National Car Rental
Indianapolis

Each airport offers a distinct advantage for travelers seeking a quick getaway. Indianapolis International (IND), being the largest, features a modern, consolidated rental car facility connected directly to the terminal, which streamlines the process despite its scale. In contrast, South Bend (SBN) and Fort Wayne (FWA) are smaller regional airports, meaning the walk from your gate to the rental counters is significantly shorter. For many travelers, the compact layout of SBN and FWA can feel faster and more straightforward, while others may prefer the broader vehicle selection often found at a major hub like IND.

Indianapolis International Airport is designed for straightforward navigation, even late at night. After collecting your luggage, you will see clear overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." These will guide you to a covered pedestrian walkway that leads directly to the rental car center, so you are protected from the elements. The facility itself is well-lit and has clear directories for all rental agencies, including National. Once you have your keys, signs will point you to the correct level and section of the garage to find your vehicle.

For the most direct route with minimal complex interchanges, your best option is to use I-70 East. As you exit the airport, follow the signs that clearly mark the entrance for I-70 East toward Indianapolis. This interstate takes you directly to the edge of the downtown area with well-marked exits for key streets like Illinois Street or Meridian Street. This path avoids the more intricate I-465 loop interchanges and the I-65/I-70 split, known locally as the "Spaghetti Bowl," making for a less stressful first drive in the city.

To reach northern suburbs like Carmel or Fishers with the least amount of stress, you should utilize the I-465 beltway. From the airport, follow signs for I-70 East briefly, then take the exit for I-465 North. This interstate loops around the city, allowing you to completely bypass the dense traffic and one-way streets of downtown Indianapolis. You will stay on I-465 North for several miles until you reach the exits for Carmel or Fishers, such as U.S. 31 North or I-69 North, respectively. This route is almost entirely highway driving and is the preferred choice for local commuters.

During major events or conventions, it's wise to budget extra time for the entire arrival process. Factoring in deplaning, walking through the terminal, and any potential wait at baggage claim, you should plan for at least 60 to 90 minutes from touchdown to driving away. While the rental car facility is efficient, a high volume of travelers can lead to longer lines at the counters and more activity in the garage. Giving yourself this comfortable buffer helps ensure a relaxed start to your trip without the pressure of rushing.

A great strategy for group travel is to designate one or two people to handle the rental car process while the others wait with the luggage. After deplaning, the rest of the group can find a comfortable spot in the main terminal's Civic Plaza or near baggage claim. The designated drivers can then proceed to the rental car center to complete the paperwork and retrieve the vehicle. Once the car is ready, they can drive it to the terminal's passenger pickup curb to load the luggage and the rest of the group, minimizing congestion at the rental counter.

Just a few minutes from the airport exit, you'll find several large retail centers and hotel parking lots in Plainfield that offer a safe place to pull over. Areas along Perry Road or Washington Street (U.S. 40) have numerous businesses with spacious lots where you can park briefly. This allows you to adjust your mirrors, program your GPS, and secure your luggage without the pressure of being on a busy highway shoulder. It's a perfect way to get organized and ensure everyone is comfortable before continuing your journey into Indianapolis.

The I-65/I-70 interchange downtown, known as the "Spaghetti Bowl," can be intimidating for first-time visitors due to its multiple lanes and merging traffic. The key to navigating it successfully is to know your exit or continuing interstate well in advance and move into the correct lane early. Using a GPS with lane guidance is extremely helpful here. Generally, staying in the middle lanes is a good defensive strategy if you're just passing through, as it reduces the need for sudden merges caused by traffic entering or exiting from the right.

On major event days, traffic patterns around the Speedway change dramatically, with many streets becoming one-way or closed to non-local traffic. It's essential to follow the specific directions provided by event organizers and law enforcement rather than relying solely on your GPS. Many nearby residents offer parking on their lawns for a fee, which is a popular and convenient option. For official parking, aim for lots designated by the Speedway, but be prepared for a significant walk and allow several extra hours for both arriving and departing due to the immense crowds.

