Indianapolis International Airport Guide

Contact information and flight status

• indianapolisairport.com; 317-487-7243. Guest Services desk staffed Sunday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 11 pm; Saturday: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Terminal maps
• Current departures
• Current arrivals

Checkpoint savvy

Busiest times: Weekdays (especially Monday, Tuesday and Friday), 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Workarounds: All gates are accessible from either concourse checkpoint.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

TSA PreCheck: Main Terminal, Checkpoint A (American, Delta, United).

Parking

Parking information: 317-487-7243.

Most convenient: Express Valet, $25/day; minimum $9 per hour. Parking garage: $2 per half-hour, maximum $18/day.

Least expensive: Economy lot, $9/day. Shuttle to airport.

Cellphone lot: Follow blue signs for Cell Phone Lot after exiting I-70 via Exit 68; 100 spaces. Service Plaza on the south side of Col. H. Weir Cook Memorial Drive has Subway, a Circle K convenience store, flight display monitors, restrooms and a 24-hour fueling station with car wash and quick lube service.

Transportation to/from city

Most convenient: Taxi fare to downtown will cost about $35. Travel time: 20 minutes.  Ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft are permitted to operate at IND. Rates vary. See more options.

Least expensive: Public bus: IndyGo's Route 8 (non-express), $1.75. Travel time: 45 minutes.  Go Green Airport Shuttle Service stops near downtown hotels and the Indiana Convention Center, $10. Travel time: 15 minutes.

Wi-Fi and charging stations

Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. Choose: IND Public Wi-Fi.

Power outlets: Under-seat power in gate-hold areas throughout the terminal.

Go local

Good choice for local gifts: Brickyard Authentics (themed items from Indianapolis Motor Speedway), Cultural Crossroads (gifts from eight local museum gift shops), Hoosier Marketplace or Indiana Marketplace. See all options.

Good choice for local food: Cafe Patachou, Naked Tchopstix, Indianapolis 500 Grill, 96th Street Steakburgers, Harry & Izzy's (based on St. Elmo Steakhouse), Shapiro's Delicatessen. See all options.

Tips and tidbits

IND has a USO center, a pet relief area, a spa offering massages, manicures and pedicures, and $4 million of site-specific public art, including 36 pieces created by 17 artists and six poets. There are garden areas (north and south) outside the lower level of the terminal.

Nearby layover option

The Metropolis Mall is 6 miles from the airport and offers shopping, dining and an 18-screen movie theater. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is 13 miles from the airport.

Your tips and picks?

Please share your time- and money-saving tips, favorite restaurants, bars and stores in comments below.

These guides are written by Harriet Baskas, who is the author of six books, including the airport guidebook Stuck at the Airport and a blog of the same name.