Indianapolis, IN, USA to New Orleans, LA, USA from $88: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Indianapolis to New Orleans: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$88 by busBest price
1489 kmDistance
4h 53m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Indianapolis to New Orleans 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 - New Orleans operators
Explore transport companies operating between Indianapolis and New Orleans, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
flyfrontier.com
Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to New Orleans (MSY)
Average Duration
4h 53mEstimated price
$73-285Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Gulfport/Biloxi (GPT)
Average Duration
6h 51mEstimated price
$276-873Website
aa.com
Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to New Orleans (MSY)
Average Duration
4h 56mEstimated price
$2852-2853Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Gulfport/Biloxi (GPT)
Average Duration
5h 47mEstimated price
$2854-2855Website
southwest.com
Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to New Orleans (MSY)
Average Duration
4h 5mEstimated price
$739-2850Website
united.com
Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to New Orleans (MSY)
Average Duration
4h 42mEstimated price
$2853-2858Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Indianapolis Bus Station to Nashville Bus Station
Average Duration
5h 45mEstimated price
$88-357Bus from Nashville Bus Station to Montgomery Intermodal Center
Average Duration
6h 5mEstimated price
$88-357Bus from Montgomery Intermodal Center to New Orleans Bus Station
Average Duration
5h 50mEstimated price
$88-357Website
palmlandlines.com
Bus from Indianapolis IN to Atlanta GA
Average Duration
11h 10mEstimated price
$2764-8736Bus from Indianapolis IN to Chicago IL
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
$8733-8737Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Indianapolis IN to Chicago IL
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
$87-730Train from Chicago Union Station to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
Average Duration
19h 42mEstimated price
$87-730Indianapolis to New Orleans: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Indianapolis and New Orleans 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 a scenic road trip from Indianapolis to New Orleans covering 823 miles, offering a perfect blend of urban exploration and natural beauty.
💰 Dive into a range of transportation options with prices ranging from $140 to $220 for the journey, ensuring flexibility for any budget.
🌆 Arrive in vibrant New Orleans after a 13-hour drive, ready to indulge in the city's rich culture, delicious cuisine, and lively music scene.
Average price
$140 - $220
Traveling from Indianapolis to New Orleans by train is a scenic journey that takes around 1 day and 12 hours, covering a distance of 1,139 miles. The trip includes a transfer in Chicago, where passengers board the Cardinal train at Indianapolis and then switch to the City of New Orleans train at Chicago Union Station. The first leg of the journey from Indianapolis to Chicago takes approximately 5 hours. Then, travelers will embark on the second leg, from Chicago to New Orleans, which lasts about 20 hours. Both trains are operated by Amtrak, and tickets can be booked through their website at https://www.amtrak.com/. This train adventure offers a unique way to experience the Midwest and Southern landscapes while enjoying the comforts of train travel.
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Indianapolis to New Orleans, you will likely be traveling with Amtrak, which offers various onboard services including a café car that serves a selection of sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. You can also purchase meals from the dining car, where hot meals are plated and served, especially in a more premium service like the Viewliner Sleeper cars. Make sure to check the menu options ahead of time, as they can vary.
• The Amtrak Cardinal train primarily services the Indianapolis to New Orleans route. The seating options available include Coach Class, which is the standard economy seating with reclining chairs, and Business Class, which offers more spacious seating and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. For a more luxurious experience, consider the Roomette or Bedroom options in the Sleeping Car, which provides private accommodations.
• Upon arriving in New Orleans, you will disembark at the Union Passenger Terminal. It’s advisable to know that luggage can be stored at the station for a small fee, which is particularly useful if you wish to explore the city without your bags. The restrooms are available for use, but there are no shower facilities. To get to the city center quickly, catch the Rampart-St. Claude Streetcar Line (#49), which offers frequent service and takes you directly to the French Quarter in about 15 minutes.
🛫 Fly from Indianapolis Airport to New Orleans Airport in just 2 hours and 1 minute on a direct flight offered by Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and two other carriers.
🏝 Enjoy a relatively short trip of 4 hours and 53 minutes from Indianapolis to the vibrant city of New Orleans by plane.
