How to Find Cheap Flights to Indianapolis

Traveling to Indianapolis doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re visiting for the Indianapolis 500, attending a conference at the Indiana Convention Center, exploring the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, or simply exploring the heart of the Midwest, finding affordable airfare can make your trip more accessible and enjoyable. Many travelers assume that flights to mid-sized cities like Indianapolis are inherently expensive, but with the right strategies, timing, and tools, you can secure significantly discounted fares—even during peak seasons.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every proven method to find cheap flights to Indianapolis. From understanding airline pricing patterns to leveraging hidden deals and using advanced search tools, you’ll learn how to outsmart the system and book flights at the lowest possible prices. This isn’t just a list of tips—it’s a tactical, step-by-step blueprint used by frequent travelers and budget-savvy explorers alike.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand Indianapolis Airport Options

Most travelers fly into Indianapolis International Airport (IND), located about 10 miles south of downtown. It’s the primary commercial airport serving the city and offers nonstop flights from over 40 U.S. cities and select international destinations. However, don’t overlook nearby airports that may offer better pricing.

Consider checking fares into:

• Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – 180 miles away, often 30–50% cheaper than IND, with frequent Amtrak and bus connections.
• Chicago Midway (MDW) – Slightly closer than ORD, frequently served by Southwest Airlines with low base fares.
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG) – 110 miles away, a major hub for Allegiant and Frontier, often offering ultra-low fares.
• Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) – 230 miles away, excellent for travelers from the Northeast or Great Lakes region.

Use a multi-city search tool to compare total costs—including ground transportation—between IND and these alternatives. Sometimes, flying into ORD and taking a 3-hour bus ride costs less than a direct flight to IND.

Step 2: Be Flexible with Travel Dates

Flight prices fluctuate dramatically based on the day of the week and time of year. According to data from Hopper and Google Flights, the cheapest days to fly to Indianapolis are typically:

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays – Lowest demand, especially mid-morning flights.
• Saturdays – Often cheaper than Sundays for return trips.
• Avoid Fridays and Mondays – Peak business travel days with premium pricing.

Use the “Date Grid” feature on Google Flights or Skyscanner to view a calendar of prices. Look for color-coded patterns—green indicates the lowest fares. If your schedule allows, even shifting your departure by one day can save you $100 or more.

Also consider flying during off-peak seasons:

• January and February – Post-holiday lull, minimal events, lowest prices.
• Early September – After summer vacation, before fall conferences.
• Mid-November – Before Thanksgiving rush.

Conversely, avoid flying during:

• Indianapolis 500 (late May)
• College football season (especially Notre Dame and Purdue games)
• Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks

These periods see 2–3x price spikes. If you must travel during peak times, book at least 3–4 months in advance.

Step 3: Set Up Price Alerts

Price alerts are one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. They notify you when fares drop for your desired route, allowing you to act quickly before prices rebound.

To set up alerts:

1. Go to Google Flights, Kayak, or Hopper.
2. Enter your departure city and “Indianapolis (IND)” as the destination.
3. Select your preferred travel window (e.g., next 3 months).
4. Toggle on “Track Prices” or “Get Price Alerts.”
5. Choose email or mobile notifications.

Pro tip: Set alerts for multiple departure airports. For example, if you live near Columbus, Cincinnati, or Louisville, track flights from all three. You might find that flying from CVG is $80 cheaper than from your local airport.

Some tools like Hopper even predict whether prices will rise or fall in the next 7 days with 95% accuracy. Use these predictions to decide whether to book now or wait.

Step 4: Use Incognito Mode and Clear Cookies

While airlines and booking sites don’t directly raise prices based on your browsing history, some third-party aggregators use behavioral tracking to estimate your willingness to pay. If you repeatedly search for a route without booking, you may start seeing higher prices.

To avoid this:

• Always search in an incognito or private browsing window.
• Clear your browser cookies regularly when researching flights.
• Use different devices or browsers to compare prices.

This simple habit ensures you’re seeing the base fare, not a personalized (and inflated) rate. Combine this with a price-tracking tool to confirm whether a drop is real or just a temporary glitch.

Step 5: Book at the Right Time

Timing your booking is critical. Research from the U.S. Department of Transportation and airline pricing experts shows that the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is:

• 1–3 months in advance for most routes.
• 54 days before departure is statistically the average lowest price point for U.S. domestic flights.

For Indianapolis specifically, the optimal window is often 45–60 days before departure, especially if traveling during non-peak seasons. If you’re booking during a holiday or major event, aim for 3–4 months ahead.

