
delta.com
Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Reagan Washington (DCA)
Average Duration
4h 3mEstimated price
$1233-1236Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Washington Dulles (IAD)
Average Duration
3h 29mEstimated price
$1233-1236Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Indianapolis to Washington Union Station
Average Duration
18h 29mEstimated price
$30-230Train from BWI Thurgood Marshall to Washington Union Station
Average Duration
33mEstimated price
$2757-1239Train from BWI Thurgood Marshall to Washington Union Station
Average Duration
28mEstimated price
$2758-27545Train from BWI Thurgood Marshall to Washington Union Station
Average Duration
41mEstimated price
$2753-300Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Indianapolis Bus Station to Pittsburgh Intermodal Station
Average Duration
7h 50mEstimated price
$27550-3005Bus from Pittsburgh Intermodal Station to Washington Union Station
Average Duration
5h 40mEstimated price
$30-304Bus from Indianapolis Bus Station to Washington Union Station
Average Duration
14h 30mEstimated price
$70-1230Other from Indianapolis to Washington
Average Duration
9h 50mEstimated price
$1231-1232Indianapolis to Washington: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Indianapolis and Washington offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on an exciting road trip from the heart of Indianapolis to the bustling city of Washington. Covering a distance of 588 miles, this journey offers a perfect blend of scenic routes and urban landscapes.
💰 Experience the freedom of the open road with prices ranging from $100 to $160 for the trip from Indianapolis to Washington by car. Whether you choose to indulge in a budget-friendly drive or opt for a more luxurious ride, the choice is yours to make.
🌆 Arrive in Washington after approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes of driving, ready to explore iconic landmarks like the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and vibrant neighborhoods. Your journey promises a memorable adventure filled with discovery and excitement.
Average price
$100 - $160
🚆 Experience the convenience of a direct train journey from Indianapolis to Washington! Departing three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, this Amtrak service offers a scenic ride lasting approximately 18 hours and 29 minutes.
💰 Ticket prices for the train from Indianapolis to Washington range from $30 to $230, providing travelers with a range of options to suit their budget and travel preferences. Whether it's for business or leisure, this train trip offers a unique way to explore the charming cities of Indianapolis and Washington.
Departure Point
Indianapolis station
Arrival Point
Washington Union Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train trip from Indianapolis to Washington may vary based on the operator, such as Amtrak. You can expect a café car offering a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. For a more substantial meal, First-Class passengers often have complimentary meals served at their seats, while Business Class may have access to enhanced snack options in addition to what's available in the café car.
• The primary operator for this route is Amtrak, which offers different seating options: First Class (Roomette and Bedroom), Business Class, and Economy Class. First Class provides more luxurious amenities, Business Class offers spacious seating and extra legroom, while Economy Class is more affordable with basic seating. Be sure to reserve your seats ahead of time, especially during peak travel times.
• Upon arriving at Washington Union Station, you can find luggage storage services at the Amtrak station for a small fee if you wish to explore the city without your bags. The station has restrooms available, but there are no showers. To navigate the city center, take the Red Line Metro from the station; it’s the quickest way to reach downtown. You can take the Metro towards Glenmont and get off at Gallery Place-Chinatown for a central location, or use the H Street Line streetcar for a direct route up to the eastern parts of downtown.
🛫 Flying from Indianapolis to Washington is a convenient and quick travel option, with direct flights taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
💸 Depending on the season and demand, prices for flights between Washington and Indianapolis can range from $123 to $275, making it a relatively affordable trip for those looking to explore the nation's capital.
Departure Point
Indianapolis Airport
Arrival Point
Reagan Washington Airport
🚌 Starting from Indianapolis Bus Station, travelers can embark on an approximately 14.5-hour bus journey to Washington with a transfer in Pittsburgh Intermodal Station.
🚌 Travelers can expect ticket prices for the Indianapolis to Washington route to range from $70 to $171, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore the nation's capital by bus.
Departure Point
Indianapolis Bus Station
Arrival Point
Washington Union Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Plan ahead for your transfer at Pittsburgh Intermodal Station; familiarize yourself with the amenities and layout to ensure a smooth connection, as you'll have limited time between buses.
• Utilize the Greyhound website (greyhound.com) to check for possible alternate operators like Megabus or FlixBus, which may have different schedules or fares for your journey between Indianapolis and Washington.
• Upon arriving at Washington Union Station, make sure to locate the information desk for guidance on local transportation options, and consider downloading the DC Metro app (wmata.com) to navigate the city's transit system effectively.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Indianapolis to Washington.
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The distance between Indianapolis and Washington is approximately 795.0 km with a road distance of 946.1 km. Travel times can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By train, it takes around 18 hours and 29 minutes to reach Washington from Indianapolis. Alternatively, flying to Washington Dulles and then taking the subway can take approximately 4 hours and 19 minutes. Another option is flying, which takes around 3 hours and 41 minutes. If driving, it takes about 9 hours and 50 minutes to reach Indianapolis from Washington, while taking the bus can take approximately 12 hours and 48 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Indianapolis to Washington would be by taking the train, which ranges in price from $30 to $230 and takes approximately 18 hours and 29 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, the fastest option would be to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 41 minutes and costs between $110 and $270.
The prices for train travel between Indianapolis and Washington can range from $30 to $230. Alternatively, taking a bus between Washington and Indianapolis can cost anywhere from $28 to $141.
To get from Indianapolis to Washington without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance is approximately 946.3 km and it takes about 9 hours and 50 minutes to drive. Prices for a round trip by car can vary from $100 to $160, depending on gas prices and tolls.
To travel from Indianapolis to Washington without a car, you have a few options. The fastest way is by plane, which takes around 3 hours and 41 minutes and costs between $110 and $270. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes approximately 12 hours and 48 minutes and costs between $28 and $150. Another option is to take a train, which takes about 18 hours and 29 minutes and costs between $30 and $230.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Indianapolis and Washington. The train journey takes approximately 18 hours and 29 minutes and operates three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities, but it is possible to travel by bus with transfers, which takes approximately 12 hours and 48 minutes.
The flight between Indianapolis and Washington typically takes 1 hour and 43 minutes. The cost of the flight can range from $113 to $265, depending on factors such as the airline and time of booking.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Washington. With over 1297 hotels available, travelers can choose from a range of prices and amenities. Prices start at $63 and can vary depending on the location and star rating.