On game days, the area immediately surrounding Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse becomes heavily congested with both vehicle and foot traffic. Several key streets, such as sections of South Street or Pennsylvania Street, may be closed or have restricted access to manage the crowds. Expect significant delays in the hours leading up to and following an event. The best approach is to park in a garage several blocks away and walk to the venue, which often proves faster and less stressful than trying to navigate the immediate gridlock.

Most downtown hotels are well-equipped to handle guest arrivals and have designated passenger loading zones directly in front of their entrances. Even on busy one-way streets, these zones provide a safe, temporary space to pull over and unload your luggage. It's a good practice to call your hotel ahead of time to confirm the best approach to their entrance. Once you've checked in and unloaded, you can then proceed to the hotel's recommended parking garage without the hassle of managing your bags.

While most modern garages in downtown Indianapolis can accommodate a midsize SUV, it's always wise to pay close attention to posted clearance heights at the entrance. Newer structures, particularly those connected to the convention center or major hotels, tend to have more spacious layouts. In some of the older, smaller garages, you may encounter tighter turns and narrower parking spaces. Driving slowly and being mindful of concrete pillars will help you navigate these spaces without any issues, but overall, a midsize SUV is a very manageable vehicle for the city.

Driving in the Broad Ripple neighborhood on a weekend evening can be very challenging due to its popularity. The main thoroughfare, Broad Ripple Avenue, becomes extremely congested with both cars and pedestrians. On-street parking is scarce and fills up quickly early in the evening. Your best strategy is to aim for the large parking garage located just south of the main strip or look for surface lots slightly further away. Arriving early or using a rideshare service for the last leg of your journey can save you a significant amount of frustration.

A great plan is to start your day at the Indianapolis Zoo, as it has a large, dedicated surface parking lot that is easy to access in the morning. From there, you can leave your car in the same lot and explore the rest of White River State Park, including the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Eiteljorg Museum, on foot. These attractions are all connected by pleasant walkways. This approach allows you to park just once, avoiding the need to move your car and find new parking for each individual venue within the park.

The most convenient option is to use one of the many parking garages directly connected to or adjacent to the Indiana Convention Center. While these may have a higher daily rate, the ability to park once and have direct, often indoor, access to your event is a major benefit. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially for a large convention. Once parked, you can easily walk to nearby restaurants and attractions downtown without ever needing to retrieve your vehicle until you're ready to leave for the day.

The drive to Brown County State Park is scenic and enjoyable. After taking I-65 South from Indianapolis, you will transition to State Road 46, which is a well-maintained two-lane highway. As you get closer to the park and the town of Nashville, the roads become much more hilly and winding than what you experience in Central Indiana. These curvy roads are part of the area's charm, but it's important to be mindful of your speed and watch for sharp turns, especially if you are unfamiliar with the route.

The main challenge for visitors driving to Indiana University is navigating the dense network of one-way streets and pedestrian-heavy zones immediately surrounding the campus. Parking is also very limited, with most spots requiring a university permit. To avoid frustration, plan to park in one of the public city garages located a few blocks away from campus, such as the one on 4th Street. From there, the campus is easily walkable. Trying to find a spot directly adjacent to a specific building is often a difficult and time-consuming task.

To secure a good parking spot and enjoy the park before the biggest crowds arrive, it's best to leave Indianapolis very early. Plan to be on the road by 6:30 or 7:00 AM, especially on a summer weekend. The drive itself takes about two and a half to three hours. Arriving at the park by 9:30 AM gives you a strong advantage, as the most popular parking lots, like the one at West Beach, can fill to capacity by late morning, leading to long waits or the need to use a more distant shuttle lot.

The most straightforward route for visitors is to take I-65 North from Indianapolis to I-94 West. While this route does take you into the busy Chicago-area traffic corridor, it is the most direct path. To minimize stress, try to time your drive to avoid weekday morning and evening rush hours. Once you are on I-94, your GPS will guide you to specific exits for the National Park, such as State Road 49. Staying on the main interstates is generally easier than trying to navigate a complex series of back roads.

On a Notre Dame football weekend, you should expect significant traffic congestion on all major routes leading into South Bend, including U.S. 31 and the I-80/90 Toll Road. Traffic can back up for miles, so plan to add at least one to two extra hours to your travel time. Parking is managed through a system of official university lots, which often require a pre-purchased pass, and numerous private lots in the surrounding neighborhoods. The closer you get to campus, the more challenging and expensive parking becomes, so arriving several hours before kickoff is essential.

