A single train serves this route from Amtrak Indianapolis to Chicago: the Cardinal, and it does not run daily. It operates only three days a week in each direction. Train 51 runs westbound (Indianapolis to Chicago) on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing Indianapolis at 6:25 a.m. and arriving in Chicago at 10:25 a.m., a journey of exactly 4 hours. Train 50 runs eastbound (Chicago to Indianapolis) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, departing Chicago at 5:55 p.m. and arriving in Indianapolis at 12:15 a.m. Coach fares start from around $30. Moreover, to travel on a budget, use Amtrak discounts and book a coach cabin.
Amtrak Indianapolis to Chicago Details
The Amtrak Indianapolis to Chicago segment is the final leg of the westbound journey and the first leg of the eastbound journey. The Cardinal is a long-distance train running the full New York-Chicago corridor via Washington, D.C., Charlottesville, the New River Gorge in West Virginia, and Cincinnati.
- Train Line: The Cardinal (Trains 50 and 51)
- Duration: 4 hours (Indianapolis to Chicago) / 6 hours 20 minutes (Chicago to Indianapolis)
- Distance: Approximately 196 miles (315 km)
- Frequency: Three days a week in each direction; this is not a daily service
- Departure Station: Amtrak Indianapolis Union Station, 350 South Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225.
- Arrival Station: Amtrak Chicago Union Station, 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606.
NOTE: There is currently no other train service on this corridor; the previous four-day-a-week Hoosier State service, which used to fill the gap on days the Cardinal did not run, was discontinued in 2019 after Indiana state funding was not renewed.
Amtrak Indianapolis to Chicago Schedule
The westbound journey (Indianapolis to Chicago) takes only 4 hours, while the eastbound journey (Chicago to Indianapolis) takes 6 hours 20 minutes for the same distance. Hence, always verify times on amtrak.com before travel, and confirm the day of the week matches the correct direction.
| Train | Departure (Indianapolis) | Arrival (Chicago) | Days of Operation | Duration | Coach | Business Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 Cardinal | 6:25 a.m. | 10:25 a.m.. | Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday | 4 hours | From $30 | From $58 |
Intermediate Stops: Train 51 (Indianapolis to Chicago)
| Station | Scheduled Time |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis (IND) | Departs 6:25 a.m. |
| Crawfordsville (CRF) | 7:23 a.m. |
| Lafayette (LAF) | 8:01 a.m. |
| Rensselaer (REN) | 8:05 a.m. |
| Dyer (DYE) | 8:54 a.m. |
| Chicago (CHI) | Arrives 10:25 a.m. |
Amtrak Chicago to Indianapolis Train Schedule
| Train | Departure (Indianapolis) | Arrival (Chicago) | Days of Operation | Duration | Coach | Business Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Cardinal | 5:55 p.m. | 12:15 a.m.. | Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday | 6 hours 20 minutes | From $30 | From $58 |
Intermediate Stops: Train 50 (Chicago to Indianapolis)
| Station | Scheduled Time |
|---|---|
| Chicago (CHI) | Departs 5:55 p.m. |
| Dyer (DYE) | 6:54 p.m. |
| Rensselaer (REN) | 7:45 p.m. |
| Lafayette (LAF) | 9:56 p.m. |
| Crawfordsville (CRF) | 10:30 p.m. |
| Indianapolis (IND) | Arrives 12:15 a.m. |
On-Time Performance Note: The Cardinal operates over CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Buckingham Branch Railroad tracks and is subject to freight interference, slow orders, and signal delays. As per Amtrak’s March 2026 Host Railroad Report data, the current performance figures show 23.4% of delays overall. Passengers must add extra time into their schedule, particularly for the late-night Indianapolis arrival on Train 50.
Chicago to Indianapolis Train Amtrak Cabins and Amenities
The Cardinal operates with a mix of Viewliner and Amfleet equipment. On the Indianapolis-Chicago segment, Coach and Business Class are the available cabins; Sleeping accommodations exist on the train but are primarily used by passengers on the longer New York-Cincinnati portion of the route, and are bookable for this segment as well.
