Indianapolis Airport (IND) Flights & Information

My father grew up in Indianapolis and I’ve gone back many times to visit family. Over the years, I’ve watched the city evolve into a fascinating urban center with trendy restaurants, intriguing museums and a booming culinary scene. On each visit, I’ve passed through Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and I’ve always been impressed with how virtually hassle-free it is, delivering me to and from my gate without much ado. Just the way I like it.

IND regularly ranks first in the nation in the medium airport category (5 to 15 million annual passengers). It’s the 43rd busiest airport in the US and handles more than 9 million annual passengers. It’s served by 8 major airlines offering an average of 143 daily flights to over 45 destinations across North America. And there are plenty more surprising things about this unassuming airport.

Design and architecture

Though the airport first opened in 1931, the current terminal, named after Colonel H. Weir Cook (a WWI ace from Indiana), opened in 2008. I can sum it up in two words: modern and passenger-friendly. Expansive glass windows, open spaces and a bright, refreshing ambiance epitomize its contemporary architectural design. I’m not usually the most enthusiastic flier, but the natural light-filled space of IND always puts me at ease.

How to get from IND to downtown Indianapolis using public transportation

IND is about 12 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis and the best way to get there via public transportation is by bus. IndyGo Route 8 travels to and from Washington Street and the airport, with services running about every 30 minutes. Warning: It’s a non-express, fixed route, so it can be pretty slow – up to about 50 minutes – but it’s a great deal per ride.

Getting to and from IND by car

This airport has wisely created a centralized Ground Transportation Center on the first floor of the Terminal Garage, where you can pick up your rental car or shared ride.

Most major rental car companies are here, including Avis, Alamo and Hertz. I often rent a car at IND and the process is simple. Once you’ve picked up your car, it’s easy to get to downtown. From the airport, follow I-70 E to exit 79A, which will bring you down S. Missouri Street to Michigan Street, the heart of downtown. The drive takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic, of course.

While you need to pick up a rideshare from Uber or Lyft in the designated area of the Ground Transportation Center, they will drop you off directly at the main terminal building when you return for departure. Note that taxis are not found at the Ground Transportation Center. Instead, you’ll find them right outside baggage claim on the terminal’s lower level.

Security lines

IND is often lauded for its efficient security process and I can certainly vouch for that. The process is generally sweat-free, with an average wait time of less than 3 minutes (this may vary during peak travel periods and holidays, of course). There are 2 security checkpoints with 1 at the entrance to each concourse. If you have TSA PreCheck, note that the only PreCheck lane is in Concourse A.

Honestly, you should never have to wait very long, but if you get nervous before heading to the airport, like I do, you can check the average checkpoint waiting times on the IND website. Just plug in the 1-hour time frame of your departure, and they’ll let you know the approximate number of minutes you’ll have to wait.

Note there’s a recent wrinkle: TSA installed new scanners that use 3-D imaging so you don’t need to take your liquids or electronics out of your carry-on bags anymore. That said, passengers are complaining that this new technology is taking longer than it should, slowing down the security lines. Two words – plan ahead.

The layout

IND is compact and so easy to get around. There is only 1 terminal divided into 2 concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B, each holding 20 gates with the central ticketing and check-in area between them. After passing through security once, you can freely move between the two concourses using the concourse connector without the need to go through security again.

As much as I like to run, I don’t like to run at the airport. The good news here is that the 2 farthest gates are only half a mile apart and there’s very little chance you’d ever need to travel even that far. Either way, there are still moving walkways to whisk you from one place to the other.

The arrival process here is also easy. Signs direct you to baggage claim, which generally delivers your bags in no time. Global Entry members returning on international flights can use kiosks for expedited reentry.

IND has two lounges. Delta Sky Club is located in Concourse A, just after security. There’s also a USO Lounge, available only for military and their dependents, at the main terminal in baggage claim. If you have the ability to access either one, enjoy, but keep in mind that USO is outside of security, so save a few extra minutes to pass through this process on your way to your gate.

Specialty rooms

IND has several types of specialty rooms, which I find unique in a smaller airport. For example, it has nursing and pumping rooms for mothers, equipped with cozy chairs, a table and electrical outlets for breast pumps and a baby seat.

For anyone nervous about flying (like me) or simply seeking a quiet place to relax, as well as individuals on the autism spectrum, the airport also offers sensory rooms – cozy places with private quiet spaces, calming lighting and a rotating art gallery. These rooms are conveniently located in both concourses. At the information desk, you can also pick up a sensory bag packed with a blanket, headphones and fidget toys.

I typically don’t travel with pets or kids, but I’ve seen a play area for children in both concourses, as well as pet relief areas, complete with adorable fake fire hydrants and pop-up sprinkler systems.

Airport restaurants

IND offers about 25 restaurants, bars and coffee shops, both landside and airside. Depending on where my gate is, I love Bento Sushi (Concourse A) if I’m in a rush and need to carry something onboard. The California rolls and salmon sashimi are among their best grab-and-go packaged options. If I have time to kill, Sun King Tap Room (Concourse B) serves up sandwiches, pints and games on TV.

There’s also Indy-favorite Harry & Izzy’s (Concourse A), my go-to for its world-famous shrimp cocktail. And if I’m feeling indulgent, I grab a cinnamon sugar toast from Patachou before security. Here’s an insider trick to avoid standing in line at IND – place your order online and pick it up when you arrive. Participating restaurants include Harry & Izzy’s, Bento Sushi, Indiana Grown Market, Tinker Coffee and more.

That said, probably the most important airport question I often have concerns the water situation – I detest stepping onto a plane without a filled water bottle. IND, thankfully, has several convenient water stations to put my mind at ease, so bring a refillable bottle and fill up before boarding.

Free Wi-Fi at IND

I’m always working when I’m on the go, and airport Wi-Fi can be a gamble. Luckily, IND Wi-Fi is amazingly reliable and super fast. Top that off with plenty of charging stations and ample seating areas to ensure passengers can stay connected and comfortable during their travels, and you’ll see why this is one of my favorite airports for getting work done.

Shopping

Honestly, this isn’t a place to come to shop. You’ll find a mix of local and national retailers offering a small variety from travel essentials to Indiana-themed souvenirs, so if you forgot your dental floss or need an Indy Colts jersey, you’ll be good. Otherwise, don’t expect too much. There are no duty-free shops for international travelers, either.