13 Affordable Places to Fly From Indianapolis for Your Next Trip

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Finding cheap flights from Indianapolis can feel about as fun as sitting in I-465 traffic. After countless hours hunting deals from IND (and maybe stress eating a few too many sugar cream pies), I’ve discovered some seriously affordable destinations that don’t require a connection through Chicago. While everyone else is spending a fortune to get to Orlando, you could be wandering through Old San Juan or exploring Mexico City’s incredible food scene.

I’ve found some of the best places in Indianapolis to catch flights that won’t drain your bank account. Just last month, I grabbed a $200 roundtrip to Denver, where the mountain views and craft beer scene make you forget all about those Indiana cornfields. Here are 13 destinations that prove you don’t need to drive to Chicago for decent flight deals.

Where to Fly Cheap from Indianapolis

Looking for cheap flights from Indianapolis? Fly to Chicago for iconic architecture and deep-dish pizza, visit Atlanta for a mix of history and vibrant city life, or explore Denver for outdoor adventures in the Rockies. Head to Dallas for world-class dining and cultural attractions. Whether you’re interested in city escapes, history, or outdoor fun, these are top affordable destinations from Indianapolis.

1. Indianapolis to Chicago ($49–$135 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: United, American, Southwest (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October 🌆 for outdoor activities and lake fun
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture fans 🏙️, food lovers 🍕, big city explorers 🚶

Chicago is that rare city where skyscrapers meet lake views and locals actually smile at you. It’s packed with world-class architecture, incredible food, and big city buzz without the sky-high prices or pretension of the coasts.

You’ll definitely stop at Millennium Park to take a photo with the Bean (technically it’s Cloud Gate, but no one calls it that). The Chicago Riverwalk is ideal for a chill afternoon, with waterfront bars, public art, and boat tours rolling by every few minutes. For the best views in the country, head to the Willis Tower Skydeck or the glass ledge at 360 CHICAGO, where you can see four states on a clear day. Summer and early fall are the best times to visit, with perfect weather for outdoor festivals, rooftop bars, and even beach days along Lake Michigan.

Flights from Indianapolis are quick and cheap, with plenty of daily options. United and American run nonstop routes into O’Hare, while Southwest flies into Midway and usually wins on base fare. Just know the free checked bag perk is gone, so budget $45 for your first bag each way unless you carry on. For such a short flight, you can be in downtown Chicago faster than it takes to cross some parts of Indy during rush hour.

Want even more affordable destination ideas? Check out this full guide on the cheapest places to fly from Chicago.

2. Indianapolis to Atlanta ($119–$195 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Southwest, Frontier (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🍂 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, food enthusiasts 🍗, culture seekers 🎭

Atlanta is where Southern hospitality meets creative energy, with buzzing neighborhoods, bold flavors, and a culture scene that’s way deeper than most people expect. It’s big, diverse, and full of surprises around every corner.

The Atlanta BeltLine is a reclaimed rail line turned pedestrian paradise that links some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods. Think breweries, food halls, and colorful murals around every turn. Little Five Points keeps things weird with vintage stores, dive bars, and a local crowd that might include a famous rapper grabbing a slice. For food that’ll make you forget Indy’s low-key culinary scene, check out Ponce City Market, where an old Sears building now houses gourmet popsicles, ramen stalls, rooftop games, and killer city views.

Delta owns this route since Atlanta is its main hub, running it several times a day. Southwest and Frontier each fly it a few times a week, so they’re worth checking if your dates are flexible, but Delta is the one with real schedule depth. Visit in the spring when dogwoods are blooming and patios are packed, or plan a fall trip to dodge the summer humidity while still enjoying festival season and great weather.

• Read Next: Affordable Places to Fly from Atlanta

3. Indianapolis to Denver ($125–$215 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: United, Southwest, Frontier (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October 🏔️ for outdoor adventures and April for skiing deals ⛷️
• 🏆 Perfect for: Mountain lovers 🏔️, craft beer enthusiasts 🍺, outdoor adventurers 🥾

Denver is like Indy’s cooler, mountain-dwelling cousin. This city has all the Midwest friendliness with a side of epic outdoor adventure.

Union Station is way more than just a train station. It’s packed with killer restaurants and bars in a renovated historic building. Larimer Square is this cool downtown block with string lights and Victorian buildings full of shops and restaurants that don’t suck. For day trips, Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs has those massive red rocks that look fake in photos.

When it comes to flights, Frontier sometimes drops fares below $60 one-way from Indy, but they’ll charge you extra for everything including your carry-on and picking a seat. Southwest costs more upfront and no longer includes free checked bags. Your carry-on and personal item still fly free on every Southwest fare though, including Basic, which is more than Frontier gives you.

September is prime time for visiting. Summer tourists are gone, the weather’s still perfect, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the aspens turning gold in the mountains.

• Read Next: Cheap Places to Fly from Denver

4. Indianapolis to Dallas ($185–$270 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: American, Southwest, Frontier (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🍂 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban cowboys 🤠, food enthusiasts 🍖, sports fans 🏈

Dallas is where big-city luxury meets bold Texas personality. You’ll find world-class museums, incredible food, and neighborhoods that each feel like their own little universe.

Start in Deep Ellum, the city’s historic entertainment district packed with live music, massive murals, and restaurants inside converted industrial buildings. For a more artsy vibe, the Dallas Museum of Art is free and genuinely worth a visit, while Klyde Warren Park is a grassy hangout spot built right over a freeway, with food trucks and lawn games popping up daily. 

