Getting around in Indianapolis is simple and fairly painless. Although the city has no rail system, it's home to an affordable, user-friendly and efficient bus system known as IndyGo, which services most of the city with regular and rapid-transit electric buses.
Apart from buses, you can also get around Indianapolis by foot, car, bike, electric scooter, taxi, or ride-hailing services. New arrivals and expats should read up on public transportation options before arriving in the city to determine the most suitable option for their location, mobility, and budget.
Public transport in Indianapolis
Buses
The most common way of getting around Indianapolis is by bus. Branded IndyGo, the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation bus service is made up of just under 30 fixed routes that crisscross the city, including two rapid-transit bus lines. The Red Line traverses a 13-mile (21km) north/south route from Broad Ripple through downtown to the University of Indianapolis campus, and the Purple Line runs along 38th Street between downtown and Lawrence to the northeast.
There are several ways to pay. The most efficient option is to get a MyKey tap-and-go card, which can be purchased at any ticket vending machine. MyKey is also available as a downloadable app. The system includes daily and weekly fare capping, so frequent riders never pay above a set limit. Riders can also pay the bus driver in exact change.
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Taxis in Indianapolis
Taxis are available throughout Indianapolis. These can be flagged down, but it’s recommended to phone and book taxis in advance. The city also has a bevvy of digital ride-hailing services, including Uber and Lyft (download the apps for these and follow a few easy steps to set up an account), and one could also arrange shuttle buses and limo services for private rides or carpools.
Driving in Indianapolis
Even though Indianapolis is quite easily navigable by public transport and ride-hailing services, new arrivals and expats may feel more comfortable with their own set of wheels, particularly if their commutes are over longer distances.
Driver’s licences
To drive legally in Indianapolis, expats must have a valid driver’s licence. They’re allowed to drive legally for one year using a valid driver’s licence from their home country, together with an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). If expats intend to stay in Indianapolis for longer than six months or purchase a vehicle, they will have to acquire an Indiana driver’s licence.
US citizens moving to Indianapolis from another state must ensure they secure their Indiana driver’s licence within 60 days of relocating. Expats will have to pass a vision screening, a written knowledge exam, and a driving test to secure a driver’s licence.
Check out Transport and Driving in the USA to learn more about obtaining a driver’s licence.
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Walking in Indianapolis
Walking in Indianapolis is a genuine pleasure, particularly through the downtown area, which is dotted with restaurants, bars, and other gems that are often only noticed on foot. If new arrivals can find a new home within the confines of downtown and happen to secure employment in downtown too, they can often walk to the office, perhaps just with a quick bus transfer in between.
The city is generally safe for walking (be vigilant after dark), and has a bouquet of lovely parks and fields for running, dog walking, or just to breathe in a bit of fresh air.
Cycling and electric scooters in Indianapolis
Grab-and-go bicycles
In a push to encourage bicycle commuting, the city offers more than 50 bicycle stations and hundreds of classic and electric bikes as part of a grab-and-go system called the Indiana Pacers Bikeshare.
Marion County residents can sign up for the IndyRides Free annual pass, which allows unlimited 30-minute trips at no cost. A paid annual pass and pay-per-ride options are also available. Passes and one-off rides can be acquired at any bikeshare station kiosk or via the BCycle app. Riders may pick up and drop off bicycles at any Pacers dock space, and the service runs all day, every day.
Electric scooters
Similarly, dockless scooters are also available. Newcomers to the city will find these useful for short local commutes or to cover the short distances between IndyGo stops. To rent one of these, riders must download an app first (Lime, Bird, and Veo all currently operate in Indianapolis) and then scan a QR code to unlock a vehicle. Rides are usually calculated by a timer that is operated by the rider via the app.
Users may only ride on streets and bike lanes, not on sidewalks, and must ensure that they never park in restricted areas or block sidewalk ramps, private driveways, or parking spaces, as they will be liable for a fine.