Amtrak Coach Class
Coach Class is the standard cabin on the Cardinal. Seats are arranged two-by-two with reclining backrests, fold-down tray tables, reading lights, and power outlets. The Indianapolis-Chicago segment passes through rural Indiana farmland, and Coach offers comfortable seats for the four-hour daytime westbound or the early evening eastbound journey.
The Cardinal offers reserved seating in a dedicated car with leather seats, extra legroom, and footrests. Business Class tickets are fully refundable if cancelled before departure, and passengers earn a 25% bonus points on Amtrak Guest Rewards. A complimentary non-alcoholic beverage is included, along with access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago Union Station for passengers traveling in either direction.
Amtrak Sleeping Accommodations
Roomettes and Bedrooms are available on the Cardinal but are primarily booked by passengers traveling the longer overnight segments of the route between Chicago and the East Coast. For the Indianapolis-Chicago segment alone, a 4 to 6.5-hour daytime or evening, sleeping cabins are generally not preferable.
Onboard Amenities
Cafe Car: The Cardinal carries a Cafe Car serving hot and cold food, snacks, and beverages throughout the journey. This is the primary dining option on the Amtrak Indianapolis-Chicago segment, as the train does not always carry a full Dining Car service on shorter portions of the route.
Amtrak Wifi: Free internet access is available on the Cardinal, though connectivity can be inconsistent through rural Indiana, particularly between Crawfordsville and Lafayette.
Power Outlets on Amtrak : All Coach and Business Class seats include power outlets for charging devices.
Pet Policy: Small dogs and cats weighing under 20 pounds, including the carrier, are allowed to travel with a reservation and a $26 pet fee, while remaining in their carrier during the trip.
Bicycle Policy: Folding bicycles are permitted as carry-on items on Amtrak. Standard bicycles require a checked baggage reservation, available at both Indianapolis Union Station and Chicago Union Station.
Station Waiting Room: Both stations feature waiting rooms, but operation hours are different. Chicago station waiting rooms operate on a standard 5:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. for all days of the week. However, the hours for each day are different at the Indianapolis station.
Transportation Options at Departure and Arrival Station
Amtrak stations in Indianapolis and Chicago provide designated spaces for onward transportation. To board the train from Indianapolis, passengers have multiple options, but booking a private vehicle is advised, as departures are limited.
- IndyGo Bus: Local IndyGo bus service covers downtown Indianapolis and the wider city, though the nearest stop requires a short walk from the station.
- Ridesharing: Uber and Lyft are the most practical option for reaching the station, particularly given the early morning and late-night departure of the Cardinal’s schedule. Passengers must pre-book a ride the night before, or arrange pickup in advance for a midnight arrival.
- Walking: The station sits in a highly walkable part of downtown Indianapolis, close to the Indiana Convention Center, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, and the historic Slippery Noodle Inn. The Crowne Plaza hotel inside the former Union Station building for an overnight stay either before an early departure or after a late arrival.
Onward Transport from Chicago Union Station
For traveling around Chicago, passengers can access the following transportation options, including both public and private ones.
- CTA (Chicago Transit Authority): The Blue Line at Clinton Station is a 5-minute walk from Union Station, connecting to O’Hare Airport and the wider Chicago L network. The Pink and Green Lines at Morgan are also within walking distance.
- Metra Commuter Rail: Union Station serves several Metra lines covering Chicago’s suburbs.
- Taxi and Ride-Hailing: Taxi and rideshare pickup zones are clearly marked outside the station entrances.
- Walking: Millennium Park, the Loop, and the Chicago Riverwalk are approximately 15 minutes on foot. The West Loop restaurant district along Randolph and Fulton Market is closer still, a 5 to 10-minute walk, useful for the late westbound morning arrival at 10:25 a.m.
Amtrak Discounts on Indianapolis-Chicago Route
The Amtrak category-based discounts provide distinct offers on this particular Indianapolis-Chicago route. People can notice a significant reduction in the overall amount.
- Amtrak Children’s Discount: Children aged 2-12 traveling with a paying adult receive 50% off the lowest available Coach fare. Infants under 2 years old travel free if they do not require a separate seat.
