Milwaukee, WI, USA to Indianapolis, IN, USA from $24: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Milwaukee to Indianapolis: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$24 by busBest price
394 kmDistance
4h 43m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Milwaukee 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.
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Traveling From Milwaukee to Indianapolis
The journey from Milwaukee to Indianapolis presents a delightful contrast, with Milwaukee showcasing its vibrant lakeside culture and Indianapolis offering a dynamic blend of motorsports and bustling urban life.
Best Neighbourhoods in Indianapolis
Indianapolis boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality.
Mass Ave
• Arts district with vibrant galleries and theaters.
• Unique shops and trendy eateries abound.
Broad Ripple
• Lively nightlife with bars and music venues.
• Beautiful waterways and parks for outdoor leisure.
Fountain Square
• Renowned for its eclectic music scene.
• Historic architecture blends with modern creativity.
Best Times To Visit Indianapolis's Attractions
Planning your visit to Indianapolis? Here are the optimal times for key attractions.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Visit in May for the Indy 500, or during early morning events to avoid crowds.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Weekday mornings are ideal for fewer visitors and a more enjoyable experience.
White River State Park
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather; early morning visits provide serene surroundings.
Indianapolis Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Indianapolis experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, making the best times to visit during spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Awareness of weather conditions helps you better plan outdoor activities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Dining Recommendation in Indianapolis
For a unique culinary experience, try the classic pork tenderloin sandwich at the historic St. Elmo Steak House, where local ingredients and bold flavors create a delightful contrast to Milwaukee's cheese-laden dishes. The upscale atmosphere and signature house-made shrimp cocktail add an extra layer of excitement to your dining adventure.
Milwaukee - Indianapolis operators
Explore transport companies operating between Milwaukee and Indianapolis, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Milwaukee to Indianapolis
Average Duration
6h 10mEstimated price
$24-85Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Milwaukee Bus Station to Chicago Train Station
Average Duration
1h 50mEstimated price
$1841-45Bus from Chicago Train Station to Indianapolis Bus Station
Average Duration
3h 25mEstimated price
$1842-1843Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Milwaukee to Chicago Union Station
Average Duration
1h 29mEstimated price
$1397-540Train from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolis
Average Duration
4h 54mEstimated price
$124-5470Website
united.com
Plane from Milwaukee (MKE) to Indianapolis (IND)
Average Duration
3h 30mEstimated price
$1390-1391Website
aa.com
Plane from Milwaukee to Indianapolis
Average Duration
4h 1mEstimated price
$5470-1391Website
delta.com
Plane from Milwaukee to Indianapolis
Average Duration
4h 19mEstimated price
$5470-1392Website
southwest.com
Plane from Milwaukee to Indianapolis
Average Duration
4h 36mEstimated price
$120-1396Milwaukee to Indianapolis: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Indianapolis, covering a distance of 274 miles. Enjoy the journey through the heart of the Midwest.
💰 Experience an affordable travel option with car prices ranging from $45 to $75 for the trip from Milwaukee to Indianapolis. Explore the historic streets of Indianapolis without breaking the bank.
🛣️ Set out on a 4-hour and 43-minute drive from Milwaukee to Indianapolis and indulge in the freedom of the open road. Discover the charm of two vibrant cities connected by a picturesque highway journey.
Average price
$45 - $75
🚆 Traveling from Milwaukee to Indianapolis by train is a convenient option, despite the lack of a direct route. The journey involves a transfer at Chicago Union Station and typically takes around 7 hours and 23 minutes.
🚆 Ticket prices for the Milwaukee to Indianapolis train route can vary from $12 to $184, offering passengers flexibility in choosing their preferred seating options. Overall, the train journey presents a relaxing and enjoyable way to reach Indianapolis from Milwaukee.
Departure Point
Milwaukee station
Arrival Point
Indianapolis station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: Amtrak operates the train service between Milwaukee and Indianapolis, offering a selection of catering services. Passengers can enjoy snacks, sandwiches, and beverages available for purchase from the café car. Additionally, Amtrak provides complimentary Wi-Fi on select routes, which can be a great way to pass the time during your trip.
Seating Options: Amtrak offers various seating options on its trains, including Coach (Economy), Business Class, and First Class. Coach seating is comfortable and affordable, while Business Class offers more spacious seating and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. For a premium experience, choose First Class, which includes enhanced services and amenities. Be sure to book tickets in advance to secure your preferred seating.
Arrival Station Tip: When you arrive at Indianapolis Union Station, note that there are restroom facilities available inside the station. However, there are no luggage storage services at this station, so plan to carry your luggage with you. After disembarking, head to the main exit, where you can find clear signage directing you to local transport options.
🌐 The quickest route has a total flight time of 3 hours and 8 minutes, making it a convenient way to travel between the two cities.
💰 Prices for flights between Indianapolis and Milwaukee can range from $104 to $284, providing travelers with a variety of options to fit their budget.
Departure Point
Milwaukee Airport
Arrival Point
Indianapolis Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 8m and has one stopover
🚌 The journey from Milwaukee to Indianapolis by bus is a convenient option with a direct service operated by Flixbus USA. The trip takes approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes, departing once daily and operating every day.
🛣️ Covering a distance of 278 miles, the route from Milwaukee to Indianapolis involves a single transfer. Passengers will board a bus towards Chicago for about 1 hour and 45 minutes before transferring to a bus towards Nashville for an additional 3 hours and 40 minutes.
💲Prices for the bus ticket between Indianapolis and Milwaukee can range from $24 to $85. For further details on schedules and booking, passengers can contact Greyhound, the agency handling the transfer at Greyhound Bus Station.