💸 Flight prices between New Orleans and Indianapolis range from $73 to $285, offering affordable options for travelers on this route.
Departure Point
Indianapolis Airport
Arrival Point
New Orleans Airport
** Although there's no direct route, Greyhound USA offers a journey with transfers taking approximately 19 hours and 40 minutes.
🛤️ **The scenic route to the Big Easy is worth the travel time.** With a distance of 1,048 miles and 2 transfers in Nashville and Montgomery, you'll have the chance to enjoy multiple destinations on your way.
💰 **Prices for the bus tickets between Indianapolis and New Orleans range from $88 to $357.
Departure Point
Indianapolis Bus Station
Arrival Point
New Orleans Bus Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Indianapolis to New Orleans.
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The cheapest way to travel from Indianapolis to New Orleans is by bus. Greyhound offers several routes from Indianapolis to New Orleans, with prices ranging from $65 to $180 for a one-way ticket. The journey takes approximately 21 hours and 4 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Indianapolis to New Orleans is by flying. Flights from Indianapolis to New Orleans can take around 6 hours and 52 minutes. The cost of a flight ticket can range from $70 to $290 depending on the airline and time of booking.
The distance from Indianapolis to New Orleans is approximately 1154 km. If you prefer to drive, it is about 1325 km. The journey typically takes around 12-14 hours by car, depending on traffic and breaks. By air, the direct flight is around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The most convenient way to travel from Indianapolis to New Orleans without a car is by taking a bus. You can take a bus from Indianapolis to Nashville, and then transfer to another bus that will take you to New Orleans. The journey takes approximately 19 hours and 20 minutes, and ticket prices range from $65 to $360 depending on the bus company and fare class.
The travel time from Indianapolis to New Orleans varies depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By car, it takes approximately 9 hours to drive the 650-mile distance. Flights are the quickest option, with direct flights taking around 2 hours and 20 minutes. However, when factoring in airport procedures and potential layovers, the total travel time may be closer to 4-5 hours. Alternatively, a train journey takes roughly 19-23 hours, depending on the specific train route and schedule.
There are plenty of accommodation options in New Orleans, with over 762 hotels available. Prices for hotels start at $60 per night, depending on the location and amenities. Some popular areas to stay in include the French Quarter, Garden District, and Central Business District.
Yes, you can drive from Indianapolis to New Orleans. The driving distance is approximately 1324 km and it takes approximately 13 hours and 26 minutes to complete the journey.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Indianapolis and New Orleans. However, you can take a bus from Indianapolis Bus Station to Nashville Bus Station, transfer to another bus to Montgomery Intermodal Center, and then take a final bus to New Orleans Bus Station. The total journey time, including transfers, takes approximately 19 hours and 20 minutes.
You can catch the bus from Indianapolis to New Orleans at the Indianapolis Bus Station. The bus service is operated by Greyhound USA, and it is a convenient and affordable option for travel between the two cities.
The bus from Indianapolis to New Orleans arrives at the New Orleans Bus Station. This station is located at 1001 Loyola Ave, New Orleans 70113.
There are multiple airlines that offer flights between Indianapolis and New Orleans. Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and two other airlines operate flights from Indianapolis Airport to New Orleans Airport.
The fastest way to get from Indianapolis to New Orleans by plane is to take a flight with a one-stopover. Although there is no direct flight, several airlines including Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and others offer flights from Indianapolis Airport to New Orleans Airport. The quickest flight takes approximately 4 hours, but the total travel time including layover is around 6 hours and 52 minutes. Flight prices can range from $73 to $285 depending on the airline and the time of booking.
The flight duration from Indianapolis to New Orleans varies depending on the number of stopovers. The quickest flight with one stopover generally takes around 4 hours.
The cost of a flight from Indianapolis to New Orleans can range from $73 to $285.
The cost of a bus ticket from Indianapolis to New Orleans can range from $66 to $356 depending on the type of bus, time of travel, and level of comfort.
The cost of driving from Indianapolis to New Orleans can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency. On average, it can cost between $140 and $220 for a one-way trip.