The drive to French Lick is relatively simple, primarily using State Road 37 South from Indianapolis. This road is a four-lane highway for a good portion of the trip, making for easy driving. As you get further south, the route transitions to smaller two-lane state and county roads that wind through the hills of Southern Indiana. Be prepared for reduced speeds, fewer passing opportunities, and limited services like gas stations or restaurants in the final stretch of your journey. It's a beautiful drive, but requires more attentive driving than the interstate.

For a logical and simple driving loop, consider starting in Indianapolis, then driving northeast to Fort Wayne, and finally heading northwest to South Bend. The drive from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne is a straight shot on I-69 North. From Fort Wayne, you can take U.S. 30 West and then U.S. 31 North to reach South Bend, which is a straightforward route. To complete the loop, the return trip from South Bend to Indianapolis via U.S. 31 South is a direct and well-maintained highway, making for an easy final leg of your journey.

Indiana's major interstates are well-served by official rest areas with clean facilities and ample parking, which are designed for quick stops. For more services, look for exits that feature a large travel center or a cluster of fast-food restaurants and gas stations visible from the highway. These large commercial exits, often found near towns like Greenfield on I-70 or Lebanon on I-65, are built to handle high traffic volumes, making it easy to get off and back on the interstate without navigating complex local roads.

In late fall, Indiana drivers should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, especially on rural roads. Dense morning fog is common in low-lying areas, severely reducing visibility and requiring much slower speeds. Persistent rain can make roads slick, and with the sun setting earlier, darkness combines with these conditions to make unlit country roads more challenging. It's important to use your headlights, increase your following distance, and be particularly watchful for deer, which are more active at dawn and dusk during this season.

All three present unique winter driving challenges in Indiana. Bridges and overpasses can freeze before other road surfaces, creating unexpected slick spots even when the main highway seems clear. Lake-effect snow is a significant issue primarily in the northern counties near Lake Michigan, where heavy, localized snowfall can drastically reduce visibility. Throughout the state, rural and county roads are often the last to be plowed and treated, so they can remain snow-covered or icy long after the interstates are clear, requiring extra caution and slower speeds.

The difference is substantial and can be quite dramatic. A typical winter snowfall in Indianapolis might be a few inches of light powder across the entire region. In contrast, lake-effect snow in Northwest Indiana can be intensely localized, with heavy bands of snow dropping several inches per hour in one town while a neighboring town sees sunshine. This creates conditions of near-zero visibility and rapid snow accumulation on roads like I-94 or the Toll Road, requiring a much higher level of driver alertness than a standard winter storm in the central part of the state.

When driving in Amish Country, the most important thing to be aware of is sharing the road with horse-drawn buggies. These are slow-moving vehicles, so you must be prepared to reduce your speed significantly and pass only when it is safe and legal, giving the buggy plenty of room. The roads are typically well-maintained two-lane county routes. Be patient and respectful, avoid honking your horn, and stay alert, as you will encounter a mix of modern vehicles, buggies, and cyclists all using the same roads.

Most of Indiana's small towns are very visitor-friendly when it comes to parking. The central town square or main street will typically have free, angled, or parallel on-street parking available. For longer stops, look for designated public parking lots, which are often located just a block or two off the main square. These lots are usually clearly signed and provide the best option to ensure you are not inadvertently blocking a private driveway or overstaying a time limit on a busy commercial street.

The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is very well-equipped for visitors arriving by car. The best plan is to use the museum's large, free parking garage, which is located just across the street and connected by a covered skywalk. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on a weekend or holiday, helps ensure you get a spot easily. By using this dedicated garage, you can park once and enjoy your entire visit without any need to move your car or worry about finding on-street parking in the surrounding residential neighborhood.

To avoid the heaviest commuter traffic, the least stressful times to drive into downtown are typically during the late morning or early afternoon. Aim to be on the road between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM on weekdays. This window falls after the morning rush has subsided and before the evening rush begins to build. Similarly, traveling after 6:30 PM is also much smoother. On weekends, traffic is generally lighter, though you may encounter some congestion around midday for events or shopping.

