Indianapolis only has one Amtrak route (the Cardinal) that provides service to Chicago, New York City and many places in between — but only three times per week. Despite the low frequency, many overnight rail vacations (and even a few day trips) are options if you plan around the schedule.
To get started, here are the best Amtrak trips from Indianapolis with good train arrival and departure times. For more trip options, you can travel to Chicago and transfer to trains that travel all over the country. See the best Amtrak trips from Chicago to learn more.
This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page.
Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette, Indiana is the home of Purdue University and is only 1.5 hours away from Indianapolis via train. A Saturday day trip is easily doable, with plenty of time to see the sights or go to a Purdue sporting event. You’ll arrive in the morning and the return train departs Lafayette at night. Top things to do include exploring the Wabash Heritage Trail next to the Wabash River, having a meal at Triple XXX (featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”) and visiting The Hann Museum and the Columbian Park Zoo. Adults can also have a drink the Knickerbocker Salon, which claims to be the oldest bar in Indiana.
Chicago
Chicago is another Amtrak day trip option from Indianapolis (but staying multiple nights is better). Travel time is about five hours with a morning arrival and a return train in early evening. You’ll have time to visit one of the many museums, go on a boat tour, hang out at a beach, eat pizza or check out some of the top attractions. The seasonal water taxi, Uber, Lyft, Divvy Bikes and CTA trains are ways to get around.
New River Gorge
Charleston, West Virginia is an overnight train ride from Indianapolis — you’ll spend about nine hours on the train. The city is the gateway to exploring the New River Gorge National Park (pictured above). You can rent a car in Charleston and drive about two hours to the national park, which features whitewater rafting, guided hikes, camping and more. If you’d rather stay in town, you can visit the West Virginia State Museum, Capitol Market and Clay Center (art and science museum).
The Greenbrier Resort
Welcoming guests since 1778, The Greenbrier Resort is less than a 10-minute walk away from the White Sulphur Springs Amtrak Station. There are numerous indoor and outdoor activities to keep you entertained. Choose from golf, biking, kayaking, carriage rides, spa treatments, an arcade, bowling alley, indoor pool and more. Travel time on the train is about 12 hours with a midday arrival. Plan to stay at least two nights here.
Staunton, Virginia
Staunton, Virginia is a historic and walkable city with an antique automobile museum, festivals and the world’s only replica of Shakepeare’s indoor theatre. It’s also the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, and you can visit his presidential library and museum while you’re there. Rental cars are available through Enterprise, but call ahead to make sure they can pick you up from the train station. You can use the car to explore the Shenandoah Valley and drive to outdoor attractions including Natural Chimneys Park and Grand Taverns.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Visit wineries, orchards, the University of Virginia and Monticello (pictured above) in Charlottesville, Virginia. Travel time is about 15 hours and you’ll arrive in walking distance of restaurants and a few hotels (including Hampton Inn and Suites). Lyft, Uber and taxis are transportation options, or rent a car at Enterprise (pick up service available). Consider visiting in spring so you can check out the Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival. See the list of other Charlottesville events.
Alexandria, Virginia
For a small-town vibe and easy access to Washington D.C. and Mount Vernon, consider a trip to Alexandria, Virginia. George Washington considered Alexandria his home town, making a visit here a unique way to experience the roots of America’s first president. Embassy Suites and Hilton hotels are conveniently across the street from the Amtrak station, and the Old Town district on the Potomac River is a 25-minute walk away.
In addition to rideshare services and taxis, transportation options include blue and yellow line trains at the King Street-Old Town Metro Station, which will take you to Reagan Washington National Airport and all the sights in Washington D.C. The Old Town water taxi is also a fun way to reach the National Harbor, The Wharf and Georgetown.
Washington D.C.
With free museums, monuments, year-round events and river cruises, there are many things to see and do in Washington D.C. The train trip from Indianapolis takes about 18.5 hours, and you’ll spend one night on the train and arrive around dinnertime. Union Station has a direct connection to the WMATA Metro red line, so you can easily get around without a car. Lyft, Uber and taxis are also available. Plan your trip in mid-March to view the cherry blossoms or in the fall for cooler weather and fewer tourists.
You can transfer to other Amtrak routes in Washington D.C. to reach destinations including Florida, North Carolina, Savannah, Charleston, Atlanta, New Orleans and Vermont.
Baltimore
Baltimore is a historic city with charming neighborhoods and a fun waterfront scene. Once you arrive, you can easily connect with Lyft or Uber for a ride to the Inner Harbor or attraction of your choice, including the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry and Fell’s Point neighborhood. Consider a boat tour for a unique way to see the city, and rail fans should consider visiting the B&O Railroad Museum. Tip: Washington D.C. is only 40 minutes away via Amtrak, so you can easily visit both cities if desired.
Philadelphia
Plan a trip to Philadelphia to eat cheesesteaks and experience the birth of America. Top sights include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market and the oldest street in North America. Travel time is 20.5 hours from Indianapolis, with trains arriving at the historic 30th Street Station. The city has bike rentals (be sure to check out the Schuylkill River Trail), commuter trains, subway trains, tourist trolley and rideshare services, so it’s easy to get around without a car.
New York City
New York City is the last stop on the eastbound Cardinal route, about 22 hours from Indianapolis via train. You’ll arrive at Penn Station and have easy access to the subway, commuter trains, taxis and rideshare services. There are many museums, attractions and Broadway shows to check out, plus world-class shopping and dining experiences.
You can transfer to other Amtrak routes at New York Penn Station to reach Upstate New York (including Niagara Falls), Toronto, Montreal and New England (including Boston and Vermont).
US Train Travel Guide 