Are you tired of dealing with traffic and long drives? Explore a stress-free way to travel by using Amtrak in Indiana and beyond. Whether you’re heading to Chicago, Washington, DC, Florida, or visiting Indiana’s charming cities, Amtrak provides a comfortable, scenic, and eco-friendly alternative to driving on the highway.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Amtrak routes & stops across Indiana
- Onboard amenities (Wi-Fi, dining, seating & more)
- First-time rider tips for a smooth journey
- Connections to the West via Chicago
- South Shore Line details—your shortcut to downtown Chicago from Northwest Indiana
Leave the driving to Amtrak and enjoy the ride. Let’s get started!
Amtrak in Indiana: The Routes
Indiana offers a mix of long-distance trains, regional services, and bus connections. Here’s a complete overview of your travel options:
Floridian (Trains 40/41) – Chicago to Miami
- Route: Chicago → Indianapolis → Washington, DC → Florida
- Indiana Stops: Waterloo, Elkhart
- Frequency: Daily
- Onboard: Coach Class, Viewliner Sleeper Cars, Café Car, Traditional Dining (for Sleeper passengers)
The Floridian is Amtrak’s newest long-distance route, replacing the former Capitol Limited. It connects Indiana to Chicago, Washington, D.C., and continues south to Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.
Note: This train uses single-level Viewliner cars, so it looks and feels different than the double-decker Superliners used in the past.
Learn more about Amtrak’s Floridian.
Cardinal (Trains 50/51) – Chicago to New York City
- Route: Chicago → Indianapolis → Cincinnati → Washington, DC → New York
- Indiana Stops: Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Connersville
- Frequency: Three days a week
- Onboard: Coach Class, Viewliner Sleeper Cars, Café Car
The Cardinal is one of the most scenic routes on the Amtrak system, traveling through Indiana en route to the East Coast. It’s perfect for travelers in central Indiana or those departing from Indianapolis.
Reminder: This route only runs three times a week, so plan accordingly.
Discover more about Amtrak’s Cardinal route!
Lake Shore Limited (Trains 48/49) – Chicago to New York/Boston
- Route: Chicago → South Bend → Elkhart → Waterloo → Cleveland → Albany → NYC/Boston
- Indiana Stops: South Bend, Elkhart, Waterloo
- Frequency: Daily
- Onboard: Coach Class, Viewliner Sleeper Cars, Café Car, Traditional Dining
Ideal for northern Indiana travelers, the Lake Shore Limited connects to New York and Boston and passes through scenic upstate New York.
Learn more about Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited.
Wolverine (Trains 350–355) – Chicago to Detroit/Pontiac
- Route: Chicago → Hammond–Whiting → Kalamazoo → Ann Arbor → Detroit → Pontiac
- Indiana Stop: Hammond–Whiting (HMI)
- Frequency: Multiple trains daily
- Onboard: Coach Class, Café Car
The Wolverine offers convenient service from Northwest Indiana to Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other points in Michigan. With multiple daily departures, it’s an excellent option for both leisure and business travelers. The Hammond–Whiting station offers easy access without requiring a drive into downtown Chicago.
Learn more about Amtrak’s Wolverine.
Amtrak in Indiana: Thruway Bus Connections
Amtrak partners with bus services to connect cities and towns that don’t have direct train service. These Thruway buses are scheduled to connect with Amtrak trains and can be booked directly through Amtrak.
Key Indiana Bus Connections:
| City | Connects To | Train Connection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | Indianapolis | Cardinal | Great for IU students heading home |
| Evansville | Indianapolis or Chicago | Cardinal via bus | Southern Indiana connection option |
| Fort Wayne | Waterloo | Floridian | Shuttle service connects to/from the station |
| Gary | Chicago | Multiple routes | Access to the whole Midwest Amtrak network |
| Muncie | Indianapolis | Cardinal | Connects to NYC, DC, or Chicago via Indy |
Pro Tip: Amtrak Thruway bus tickets must be purchased in advance and as part of an Amtrak itinerary—they can’t be booked separately.
Amtrak in Indiana: Stations
Here’s a quick guide to Amtrak stops in Indiana, with route info and helpful notes:
| Station | Station Code | Amtrak Routes | Accomidations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connersville | COI | Cardinal | Unstaffed with a platform with shelter |
| Crawfordsville | CRF | Cardinal | Unstaffed with a platform with shelter |
| Dyer | DYE | Cardinal | Unstaffed with a platform with shelter |
| Elkhart | EKH | Lake Shore Limited, Floridian | Unstaffed station building with waiting room |
| Hammond–Whiting | HMI | Wolverine | Unstaffed station building with waiting room |
| Indianapolis | IND | Cardinal | Staffed station building with a waiting room |
| Lafayette | LAF | Cardinal | Unstaffed station building with waiting room |
| Rensselaer | REN | Cardinal | Unstaffed with a platform with shelter |
| South Bend | SOB | Lake Shore Limited, Floridian | Staffed station building with a waiting room |
| Waterloo | WTI | Lake Shore Limited, Floridian | Unstaffed station building with waiting room |
What to Expect on Board Amtrak in Indiana
Coach Class
- Two-by-two seating with no middle seats! It’s much better than flying!
