Car Rental at Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.
Renting a car at Indianapolis International Airport is one of the most convenient ways to explore the city and the wider Indiana region. The airport hosts several major international rental companies, allowing travelers to pick up their vehicle immediately after landing. All rental counters are located in the Ground Transportation Center on the first floor of the Terminal Garage, within walking distance from the terminal and baggage claim area. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Having a rental car is especially useful if you plan to visit destinations outside downtown Indianapolis, such as Bloomington, Purdue University in West Lafayette, or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Vehicles can be booked in advance online or directly at the airport rental desks.
Booking your rental car a few weeks before arrival often results in significantly lower prices and shorter waiting times at the airport counter.
Most Popular Rental Car Types
The most commonly rented vehicles at Indianapolis Airport are mid-size cars, SUVs, and economy models. Mid-size vehicles such as the Toyota Corolla or Nissan Rogue are among the most frequently booked options due to their balance of comfort, luggage capacity, and fuel efficiency.
| Car Type | Seats | Typical Use | Average Price / Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 4 | Budget trips & city travel | $30 – $40 |
| Mid-Size | 5 | Most popular option | $35 – $50 |
| SUV | 5-7 | Families or long road trips | $55 – $70 |
| Minivan | 7-8 | Groups and family travel | $60 – $80 |
| Luxury / Premium | 5 | Business travel | $70 – $120 |
On average, rental prices at Indianapolis Airport typically range between $40 and $80 per day, depending on vehicle type and demand.
Comparison of Rental Companies
| Company | Typical Price / Day | Customer Rating* | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | $40 – $65 | 8.5 / 10 | Terminal Garage |
| Enterprise | $40 – $60 | 7.9 / 10 | Terminal Garage |
| Hertz | $45 – $70 | 6.6 / 10 | Terminal Garage |
| Budget | $35 – $60 | 5.7 / 10 | Terminal Garage |
| Dollar / Thrifty | $35 – $55 | 7.0 / 10 | Terminal Garage |
*Customer ratings based on aggregated online reviews.
Estimated Waiting Time at Rental Counters
| Company | Average Waiting Time | Online Check-in Available | Peak Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | 10 – 15 min | Yes | Morning arrivals |
| Hertz | 10 – 20 min | Yes | Afternoon flights |
| Avis / Budget | 10 – 20 min | Yes | Weekend traffic |
| Alamo / National | 5 – 10 min | Yes | Holiday travel |
| Off-site companies | 20 – 30 min | Usually | Shuttle wait |
Joining loyalty programs such as Enterprise Plus or Hertz Gold can allow you to skip the counter and go directly to your vehicle.
Popular Driving Destinations from Indianapolis Airport
| Destination | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Indianapolis | 11 km | 15–20 min |
| Indianapolis Motor Speedway | 20 km | 25 min |
| Bloomington (Indiana University) | 85 km | 1 hour |
| Purdue University (West Lafayette) | 110 km | 1h 15 min |
| Cincinnati | 180 km | 2 hours |
Car Rental Insurance Explained
When renting a car in the United States, several optional insurance coverages may be offered by rental companies:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW / LDW): Covers damage to the rental vehicle.
- Liability Insurance (SLI): Covers damage to other vehicles or property.
- Personal Accident Insurance: Medical coverage for driver and passengers.
- Personal Effects Coverage: Protects belongings inside the car.
Many travel credit cards already include rental car insurance, so check your card benefits before purchasing additional coverage at the counter.
Car rental companies
In Indianapolis Airport you can find the following car rental companies:
Alamo
Avis
Budget
Caro
Enterprise
Hertz
National
Payless
Sixt