Conversely, avoid booking too early (more than 6 months ahead)—prices can drop as airlines adjust inventory. Also avoid last-minute bookings (under 2 weeks). Fares typically surge after the 14-day mark.

Step 6: Compare Airlines and Routes

Indianapolis is served by a mix of legacy carriers and low-cost airlines. Knowing which airlines operate where can unlock hidden savings.

Major carriers at IND:

• Delta Air Lines – Hub connections through Atlanta, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
• American Airlines – Connections through Chicago, Charlotte, and Dallas.
• United Airlines – Routes via Chicago, Denver, and Washington Dulles.
• Southwest Airlines – Nonstop from 20+ cities, no change fees, free bags.

Low-cost carriers:

• Frontier Airlines – Ultra-low base fares, but add-ons (bags, seats, water) increase final cost.
• Allegiant Air – Focuses on secondary markets; great for routes from smaller cities.

Always compare the total price—including checked bags, seat selection, and carry-on fees. Southwest often wins on value because they include two free checked bags and no change fees. Frontier may appear cheaper at first glance, but with fees, your final cost could be higher.

Use Airline Route Maps (like AirNav or Routehappy) to see which airlines fly direct from your city. Sometimes, a one-stop flight on a low-cost carrier is cheaper than a direct flight on a legacy airline.

Step 7: Use Alternate Booking Platforms

Don’t rely solely on Google Flights or Expedia. Some airlines offer exclusive deals only on their own websites. For example:

• Delta’s “Deals” page often has flash sales not listed elsewhere.
• Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” fares are only available on southwest.com.
• Allegiant runs weekly “$49 Fare Sales” on specific routes.

Also try niche aggregators:

• Kiwi.com – Finds complex itineraries with hidden-city ticketing (use cautiously).
• Skyscanner – Excellent for flexible date searches and “Everywhere” destination options.
• Hopper – Uses AI to predict price drops and recommends when to book.

Always double-check the final price on the airline’s website before purchasing. Third-party sites sometimes add processing fees or lack customer support if issues arise.

Step 8: Leverage Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Points

If you travel frequently, loyalty programs can turn a $400 flight into a $50 award ticket. Even occasional travelers can benefit.

Sign up for:

• Delta SkyMiles – IND is a focus city, so many award flights available.
• American AAdvantage – Good for connections through Chicago or Dallas.
• United MileagePlus – Strong network through Chicago and Denver.

Apply for a travel credit card that offers bonus points:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred – 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months (worth $750 in travel).
• Capital One Venture – 2x miles on every purchase, redeemable for any flight.
• Amex Platinum – $200 airline credit annually, priority boarding, lounge access.

Use points to book award flights on partner airlines. For example, you can use United miles to fly on Lufthansa or Air Canada—even if you’re flying into IND.

Pro tip: Search for “award availability” on the airline’s website. Sometimes, there are empty seats that aren’t visible on third-party sites.

Step 9: Consider Budget Airlines and Secondary Routes

Allegiant and Frontier are not just for vacation destinations—they fly to Indianapolis from dozens of smaller cities with fares as low as $39 one-way. Routes like:

• Fort Wayne (FWA) → IND (often under $60)
• Evansville (EVV) → IND
• Paducah (PAH) → IND

If you’re within a 2–3 hour drive of a smaller airport, this can be a game-changer. For example, flying from Evansville (EVV) to IND for $45 and driving 2 hours to your final destination may still be cheaper than flying direct from Atlanta or Chicago.

Check Allegiant’s website for their “$49 Fare Sale” announcements. These are often limited to specific dates and routes, so sign up for their email alerts.

Step 10: Bundle Flights with Hotels and Car Rentals

Booking your flight with a hotel or rental car can unlock bundled discounts. Sites like Priceline, Expedia, and Travelocity offer “Flight + Hotel” packages that can save 10–25%.

However, only use this strategy if:

• You’re certain about your accommodation.
• The bundled rate is cheaper than booking separately.
• You’re not locked into non-refundable terms.

Always compare the bundled price to booking separately on Google Hotels and the airline’s site. Sometimes, the bundle includes a lower-tier hotel you don’t want.

For car rentals, use Kayak or Turo to compare prices. Renting a car from IND is often cheaper than picking one up at the airport terminal due to fees.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Avoid the Airport Fee Trap

Airports charge airlines landing and passenger facility fees, which are passed on to you. IND has a $4.50 per-flight passenger facility charge (PFC). But some airlines, like Southwest, absorb these fees into their base fare. When comparing prices, look at the total cost—not just the base fare.

