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East Lansing, MI, USA to Indianapolis, IN, USA from $17: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

from
East Lansing, United States of America
to
Indianapolis, United States of America

How to Get from East Lansing to Indianapolis: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$17 by trainBest price
409 kmDistance
4h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from East Lansing to Indianapolis 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.

Company
Various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
8h  53m
Estimated price
$59-176
Recommended
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
10h  57m
Estimated price
$17-221
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 409 km
Duration: 4h 15m

See more options

Company
Detroit
Bus
Average Duration
9h  10m
Estimated price
$37-167
Company
Various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
9h  11m
Estimated price
$49-161
Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
11h  25m
Estimated price
$63-590
Company
Various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
6h  19m
Estimated price
$176-596
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  44m
Estimated price
$178-593
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
4h  15m
Estimated price
$591-592
Company
Various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  19m
Estimated price
$594-595
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Traveling From East Lansing to Indianapolis

The journey from East Lansing to Indianapolis takes you from a charming college town filled with vibrant campus life to a bustling urban landscape that thrives on culture and entertainment.

Best Neighbourhoods in Indianapolis

Indianapolis boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences and attractions.

Broad Ripple Village
• Known for its lively nightlife and music scene.
• Features unique shops and trendy eateries.
Mass Ave (Massachusetts Avenue)
• A hub for arts, theaters, and galleries.
• Offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
Fountain Square
• Rich in history with a vibrant arts community.
• Hosts local festivals and events year-round.

Best Times To Visit Indianapolis's Attractions

Timing your visits to Indianapolis's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Indianapolis Museum of Art
Visit on weekdays for a quieter atmosphere and to explore each exhibit.
The Indianapolis Zoo
Early mornings or late afternoons help you avoid the mid-day crowds.
Monument Circle
Visit during weekdays to enjoy the area with fewer tourists around.

Indianapolis Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Indianapolis experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and fall the best times to explore the city comfortably. Be prepared for varying conditions, as weather can influence outdoor plans and events.

Dining Recommendation

Try the famous pork tenderloin sandwich at the Snappy Lunch, which showcases Indianapolis's love for hearty, comforting fare that differs from East Lansing's more eclectic and health-focused dining scene. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with local charm, where community and flavor come together in a way that feels distinctly Indianapolis.

East Lansing - Indianapolis operators

Explore transport companies operating between East Lansing and Indianapolis, with prices starting at $17. These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from East Lansing Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration
3h 51m
Estimated price
$17-597

Train from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolis

Average Duration
4h 54m
Estimated price
$17-597

Train from East Lansing Amtrak Station to Kalamazoo

Average Duration
1h 29m
Estimated price
$17-597
Bus
Website
http://palmlandlines.com

Bus from Chicago IL to Indianapolis IN

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
$2216-173
Contact phone
+1 800-292-3831
Website
https://www.indiantrails.com/

Bus from East Lansing, MI to Detroit, MI

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
$2215-2217

Bus from East Lansing, MI to Kalamazoo, MI

Average Duration
4h 55m
Estimated price
$17-1769
Contact phone
+1 888-378-3823
Website
https://baronsbus.com/

Bus from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN

Average Duration
5h 20m
Estimated price
$2214-592
Contact phone
+1 800-544-2383
Website
https://hoosierride.com/

Bus from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN

Average Duration
5h 20m
Estimated price
0-0
Plane
Website
https://www.delta.com/

Plane from Lansing (LAN) to Indianapolis (IND)

Average Duration
5h 8m
Estimated price
$1762-5970
Website
https://www.aa.com/

Plane from Lansing (LAN) to Indianapolis (IND)

Average Duration
Estimated price
0-0
Website
https://www.united.com/

Plane from Saginaw (MBS) to Indianapolis (IND)

