Flying from Chicago to Indianapolis: Nonstop Flight Times, Fares & Airport Guide

Chicago to Indianapolis flights include both connecting and nonstop service. Airlines operate from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), with an average flight time of 50 minutes to one hour 27 minutes. Travelers can also consider Chicago Midway Airport as an alternative to compare fares and schedules. Airlines such as American, United, and Southwest fly daily from Chicago to Indianapolis.

The frequency of nonstop flights and connecting flights might vary, depending on whether you fly out of ORD or MDW.

Chicago to Indianapolis Flight Route Details

With two airports, Chicago operates about 16 to 17 nonstop flights to Indianapolis daily. In addition to nonstop options, travelers have more than 50 connecting flights daily. The table below highlights the key facts of the CHI to IND flight.

The fares mentioned are based on CheapFlightsFares internal data.

Chicago Airports for Indianapolis Flights

Flying from Chicago, you can choose between the two airports for better Indianapolis flight fares.

Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) is the main airport with international and domestic connections. It is just 17 miles from downtown and is a large, busy airport. It is generally recommended to arrive at least two hours ahead of a domestic flight for security and boarding. Airlines such as American and United operate around 14 to 15 nonstop flights per day.

Chicago Midway International (MDW) is about 10 miles southwest and is a smaller airport, making it easier and faster to navigate. Southwest is the only airline that operates Chicago to Indianapolis flights from Midway, which suits travelers on the South Side or in the southwest suburbs. However, it offers fewer departure options.

Fares can differ between the two airports on the same date, so check both before booking.

How Much is a Flight from Chicago to Indianapolis?

All fares in this section come from CheapFlightsFares’ internal fare database, as of October 2026. If we look for one-way flights from Chicago to Indianapolis at least 30 days in advance, the fare starts at $121.

Compared with seasonal trends, winter is the cheapest season. From November to January and even February, one-way fares range from $121 to $235, and prices stay in that range over Christmas and New Year’s. This means fares usually stay stable, with a chance of a last-minute hike. However, spring, from March to May, tends to cost more, with one-way fares ranging from $131 to $311.

Summer is the most expensive season. From June to August, one-way fares range from $189 to $338, and even the lowest summer fare is higher than the lowest winter and spring fares. Fares can change depending on demand.

How Long is the Flight from Chicago to Indianapolis?

The exact duration of the Indianapolis flight from Chicago depends on the airline and the airport you are flying from.

From O’Hare (ORD), the nonstop flight takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes. From Midway (MDW), the flight takes about one hour to one hour and 15 minutes. Indianapolis is one hour ahead of Chicago, so the arrival time on your ticket will appear an hour later than the actual flight time.

Connecting flights take longer. The flight might take around three hours 30 minutes to more than eight hours in total, depending on the stopover. The route usually takes a stopover at Charlotte, NC (CLT), Washington, D.C. (DCA), Detroit, MI (DTW), or Minneapolis, MN (MSP) if departing from ORD, and Detroit, MI (DTW), Atlanta, GA (ATL), Kansas City, MO (MCI), or St. Louis, MO (STL) if departing from MDW.

Daily nonstop frequency is high, and a connecting flight isn't convenient because Chicago and Indianapolis are so close. You only have to drive about 160 to 180 miles. Taking a connecting flight can significantly prolong your travel time compared to a nonstop flight.

Which Airlines Fly from Chicago to Indianapolis?

American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are the three carriers that fly nonstop between Chicago and Indianapolis. American and United operate from O'Hare International Airport (ORD), and Southwest operates from Midway International Airport (MDW).

American Airlines

American flies nonstop from O'Hare (ORD) to Indianapolis (IND) five to seven times a day. The flight takes about one hour and 12 minutes to one hour and 20 minutes. Most flights use regional jets operated by American Eagle. Every passenger gets a free personal item, and all fares, including Basic Economy, include a free full-size carry-on.

United Airlines

United flies nonstop from O'Hare (ORD) to Indianapolis (IND) six to eight times a day. The flight takes about one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 25 minutes. United uses a mix of regional jets and A320 aircraft on the route. The airline allows travelers to bring one personal item on every fare. A full-size carry-on is free on Standard Economy and above but not on Basic Economy.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is the only airline that flies nonstop from Midway (MDW) to Indianapolis (IND). It runs two nonstop flights a day, about 14 a week, and the flight takes about 50 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes. Passengers get one free personal item that fits under the seat and one free carry-on bag for the overhead bin. Checked bags now incur a standard fee.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What airport do you fly from Chicago for Indianapolis flights?

Both Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) operate daily flights to Indianapolis. While ORD offers more nonstop flights in a day, Southwest Airlines uses MDW as an alternate airport. Midway is significantly smaller than O'Hare and is easy to navigate. However, for more frequent flights, ORD is the best choice.

Which airlines fly to Indianapolis from Chicago?

United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines operate nonstop flights from Chicago to Indianapolis. While United and American operate out of ORD, Southwest operates out of MDW.

Which Chicago airport has the shortest flight duration to Indianapolis?

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) has the shortest scheduled flight duration to Indianapolis, with nonstop flights of 50 to 75 minutes via Southwest Airlines.

Is a connecting flight worth it from Chicago to Indianapolis?

No, it is generally not recommended to book a connecting flight from Chicago to Indianapolis. Because Chicago and Indianapolis are so close, taking a connecting flight can add more than 4 hours to your travel time compared to a nonstop flight.

How far is Chicago to Indianapolis by plane?

The air distance from Chicago to Indianapolis is about 162 to 177 miles. An average flight will take a maximum of one hour and 20 minutes with a nonstop service.