Also avoid renting cars directly at the airport. Off-airport rental locations often charge 20–30% less. Use services like Turo or Enterprise’s off-site locations near IND.

Practice 2: Travel Light to Avoid Baggage Fees

Most low-cost carriers charge $35–$50 for a checked bag. Even legacy carriers charge $30 for the first bag on basic economy fares.

Stick to a carry-on only. Most airlines allow one personal item and one carry-on. Pack smart:

• Use packing cubes to maximize space.
• Wear bulky items (jackets, boots) on the plane.
• Buy toiletries at your destination or use travel-sized containers.

Save $70+ on a round-trip by skipping checked bags.

Practice 3: Monitor for Error Fares and Flash Sales

Error fares occur when airlines accidentally list a flight at a drastically reduced price—sometimes $99 round-trip from New York to Indianapolis. These are rare and usually last less than 24 hours.

Follow deal-tracking websites:

• Secret Flying – Aggregates error fares and flash sales.
• Flight Deal – Curated deals with clear expiration dates.
• Reddit’s r/flightdeals – Community-driven, real-time alerts.

Set up Google Alerts for “Indianapolis flight deal” or “IND cheap flights.” When you see a legitimate error fare, book immediately—don’t wait to compare.

Practice 4: Use Multi-City or Open-Jaw Itineraries

If you’re planning a longer trip, consider flying into one city and out of another. For example:

• Fly into Indianapolis (IND)
• Drive to Chicago
• Return from Chicago (ORD)

This “open-jaw” ticket can be cheaper than a round-trip to IND, especially if you’re combining multiple destinations. Use Google Flights’ “multi-city” search to compare prices.

Practice 5: Avoid Peak Hours and Nonstop Premiums

Nonstop flights to Indianapolis are convenient but often cost $50–$150 more than connecting flights. If you’re flexible, consider a one-stop route via Nashville, St. Louis, or Cincinnati.

Also avoid red-eye or early morning flights if they’re priced higher. Sometimes, a 7 a.m. flight costs more than a 10 a.m. flight on the same airline due to business traveler demand.

Practice 6: Book Direct When Possible

While third-party sites are great for comparison, booking directly with the airline offers better protection:

• Easier changes or cancellations.
• Access to airline customer service.
• Eligibility for flight credits or vouchers if the flight is canceled.
• No risk of booking errors from intermediaries.

Always verify the price on the airline’s site before finalizing your purchase—even if you found a lower fare elsewhere.

Tools and Resources

Google Flights

Google Flights is the most powerful free tool for finding cheap flights. Features include:

• Price graph for date flexibility.
• Route map to explore nearby airports.
• Track prices with email alerts.
• Filter by stops, airline, duration, and departure time.

Use the “Explore” tab to see the cheapest destinations from your city—sometimes you’ll find a better deal flying to a nearby city and driving to Indianapolis.

Hopper

Hopper uses AI to predict whether prices will rise or fall. Its “Watch This Trip” feature gives you a color-coded recommendation: “Wait,” “Book Now,” or “Best Price Ever.”

It also provides a “Price Guarantee” for selected flights—if the price drops after you book, you get a refund.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is excellent for international travelers or those flying from smaller cities. Its “Everywhere” search lets you find the cheapest destination from your airport—useful if you’re open to flying into a nearby city.

It also shows price trends over 12 months, helping you plan far ahead.

Kiwi.com

Kiwi.com specializes in complex itineraries and hidden-city ticketing. For example, you might book a flight from Boston → Indianapolis → Nashville, but get off in Indianapolis. This is legal as long as you don’t check bags.

Warning: Hidden-city ticketing voids your return ticket and you can’t check luggage. Only use if you’re experienced and traveling light.

Airline Websites

Always check:

• Delta.com – For SkyMiles deals and “Deals” page.
• Southwest.com – Best for no-change-fee flights and free bags.
• Frontier.com – For ultra-low base fares (watch add-ons).
• Allegiant.com – Weekly $49 sales from smaller cities.

Flight Deal Websites

• SecretFlying.com – Aggregates error fares and flash sales.
• FlightDeal.com – Curated, verified deals with expiration dates.
• Reddit.com/r/flightdeals – Community-driven alerts with real-time updates.
• Scott’s Cheap Flights – Email newsletter with premium deals (free tier available).