- There are power outlets at your seat, so I suggest bringing an extension cord to make things easier.
- You may bring two free carry-on bags in addition to one personal item.
Sleeper Cars
- Available on all of Indiana’s long-distance routes
- Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Accessible Bedrooms with beds, privacy, and full meals included
- All scheduled meals are included with your room.
Want to learn more?
Check out my guides to:
Café and Dining Options while aboard Amtrak in Indiana
All of Indiana’s Amtrak trains offer at least a Café Car, where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals.
- On the Lake Shore Limited: Sleeper passengers enjoy Flex Dining
- On the Floridian, sleeper passengers enjoy Traditional Dining, featuring hot meals, real silverware, and table seating.
Luggage, Wi-Fi, and Bikes
Amtrak’s luggage policies are pretty generous and beginner-friendly:
- Carry-On Bags: One carry-on (up to 50 lbs) and two personal items—free!
- Checked Baggage: Available at Indianapolis, South Bend, and Waterloo
- Wi-Fi: Available on many routes, especially regional ones (Wolverine)
- Bikes: Select routes and stations allow bike storage with a reservation
Amtrak in Indiana Rail Travel Tips
Although some of these points may seem like travel basics, it’s helpful to revisit them as a reminder of essential travel tips.
- Book Early: Especially if you want a sleeper room—they go fast!
- Remember: The Cardinal only runs three days a week
- Arrive Early: Most stations require you to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure to avoid rushing.
- Driving to the Station? Parking is available at most Indiana stops, and in some cases, it is free.
- Check your train: There are several ways to track it and confirm it is on time.
What Happened to the Capitol Limited?
In late 2024, Amtrak replaced the Capitol Limited with the Floridian train to meet equipment needs and expand service options.
The Floridian still serves the same stops but now offers a direct route to Miami, with intermediate stops, eliminating the need for a transfer in Washington, D.C.
This change is expected to last through at least 2027 as Amtrak upgrades infrastructure on the East Coast. But we need to wait and see how this all pans out.
What Happened to the Hoosier State Train?
The Hoosier State was a popular Amtrak route connecting Indianapolis to Chicago, passing through several smaller towns in Indiana.
Unfortunately, Amtrak discontinued the service in 2021 due to a funding shortfall for Indiana legislators.
Why Did It End?
- Budget cuts and inconsistent state funding made it difficult to sustain the route.
- The now-defunct Iowa Pacific assumed the service, providing equipment and additional resources, while Amtrak continued to manage ticketing and operational staff; the contract was terminated early.
What Does This Mean for Indiana Travelers?
- At present, there is no daily direct Amtrak train service between Indianapolis and Chicago.
- There are connecting bus services (Amtrak Thruway) or travel to nearby stations, such as Dyer or Hammond–Whiting, to connect to trains heading to Chicago.
- The Cardinal continues to operate three times a week between Indianapolis and Chicago.
Will the Hoosier State Come Back?
There are currently no confirmed plans to restore the Hoosier State. However, conversations around improving Indiana’s passenger rail network are ongoing, so stay tuned!
The South Shore Line: A Practical Alternative to Amtrak in Indiana
While not operated by Amtrak, the South Shore Line, operated by NICTD, is a commuter rail service connecting Chicago Millennium Station to several cities in Northwest Indiana.
Please note that this line does not operate from Chicago Union Station; it operates from Millennium Station, approximately one mile away.
South Shore Line Stations (Chicago ↔ South Bend):
- Chicago, IL
- Millennium Station
- Van Buren Street
- Museum Campus / 11th St.
- 57th Street
- 63rd Street
- Hegewisch
- Hammond, IN
- Hammond Gateway
- East Chicago, IN
- East Chicago
- Gary, IN
- Gary/Chicago Airport
- Gary Metro Center
- Miller
- Portage, IN
- Portage/Ogden Dunes
- Porter, IN
- Dune Park
- Beverly Shores
- Michigan City, IN
- 11th St.
- Carroll Avenue
- LaPorte County, IN
- Hudson Lake
- South Bend, IN
- South Bend Airport
This line is a great way to connect to Chicago and Milwaukee airports, although some transfers may be required.
You can’t use an Amtrak ticket on the South Shore, but fares are very affordable and trains run frequently.
Planning Your Trip on Amtrak in Indiana
You can book tickets:
- On the Amtrak website
- With the Amtrak mobile app
- At staffed stations
- Or through trusted travel agents
If you’re traveling long-distance, you’ll most likely connect through Chicago Union Station, Amtrak’s Midwest hub, with routes in every direction.
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Final Thoughts: Riding Amtrak in Indiana
Although Indiana may not have the most extensive rail network, it provides excellent options for traveling to major cities, scenic areas, and sunny destinations—all without the stress of flying. Whether you’re a student heading to Chicago, a tourist going to the East Coast, or a snowbird riding to Florida, there’s likely an Amtrak in Indiana route or bus connection for you.
So, pack your bags, grab your ticket, and enjoy the ride—the train is waiting!
Ready to Ride Amtrak in Indiana?
If you’re planning your first Amtrak trip, I’ve got tons of helpful guides to get you started—from how boarding works to choosing the correct fare. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for travel tips, route updates, and insider advice!
Safe travels and happy planning!
Kev
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