Departure Point
Milwaukee station
Arrival Point
Indianapolis station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to check the Flixbus schedule in advance, as this route only has one daily direct bus departing from Milwaukee; you can find more information at flixbus.com
• During your bus journey, download entertainment options such as podcasts or ebooks, since the trip takes over 6 hours, and amenities like Wi-Fi may be limited; consider bringing a portable charger as well.
• Upon arrival at the Indianapolis station, visit the visitor information center located inside the terminal for maps and local dining recommendations; you can also use the IndyGo transit website at indygo.net for easy access to public transportation around the city.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Milwaukee to Indianapolis.
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The distance between Milwaukee and Indianapolis is approximately 245 miles by road. The travel time varies depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By train, it takes approximately 7 hours and 23 minutes to reach Indianapolis from Milwaukee. By taking a combination of train and bus, the travel time is around 5 hours and 19 minutes. By plane, it takes approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes to reach Indianapolis from Milwaukee. By car, it takes around 4 hours and 43 minutes to travel from Indianapolis to Milwaukee, and by bus, it takes approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes to make the journey.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Milwaukee to Indianapolis is by bus, with prices ranging from $24 to $85. This mode of transportation would take approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving would be the quickest option, taking approximately 4 hours and 43 minutes. It is important to consider both cost and time factors when deciding on the most suitable transportation option for this journey.
The prices of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Indianapolis can range from $12 to $184, depending on factors such as class of service and time of booking. Similarly, the prices of a bus ticket from Indianapolis to Milwaukee can vary from $60 to $106. It is advisable to book in advance or check for any ongoing promotions to get the best deals on transportation between these two cities.
To travel from Milwaukee to Indianapolis without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 274 miles. On average, it takes around 4 hours and 43 minutes to complete the journey by car. The cost of a one-way trip by car may range between $45 and $75, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
To travel from Milwaukee to Indianapolis without a car, you have a few options. The most convenient and cost-effective option is to take a train and then a bus, which takes around 5 hours and 19 minutes. Another option is to take a bus via Chicago, which takes around 5 hours and 40 minutes. If you prefer a quicker journey, you can fly, which takes around 5 hours and 46 minutes. However, this option may be more expensive compared to the train and bus combination.
There is no direct train from Milwaukee to Indianapolis. However, there are train services that operate with transfers, taking approximately 7 hours and 23 minutes. Buses also provide a direct link between the two cities, with a journey time of approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes. These services operate several times a week.
The flight duration between Milwaukee and Indianapolis varies depending on the stopover, but the quickest flight takes approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes. However, there are currently no direct flights available between these two cities. The cost of a flight typically ranges from $94 to $284, depending on the airline and the time of booking. It's recommended to compare prices and schedules from different airlines to find the best option for your travel needs.
There are many options for accommodations near Indianapolis. With over 659 hotels available, you have a wide range of choices to suit your budget and preferences. Hotel prices start at $53, offering affordable options for those on a tighter budget. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, budget-friendly options, or something in between, you will have no trouble finding a suitable place to stay in Indianapolis.
Trips from Milwaukee
- Milwaukee to Minneapolis
- Milwaukee to Appleton
- Milwaukee to Kenosha
- Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells
- Milwaukee to Lake Geneva
- Milwaukee to Racine
- Milwaukee to New York City
- Milwaukee to Detroit
- Milwaukee to Waukesha
- Milwaukee to Grand Rapids
- Milwaukee to Chicago
- Milwaukee to Cincinnati
- Milwaukee to Kansas City
- Milwaukee to Madison
- Milwaukee to Phoenix
- Milwaukee to Wausau
- Milwaukee to La Crosse
- Milwaukee to Green Bay
- Milwaukee to Sheboygan
- Milwaukee to Cedarburg
- Milwaukee to Nashville
- Milwaukee to New Orleans
- Milwaukee to Des Moines
- Milwaukee to Muskegon
- Milwaukee to Atlanta
- Milwaukee to Toronto
- Milwaukee to Louisville
- Milwaukee to Omaha
- Milwaukee to Los Angeles
- Milwaukee to Boston
- Milwaukee to Houston
- Milwaukee to San Francisco
- Milwaukee to Miami
- Milwaukee to Oshkosh
- Milwaukee to Orlando
- Milwaukee to Philadelphia
- Milwaukee to Dildo
- Milwaukee to Fond du Lac
- Milwaukee to Sheboygan Falls
- Milwaukee to Anaheim
Trips to Indianapolis
- Anderson to Indianapolis
- Philadelphia to Indianapolis
- South Bend to Indianapolis
- Pittsburgh to Indianapolis
- Cleveland to Indianapolis
- Chicago to Indianapolis
- New York City to Indianapolis
- Peoria to Indianapolis
- Detroit to Indianapolis
- Madison to Indianapolis
- Houston to Indianapolis
- Minneapolis to Indianapolis
- Columbus to Indianapolis
- Washington to Indianapolis
- Grand Rapids to Indianapolis
- Nashville to Indianapolis
- Ann Arbor to Indianapolis
- Cincinnati to Indianapolis
- Knoxville to Indianapolis
- Memphis to Indianapolis
- Fort Wayne to Indianapolis
- Dayton to Indianapolis
- Charlotte to Indianapolis
- Buffalo to Indianapolis
- Fort Lauderdale to Indianapolis
- San Francisco to Indianapolis
- Muncie to Indianapolis
- Salt Lake City to Indianapolis
- Tulsa to Indianapolis
- Austin to Indianapolis
- Miami to Indianapolis
- Orlando to Indianapolis
- Champaign to Indianapolis
- Saint Louis to Indianapolis
- Lexington to Indianapolis
- Louisville to Indianapolis
- West Lafayette to Indianapolis
- Toledo to Indianapolis
- Chattanooga to Indianapolis
- Bloomington to Indianapolis