How to Get Around Indianapolis

If you're visiting Indianapolis soon, for example, for the Super Bowl, here are some quick logistic tips on how to get the most out of your visit.

To get around Indianapolis, you're going to need your own mode of transportation. If you're an experienced traveler or a resident of another large city, you might be surprised at Indianapolis' lack of public transit. Indianapolis has a city bus system, but it's set up primarily for commuters. While it's not unreliable, the buses are not the best way for visitors to get around the city. If you are interested in riding the bus, you can find more information about them at IndyGo's website.

When you visit Indianapolis, it helps to have a car of your own. If you're driving, here are a few things you should know. First, the speed limit on I465 is whatever the average car says it is. The posted speed limit is 55mph, and there are times of the day where that is observed. There are times that I have driven 70mph and was getting passed on all sides. Inside the "loop" as you will hear us call it, Indianapolis can be a bit confusing to navigate. Many streets run at odd angles, which makes for interesting venues like the Chatterbox, but difficult driving for visitors. Washington Street and Meridian Street will take you by most of the interesting parts of downtown Indianapolis. Also, most of the attractions of Indianapolis are located with the square mile of North, East, South, and West Streets, with the Children's Museum being one of few notable exceptions.

Driving around Indianapolis is no longer your only option. Our mayor, Greg Ballard, has outdone himself by adding miles and miles of bike lanes around downtown Indianapolis and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Bike racks and lockers are also found throughout the city. If you don't want to bring your own bicycle, Bicycle Garage Indy - now open in the new Indy Bike Hub YMCA - rents bicycles. You should also know that Indianapolis is very condensed. If you stay in a hotel downtown, many attractions will be just blocks away. Lucas Oil Stadium (Home of the 2012 Super Bowl), Circle Centre Mall, the Convention Center, Banker's Life (formerly Conseco) Field House, and more restaurants and clubs than you'll be able to visit in a weekend are easy walking distance from each other. Just remember if you plan to bike or walk that Indianapolis can be cold in the winter months! Anytime between November and April could be subject to freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, but we usually expect the worst of it from January-February.

I hope you enjoy your visit to Indianapolis.