- Amtrak Senior Discount: Passengers 65 years and older are eligible for a 10% fare reduction on Coach and Business Class tickets when booking through Amtrak.
- Amtrak Student Discount: Passengers aged 17-24 with a valid student ID can receive 15% off Coach and Business Class fares, making it a valuable option for students traveling to or from Lafayette and Purdue University.
- Amtrak Military Discount: Active-duty military members, veterans, spouses, and eligible dependents can receive a 10% discount by presenting valid military identification.
- Amtrak Group Discount: Parties of six or more passengers traveling together may qualify for up to 60% savings on Coach fare. Group reservations must be arranged in advance through Amtrak’s Group Sales department.
Additional Tips for a Better Travel Experience and Savings
These tips can help passengers in planning Amtrak Indianapolis to Chicago journey better and travel without worrying about timely departure or arrival.
- Check the travel day first: The Cardinal operates only three days a week. Train 51 (Indianapolis → Chicago) runs on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, while Train 50 (Chicago → Indianapolis) runs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
- Plan the trip around the schedule: Since trains don’t run daily, round trips require a stay of at least a few days. Check departure days before finalizing their itinerary.
- Book Amtrak tickets early during Purdue events: Trains serving Lafayette can sell out quickly during Purdue University move-in weekends, graduations, and football games.
- Arrange transportation in advance: Train 51 departs Indianapolis early in the morning, while Train 50 arrives after midnight, so pre-book local transport if needed.
- Upgrade to Business Class if possible: The longer Chicago-Indianapolis journey is more comfortable with extra legroom, footrests, and lounge access at Chicago Union Station.
- Track their train before departure: Freight traffic can cause delays, especially on Train 50, so check the Amtrak app for real-time updates before heading to the station.
- Arrive early at the Amtrak departure station: To complete the check-in procedure on time, be there at the station at least half an hour before departure. Both stations can be crowded due to limited train frequency; hence, allow extra time.
The Amtrak Indianapolis to Chicago is a short journey, completing within 4 hours on the Cardinal, running thrice a week. However, the return journey takes around 6.5 hours to complete. Passengers can book either coaches or business class cabins, as sleeping cabins are not advisable for this short journey.
FAQs
The westbound journey on Train 51 takes exactly 4 hours, departing Indianapolis at 6:25 a.m. and arriving in Chicago at 10:25 a.m. The eastbound journey on Train 50 takes 6 hours and 20 minutes, departing Chicago at 5:55 p.m. and arriving in Indianapolis at 12:15 a.m.
No, the Cardinal operates only three days a week in each direction. Train 51 (Indianapolis to Chicago) runs Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. Train 50 (Chicago to Indianapolis) runs Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There is no Monday service in either direction.
The Cardinal (Trains 50 and 51) is currently the only Amtrak service on this corridor. It is a long-distance train running between New York and Chicago via Washington, D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, and Cincinnati, with Indianapolis as a stop near the western end of the route.
Coach fares start from approximately $30 on bookings. Prices increase as departure approaches and as seats fill, particularly around holiday travel periods. Business Class starts from around $58 and includes a fully refundable fare if cancelled before departure.
Trains depart from Indianapolis Union Station at 350 South Illinois Street, in the downtown Wholesale District, adjacent to the historic 1888 Union Station building, which now houses a Crowne Plaza hotel and event space.
No, as Train 51 (westbound) and Train 50 (eastbound) operate on different days of the week, a same-day round trip is not possible on this route. The practical round trip requires at least one overnight stay, with the return travel day depending on which days the outbound and inbound services align.
The Amtrak rail distance is approximately 196 miles (315 km) between Chicago and Indianapolis.
Yes, both directions stop at Crawfordsville, Lafayette (serving Purdue University), Rensselaer, and Dyer between Indianapolis and Chicago. These intermediate stops are useful for passengers boarding or alighting along the route rather than traveling the full segment.
Yes, Amtrak trains can face delays and cancellations, but passengers are informed in advance through messages, or they can manually check it through the official app or website.
Yes, you can buy Amtrak tickets at the station, but it is subject to availability and not always guaranteed. As the departures are thrice a week, the seats get filled quickly, leaving fewer chances for offline sales.
