Indianapolis International Airport (IND): The Complete Guide

IND Airport Overview

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is regularly voted one of the best airports in North America by passenger surveys, and it has earned that reputation honestly. The airport handled about 10 million passengers per year as of 2024, and it serves Indianapolis and central Indiana with nonstop service to over 45 domestic and international destinations from all major US carriers.

IND has one main terminal with two concourses, a single security checkpoint, and an efficient layout that means you can get from the curb to your gate in 15 to 20 minutes even during moderately busy periods. Security lines are among the shortest of any major metro airport in the Midwest. If you have experienced the grinding chaos of O'Hare or Atlanta, IND will feel almost surreally calm.

Terminal and Concourse Layout

IND has one terminal with two concourses — A and B. The terminal has three levels: upper for departures and ticketing, main for security and gates, and lower for baggage claim and ground transportation. Concourses A and B connect through a central hub area, and passengers can move between them without re-screening after clearing the single security checkpoint.

Concourse A (20 gates)

Concourse A hosts 20 gates and handles American Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and some Southwest Airlines operations. International flights depart from and arrive at Concourse A, which contains the customs and immigration facilities.

Concourse B (19 gates)

Concourse B has 19 gates and primarily serves Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Alaska Airlines. Delta has a significant operational presence in Concourse B.

Airlines at IND

IND is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Air Canada. International service includes Air Canada flights to Toronto, with seasonal international leisure routes also available.

Getting To and From IND

IndyGo Bus

IndyGo public bus service connects IND to downtown Indianapolis and surrounding communities. Route 8 is the primary airport route, running to downtown Indianapolis in about 35 to 45 minutes. This is the cheapest option but takes longer than a rideshare and requires navigating downtown bus stops.

Rideshare and Taxi

Uber and Lyft pick up at the ground transportation area outside baggage claim. Downtown Indianapolis is about 20 to 25 minutes and $20 to $35. Carmel and Fishers (northern suburbs) are 30 to 40 minutes and $35 to $55. Speedway (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) is about 15 minutes and $15 to $25. Plainfield and Greenwood (nearby suburbs) are 15 to 20 minutes and $15 to $25.

Rental Cars

All major rental car brands operate at IND with the consolidated facility accessible from the terminal. A rental car is highly recommended for exploring Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indiana countryside, and other Midwest destinations with limited public transit.

Parking

IND has excellent parking with garages adjacent to the terminal and economy lots. Daily garage rates run $18 to $25. Economy lots are $10 to $13 per day. IND is known for affordable, convenient parking compared to other major airports.

Lounges

IND does not have traditional airline club lounges. No Admirals Club, Sky Club, or United Club currently operates at Indianapolis. Priority Pass holders should check their network for any available options. The airport is working on improving lounge options — check current status upon visiting.

Dining and Shopping

IND has a solid dining lineup that has improved significantly in recent years, with a mix of local Indiana concepts and national chains.

• Noodles & Company — A crowd-pleasing pasta and noodle concept available throughout the concourses.
• St. Elmo Steak House — An Indianapolis institution since 1902, with an airport location serving their famous shrimp cocktail (legendarily spicy) and steak options. One of the best airport dining experiences in the Midwest.
• Taxicab Tavern — Bar and grill with Indiana craft beers on tap and a comfortable setting for a pre-flight drink.
• Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Subway — National quick-service options available throughout both concourses.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

IND offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The connection is reliable and fast. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the central security checkpoint. Power outlets are widely available at most gate areas.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tips

If you are visiting for the Indianapolis 500 (late May), Brickyard 400, or another IMS event, note that the Speedway is about 15 minutes from IND. Rideshare and taxi demand spikes dramatically during race weekend. Book transportation in advance or arrange a rental car to ensure you have a reliable option. Race weekend also means the airport is extremely busy — arrive 2 to 2.5 hours before domestic flights during these periods.

Tips for Navigating IND

• IND is genuinely efficient. The single security checkpoint handles traffic smoothly. TSA PreCheck significantly reduces wait times even further. Arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights — 2 hours is overkill except during race weekends or holidays.
• Eat at St. Elmo. The shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo Steak House airport location is the definitive Indianapolis food experience. Order it even if you are not staying for a full meal.
• IND vs. Chicago airports. For many central Indiana and Illinois travelers, IND's convenience, lower fares, and stress-free experience are worth a slight route detour compared to fighting Chicago traffic to O'Hare or Midway.
• Big Ten travel. Indiana University, Purdue, Notre Dame, and other Big Ten schools are within 1 to 2 hours of IND. Football Saturdays bring high demand — check fares and book early around game weekends.

Nearby Hotels

The Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Airport and the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Airport are within 5 minutes of the terminal. Downtown Indianapolis, about 20 to 25 minutes by rideshare, offers the JW Marriott Indianapolis, the Westin Indianapolis, and the Conrad Indianapolis for upscale options.