Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the busiest airport in the US state of Indiana. It offers nonstop flights to more than 50 destinations across North America and a few direct connections to Europe. It is the second-largest FedEx cargo hub in the world after Memphis, Tennessee.
The airport is situated 7 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis, the state capital.
In 2024, IND served over 10 million passengers, thus ranking among the top 50 busiest airports in the United States.
Major Airlines- Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines
Indianapolis is an operating base for the low-cost airline Allegiant Air. It focuses on the leisure segment of air travel with direct flights to small and medium-sized airports.
Despite that, the airline with the largest market share at IND is Southwest Airlines, serving just over 25% of all passengers. It has an extensive network across the US, connecting Indianapolis with some of the largest airports in the country.
The next largest airlines at IND are American Airlines, Republic Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Spirit Airlines. Together, they serve the most popular destinations in the USA.
Other prominent US carriers with scheduled flights to and from Indianapolis include United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
Of the international airlines, the most prominent one is Air Canada, which offers direct services to Toronto. You can also cross the Pacific without a layover by flying Aer Lingus on its nonstop flight to Dublin, Ireland, four times weekly.
To see a full list of airlines serving Indianapolis, click here.
Terminal Layout and Gates of Indianapolis Airport
IND has one terminal known as the Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal, named after the distinguished ace who fought in both world wars.
The terminal is split into two concourses:
Concourse A: Gates A3–A25 (20 gates in total). Receives all international arrivals.
Concourse B: Gates B3–B25 (19 gates in total).
The two concourses have separate security checkpoints. Once inside one, you cannot go to the other unless you re-clear Security.
A central Civic Plaza connects the two concourses on the upper level. There, you will find most of the airport amenities, as well as dining options and facilities to help passengers.
Connecting Flights and Transit
Indianapolis is a small airport where transit doesn’t require a lot of time. The two concourses are connected by a common building (the Civic Plaza), and walking from one end of Concourse A to the far end of Concourse B (the farthest distance) takes around 7 minutes.
Add to that the efficient Security, and the legal minimum connecting time at IND is just 35 minutes, although at least 1 hour is recommended.
Note that those arriving on international flights, unless pre-cleared, will need to re-check luggage and clear Security twice (going out and re-entry) before going to the new gate.
Wi-Fi at IND
Indianapolis International Airport offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
The network’s SSID is “IND_PUBLIC_WIFI” and connecting is just like at home - select and go. There are no welcome screens, no registration, and not even terms and conditions (although you tacitly accept them by using the network).
What’s more, IND's Wi-Fi is among the best among airports in North America, with speeds up to 10 times faster than the average!
Dining Options at Indianapolis Airport
Both those looking for sit-down options and those who want a quick meal can find something to their liking at Indianapolis Airport.
The Civic Plaza houses several dining options and is open to the public. To access any of the restaurants located on the concourses, you need to be a ticketed passenger and go through the Security checkpoint.
Civic Plaza: Features popular options like Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Starbucks, and HotBox Pizza. Sports fans can check out the Indiana Pacers Courtside Club - a Family-friendly sports bar featuring iconic basketball memorabilia and serving classic American comfort food.
Concourse A: Home to local favorites such as Harry & Izzy's and Bub’s Burgers. A notable mention of the vending machines by Farmer's Fridge, which are always stocked with fresh, healthy food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Concourse B: Includes The Tap and Nature's Table. You can find Kosher food at Shapiro's Delicatessen or good old burgers at Shake Shack.
Lounges at IND
Indianapolis Airport has 2 lounges, both available only to eligible passengers.
The Delta Sky Club provides premium facilities to those flying with Delta Air Lines in Concourse A. It’s located just after the Security checkpoint and is open from 4:45 AM to 7:45 PM (6 PM on Saturdays)
The USO Lounge near the baggage reclaim is open to active military members and their families. With a homey feel and complimentary snacks and drinks, it is sure to make your wait for your flight a pleasant experience. It’s open between 8 AM and 8 PM daily.
Transportation options at Indianapolis Airport
IND is relatively well-connected by ground transportation.
A scheduled bus service by IndyGo connects the airport to destinations in the greater Indianapolis area, as well as Ball State University (Muncie), Indiana University (Bloomington), and Purdue University (Lafayette and West Lafayette) areas.
Route 8 of IndyGo plows between the airport and downtown Indianapolis every 30 minutes. As a side note, here are the best things to do in Indianapolis.
Other than that, taxis are your best option for traveling around. They are always available at the curb on the lower level of the terminal, just outside of Baggage Claim. All taxis are metered, but there is a minimum charge of 15 USD for all trips from/to the airport, regardless of distance.
Similarly, ride-sharing, app-based rides like Uber and Lyft have designated pickup locations at the Ground Transportation Center.
Shuttle services like GO Express Travel offer affordable shuttle buses between IND and cities like Bloomington and Lafayette. See more information about private transfers from IND.
If you want to be your own driver, car rental companies are available on-site at the Ground Transportation Center, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty, to name a few.
Parking at Indianapolis Airport
IND offers multiple official parking options for both short and long-term stays.
Here’s a short summary of the garages and lots within the airport grounds:
Terminal Garage: Covered parking with easy access to the terminal via a pedestrian bridge, priced at 23 USD per day or 2 USD per hour. This is where you will find the car rental companies, too.
Park & Walk: Economical option at 14 USD per day, a short (8-9 minutes) walk to the terminal along a lighted path. There is no shuttle service. This lot accepts only card payments.
Economy Parking: Budget-friendly choice at $9/day, with shuttle service to the terminal. With over 8000 spaces, it’s hardly ever at capacity.
Valet Parking: For 32 USD per day, you won’t have to worry about the logistics of parking. Follow the signs to Level 3 of the Terminal Garage, where a representative is on-site 24/7.
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for free on Level 3 of the Terminal Garage (18 spaces), and 20 more chargers are available on Level 5 of the Terminal Garage. These stations are filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
Hotels near IND
While there are no hotels inside the terminal, nor within the airport’s premises, there are over a dozen within a short driving distance.
Most airport hotels are located either on the Ameriplex Highway, where it curves to intersect with Interstate 70, or in the Park Fletcher neighborhood towards Indianapolis proper.
If you want to stay near the airport and have a free shuttle to and from the hotel, some possible choices are:
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Airport: Full-service hotel with a fitness center and on-site dining.
Hyatt Place Indianapolis Airport: Offers a heated outdoor pool and a fitness center.
La Quinta by Wyndham Indianapolis Airport Plainfield: Provides an exceptional breakfast and modern rooms.
For more hotels near Indianapolis International Airport, click here.
Indianapolis, IN, USA