Average Duration
4h 29m
Estimated price
$1767-490

East Lansing to Indianapolis: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between East Lansing and Indianapolis 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 East Lansing and head south towards the vibrant city of Indianapolis. The journey covers a distance of 254 miles and takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes by car. 💰 Explore budget-friendly options to reach Indianapolis from East Lansing by car, with prices ranging from $45 to $70 depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency. Plan your trip wisely to optimize cost savings while enjoying the picturesque drive through the Midwest.
Average price
$45 - $70
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from East Lansing to Indianapolis spanning approximately 10 hours and 57 minutes. 🕰️ Sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque views as the train makes its way towards your destination. 💰 Ticket prices for the train between East Lansing and Indianapolis can range from $17 to $221, offering passengers flexibility based on their budget and preferences. 🎫 Whether you opt for a standard seat or choose a more luxurious cabin, there are options to suit every traveler's needs.
🛫 Traveling from East Lansing to Indianapolis by plane usually requires a layover as there are no direct flights available. The quickest option with one stopover takes approximately 3 hours and 29 minutes. 🌍 Airlines such as American Airlines and Delta operate flights from Lansing Airport to Indianapolis Airport, providing convenient options for travelers. The total duration of the journey from East Lansing to Indianapolis by plane is around 4 hours and 44 minutes. 💸 Flight prices between Indianapolis and East Lansing can range from $178 to $423, depending on factors such as booking time and availability. Planning ahead and comparing different airlines can help secure the best deal for your trip.
Departure Point
Lansing Airport
Arrival Point
Indianapolis Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 29m and has one stopover
🚌 If you're looking to travel by bus from East Lansing to Indianapolis be prepared for a journey with transfers. Services depart from East Lansing and travel via Detroit before reaching Indianapolis. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 9 hours and 10 minutes. 🌆 East Lansing to Indianapolis bus services are operated by Indian Trails for departure and Barons Bus for arrival. The buses provide a convenient option for those looking to travel between these two cities. Fares for the bus journey can range from $37 to $167, depending on the time of booking and availability.
Departure Point
East Lansing, MI station
Arrival Point
Indianapolis, IN station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from East Lansing to Indianapolis.

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The distance between East Lansing and Indianapolis is approximately 224 miles. By car, the typical travel time is about 4 hours and 15 minutes. Taking a train from East Lansing to Indianapolis would take about 10 hours and 57 minutes, while flying from Detroit and then continuing to Indianapolis would take approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes. The fastest option is to fly directly from East Lansing to Indianapolis, which takes around 4 hours and 12 minutes.
The most cost-effective option to travel from East Lansing to Indianapolis is to drive, which takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes and costs around $45-$70 for gas and tolls. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which takes 4 hours and 12 minutes but can be more expensive with prices ranging from $170-$430. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize saving money or minimizing travel time.
The prices for a train ticket between East Lansing and Indianapolis range from $17 to $221. Meanwhile, the prices for a bus ticket between Indianapolis and East Lansing vary from $37 to $167. These prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of travel, availability, and the class or type of ticket chosen.
To get from East Lansing to Indianapolis without using public transportation, you can opt for a road trip by driving. The distance between the two cities is around 254 miles, and it takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes to drive from East Lansing to Indianapolis. The cost of the trip by car can vary depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls, with prices ranging from $45 to $70.
To travel from East Lansing to Indianapolis without a car, you have several options. The fastest way is to fly, which takes about 4 hours and 12 minutes and costs around $170 to $430. Another option is to take a train and bus via Chicago, which takes about 8 hours and 53 minutes and costs $55 to $180. If you prefer a longer journey, you can take a bus via Detroit, which takes about 9 hours and 10 minutes and costs $35 to $170. Finally, you can also take a train, which takes about 10 hours and 57 minutes and costs $17 to $230.
Yes, there is a bus link between East Lansing and Indianapolis although it is not a direct route. The journey involves taking a bus from East Lansing to Detroit and then transferring to another bus that goes to Indianapolis. The total travel time for this route is approximately 9 hours and 10 minutes, including the transfers. The bus services on this route are operated by Indian Trails and Barons Bus.
The flight between East Lansing and Indianapolis typically takes around 2 hours and 57 minutes with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available between the two cities. The prices for a flight between Indianapolis and East Lansing can range from $178 to $423 depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Indianapolis, with over 659 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $53 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly and luxury options. Whether you prefer a downtown location or something closer to the outskirts, there are various hotels to suit your preferences and needs during your stay in Indianapolis.

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