Google Alerts

Create custom alerts for:

• “Cheap flights to Indianapolis”
• “IND flight deal”
• “Frontier Airlines Indianapolis sale”

Set to “Daily” or “As-it-happens.” You’ll get notified the moment a deal is posted.

Real Examples

Example 1: $89 Round-Trip from Nashville to Indianapolis

A traveler from Nashville (BNA) wanted to attend a family reunion in Indianapolis in early April. They used Google Flights and noticed Frontier was offering $44 one-way fares on Tuesdays. They booked a Tuesday departure and Wednesday return, totaling $89 round-trip.

They also used a Southwest credit card to earn 2,000 points, which covered their $35 checked bag fee. Total out-of-pocket: $89.

Example 2: $112 Round-Trip from Cincinnati via Hidden-City Ticketing

A traveler from Louisville wanted to fly to Indianapolis but found no direct deals. They searched on Kiwi.com and found a $56 one-way fare from Louisville (SDF) to Atlanta (ATL) with a stop in Indianapolis. They booked it, got off in IND, and skipped the second leg.

They returned on a $56 Southwest flight from IND to SDF. Total: $112 round-trip. They carried only a backpack and saved $220 compared to a direct fare.

Example 3: $198 Round-Trip from Seattle to Indianapolis Using Points

A traveler with Chase Sapphire Preferred had 45,000 points. They searched for award availability on United and found a $198 round-trip from Seattle (SEA) to Indianapolis (IND) on a United-operated flight. The cash price was $620. They saved $422.

They also used the card’s $200 annual airline credit to cover incidentals, making their trip nearly free.

Example 4: $67 Round-Trip from Evansville (EVV) to IND

A family from Evansville, Indiana, wanted to visit the Indianapolis Zoo. They checked Allegiant’s website and found a $33 one-way fare on a Saturday. They booked round-trip for $67 total.

They drove 1.5 hours to EVV, parked for $7/day, and saved $350 compared to flying from Louisville or Indianapolis directly.

FAQs

What is the cheapest month to fly to Indianapolis?

January and February are typically the cheapest months due to low demand after the holidays. Early September is also a good option before fall events begin.

Is it cheaper to fly into Chicago instead of Indianapolis?

Often, yes. Flights into Chicago O’Hare or Midway can be 30–50% cheaper than IND. If you’re willing to drive 3–4 hours or take a bus (Megabus or Amtrak), you can save hundreds.

Do budget airlines fly to Indianapolis?

Yes. Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air both serve Indianapolis with low base fares. Southwest also operates many routes with no change fees and free bags.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Indianapolis?

For most trips, book 45–60 days in advance. For peak events like the Indy 500, book 3–4 months ahead.

Are there hidden fees when booking cheap flights to Indianapolis?

Yes, especially with Frontier and Allegiant. Always check the final price including bags, seat selection, and carry-ons. Southwest and Delta include free checked bags on most fares.

Can I use travel rewards to fly to Indianapolis for free?

Absolutely. Credit card points and airline miles can cover 100% of your fare. Look for award availability on Delta, United, or American Airlines.

Should I book directly with the airline or through a third-party site?

Compare prices first, but always book directly with the airline. It gives you better customer support, easier changes, and protection if the flight is canceled.

What’s the best day to book flights to Indianapolis?

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly. The best day to book is typically a Tuesday morning, when airlines release new deals.

Does flying midweek save money on flights to Indianapolis?

Yes. Flying Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday often saves $50–$100 compared to Friday or Sunday departures.

Can I find last-minute deals to Indianapolis?

Occasionally. Airlines sometimes drop prices 1–2 weeks before departure if seats remain unsold. Use Hopper or Google Flights to monitor for sudden drops.

Conclusion

Finding cheap flights to Indianapolis is not a matter of luck—it’s a skill built on strategy, timing, and the right tools. By understanding airline pricing models, being flexible with dates and airports, leveraging loyalty programs, and using advanced search tools, you can consistently book flights at a fraction of the standard cost.

The key is consistency. Set up price alerts. Track fares across multiple platforms. Compare total costs—not just base fares. And never assume that a direct flight is the best option. Sometimes, a stopover or a drive to a nearby airport saves more than you think.

Indianapolis is a vibrant destination with world-class attractions, rich history, and Midwestern hospitality. With the methods outlined in this guide, you can experience it all without draining your savings. Start applying these steps today, and your next flight to IND could be your most affordable yet.