Indiana's construction season, which typically runs from spring through fall, can cause significant delays and detours. The best way to plan is to check a real-time traffic app like Google Maps or Waze just before you depart, as it will have the most current information on closures and provide alternate routes. Always allow for extra travel time when driving on major interstates like I-465 or I-69 around Indianapolis. Paying close attention to the orange construction signs will also help you navigate temporary lane shifts and exit changes safely.

Indianapolis is the perfect halfway point and offers several attractions with easy interstate access. For a quick stop, you could visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which is just a short drive off I-465. Alternatively, White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis is only a few minutes from I-70 and provides a beautiful place to walk around and see some city sights. Both options allow you to experience a key Indiana attraction without venturing too far from your main route, making it simple to get back on the highway.

On a busy weekend, such as a home football game or student move-in, traffic in West Lafayette becomes extremely congested, particularly on State Street and Northwestern Avenue. Many campus roads may be closed or restricted. For visitors without a permit, the best parking options are the city's public garages in the Chauncey Hill area, adjacent to campus. These garages offer hourly or daily rates and put you within easy walking distance of most university buildings, saving you the frustration of searching for limited on-street or permit-only spots.

A midsize sedan or a compact SUV often provides the best balance for a varied Indiana trip. These vehicles are nimble enough to comfortably navigate downtown Indianapolis's one-way streets and fit into tighter parking garage spaces. At the same time, they offer plenty of stability, comfort, and space for luggage during longer drives on the interstate to rural destinations. This class of vehicle ensures you won't feel cramped on the highway or oversized in the city, making it a versatile choice for exploring all that Indiana has to offer.

All three features are valuable, but a reliable navigation system that provides clear lane guidance is arguably the most helpful for visitors. It makes navigating complex interchanges in Indianapolis and finding your way on unfamiliar county roads much less stressful. Bright, effective headlights are a close second, as they are essential for safety when driving on unlit rural highways at night, where you might encounter wildlife. While all-weather tires are a good standard, the immediate, constant benefit of a great navigation system makes it a top priority for a smooth trip.

A great way to structure your trip is by planning a geographic loop or a one-way progression. For example, you could start in Indianapolis, head south to explore Bloomington and Brown County, then travel west toward Turkey Run State Park before returning to the city. Alternatively, create a northern loop from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne, then across to South Bend and Indiana Dunes National Park before heading back south. This approach allows you to see different regions of the state while minimizing redundant driving and keeping your travel days efficient.

During the Indy 500 period, especially the days immediately before and after the race, you must plan for significant delays. Try to schedule your flight to arrive during off-peak hours, such as mid-day or later in the evening, to avoid the worst airport congestion. When driving downtown, allow at least double your normal travel time. It's also wise to check for special event road closures before you leave the airport, as many streets in the city center and around the Speedway will have altered traffic patterns.

If you are driving from the northern suburbs like Carmel or Fishers during morning rush hour (roughly 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM), you should anticipate heavy traffic on I-465 South. This is a major commuter route, and delays are common. It is crucial to allow at least 30-45 minutes of extra driving time to ensure you reach the airport without stress. Once you get close to the airport exit, follow the prominent signs for "Rental Car Return," which will guide you directly into the dedicated garage entrance, making the final step of your journey clear and simple.

To streamline the process, consider dropping your family and luggage off at the terminal's departure curb first. This allows one adult to get everyone and the bags checked in while the other adult returns the car. After returning the vehicle to the rental car center, it's a quick walk back to the main terminal via the covered walkway to rejoin your family. This strategy divides the tasks and prevents the hassle of maneuvering kids and multiple suitcases through the rental facility and garage.

When crossing into neighboring states, be aware of changes in traffic density and road design. Approaching Chicago from Northwest Indiana, expect a dramatic increase in traffic volume and the presence of tollways. Near Cincinnati and Louisville, you'll encounter major river bridges and complex interstate interchanges that serve two states, which can be confusing. It's also a good idea to be mindful of subtle differences in driving culture and speed limits, which can change right at the state line, requiring you to adjust your driving accordingly.