Find lower car rental prices in Indianapolis with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. Check real-time deals at Indianapolis International Airport, downtown and off-airport branches, filter by mileage policy and supplier and hit the road to the Indy 500 or a day trip to Bloomington without overpaying.
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Indianapolis International Airport (IND) |
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Downtown Indianapolis |
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Suburban Locations |
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Transportation to Off-Airport Locations:
On average, car rentals in Indianapolis cost around $60 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $32 per day.
Compare off-airport vs IND: downtown or suburban branches run about 15-20 % cheaper. A quick rideshare can cost less than the airport's 10 % concession fee.
Tweak pickup days: starting on a Monday–Thursday or grabbing a full-week rate often beats a Fri–Sun rental in Indy.
Peak events = plan ahead: Indy 500 week and summer dates sell out fast. Book early, then keep checking and re-book if a better deal pops up.
Stack deals: free loyalty sign-ups plus corporate, AAA or similar codes can knock another 5-10 % off.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Speed Limits:
Traffic Patterns:
Book a rental so you can see:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Speedway district
Eagle Creek Park – reservoir trails, lake
Children's Museum of Indianapolis – northside campus
Bloomington & Brown County State Park – Hoosier National Forest region
Is a car necessary in Indianapolis?
Yes, for most visitors. You can walk around downtown Indianapolis, but the city has limited public transportation and you'll find most attractions are spread throughout the area. A rental car gives you the most freedom to explore the city and surrounding places.
Where can I find parking near downtown attractions?
Most downtown attractions have their own parking garages or lots close by. You can also find street parking, but it has time limits. Big places like Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse have several parking lots you can walk from.
Are there any driving restrictions during major events?
During the Indianapolis 500 and other big events, the city might close or restrict some streets around the venues. Police officers will direct traffic at major intersections. You should plan for extra travel time and check your navigation app for other routes.
How far is Indianapolis International Airport from downtown?
The airport is about 14 miles (23 km) southwest of downtown. In normal traffic, the drive takes 15-20 minutes.
Do rental cars in Indianapolis come with E-ZPass/toll transponders?
Most rental companies let you rent a toll transponder for an extra daily fee. You only need one if you plan to drive to Louisville on I-65 or to northern Indiana on the I-80/90 Indiana Toll Road.
What's the best time to avoid long waits when picking up a rental car?
You'll find shorter wait times at airport rental counters in the mid-afternoon (2-4 pm). Early morning and late evening can also be less busy. If you join a rental company's loyalty program, you can skip the counter.