American Airlines offers the most nonstop flights since DFW is their home base, while Southwest flies into Love Field and competes hard on price. Bags are no longer free on Southwest, so factor in $45 for the first checked bag each direction. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for patio dining and exploring outdoor spots like the Dallas Arboretum, especially when the gardens are in bloom. 

If you’re looking for affordable getaways, here’s a guide to the cheapest places to fly from Dallas.

5. Indianapolis to Orlando ($125–$200 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January-April & September-November 🎢 for lower humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Theme park enthusiasts 🎢, family vacations 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, winter escapees ☀️

Orlando is where adults can fully embrace their inner kid without getting side-eyed. This city serves up legendary theme parks, perfect weather during Indy’s deep freeze, and a surprisingly strong local food scene once you break away from the tourist zones.

Disney World is the obvious heavyweight, with four massive parks that each deserve a full day. But if you’re more into butterbeer and wand battles than princesses and parades, Universal Studios is where the real magic lives. Beyond the big-name parks, take a breather in Winter Park, a beautiful neighborhood known for its oak-lined streets, scenic boat tours, and restaurants that don’t involve character mascots or souvenir mugs.

Flights from Indy are frequent and budget-friendly. Southwest runs the most departures, Frontier undercuts on base fare if you pack light, and Allegiant flies into Orlando Sanford, which is about 45 minutes further out but often cheaper. January through March is prime time to visit, with sunny 70-degree days and way fewer crowds than summer.

• Read Next: Best Airports in Orlando

6. Indianapolis to Las Vegas ($89–$185 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Allegiant (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & October-November 🎲 for milder temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Entertainment seekers 🎭, pool partiers 🏊, gambling enthusiasts 🎰

Las Vegas is basically an adult theme park where the lights never turn off. This desert playground is all about going big: mega resorts, wild shows, rooftop bars, and pool parties that feel like music videos. Even if you don’t gamble, it’s worth visiting just for the spectacle.

The Strip is where it all happens. You’ve got the dancing fountains at the Bellagio, gondola rides at the Venetian, and a roller coaster wrapped around the New York-New York Hotel. Cirque du Soleil shows are on another level, with performers doing things that don’t seem physically possible. For sky-high views, ride the High Roller or grab cocktails at the Cosmopolitan rooftop bar while watching the city light up.

Southwest carries most of this route now, with Allegiant adding a couple of weekly departures. Sub-$100 roundtrips are harder to come by than they used to be, so set a fare alert and book a few months out. March through May and October through November are ideal, with warm pool weather and manageable crowds. 

• Read Next: Best Airports in Las Vegas

7. Indianapolis to Minneapolis ($59–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Sun Country (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September 🌲 and December-February ❄️ for seasonal activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Lake lovers 🏊‍♀️, food explorers 🍽️, outdoor enthusiasts 🌲

Minneapolis is way more than just a flyover city. This place totally crushes the Midwest stereotype with killer food, tons of lakes right in the city, and cultural stuff that rivals coastal spots.

The Chain of Lakes gives you legit beaches and rental kayaks within biking distance of downtown, and the Stone Arch Bridge area is perfect for that skyline shot everyone posts. First Avenue is this legendary music venue where Prince got his start, and you’ll find purple tributes to him all over town. The food scene here is surprisingly awesome with everything from Scandinavian-inspired fine dining to local burger joints.

Summer here is absolutely prime time when the city goes nuts for outdoor everything with free concerts at Lake Harriet and patios everywhere. When it comes to flights, Delta hubs out of MSP Airport so they run this route several times a day. Sun Country only flies it a few times a week, but their fares can dip toward $75 if you book a couple of months out and your dates line up.

8. Indianapolis to Charlotte ($99–$155 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: American, Avelo (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June & September-October 🍂 for ideal temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Banking professionals 💼, sports fans 🏈, craft beer lovers 🍺

Charlotte is where Southern hospitality meets a rising creative scene. This banking hub has transformed into a destination with trendy neighborhoods, outdoor spaces, and a seriously underrated food scene.

Uptown (what locals call downtown) is packed with sleek skyscrapers, sports venues, and museums like the interactive NASCAR Hall of Fame which is surprisingly cool even if you don’t care about racing. NoDa (North Davidson) is the artsy district with colorful murals, craft breweries, and live music venues in converted textile mills. 

This route belongs to American Airlines since Charlotte is their second-largest hub, with several nonstops a day. Avelo added twice-weekly service to Concord in June 2026, which puts you about 25 minutes north of Uptown if the timing works for you.

Spring brings perfect weather with temperatures in the 70s and gorgeous blooming trees throughout the city, while fall offers comfortable temperatures without summer’s brutal humidity. From CLT, the CATS Sprinter bus runs into Uptown for a couple of dollars and saves you $25+ on an airport taxi.

• Read Next: Budget-Friendly Destinations from Charlotte

9. Indianapolis to Philadelphia ($135–$220 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: American (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June & September-October 🍂 for pleasant weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, food lovers 🧀, urban explorers 🚶

Philadelphia is what happens when you mix history with attitude. This East Coast city gives you all the urban grit of New York but with way more chill, better sandwiches, and streets you can actually pronounce.

Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are the obvious tourist spots, but the real Philly is in places like Reading Terminal Market where you can sample everything from Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods to authentic cheesesteaks under one roof. Fishtown has transformed from working-class neighborhood to hipster haven with craft breweries, indie music venues, and amazing restaurants lining streets still dotted with old row houses. 

Flying from Indy to Philly is straightforward, though American is your only nonstop option now. They run it several times a day, so you’re picking on schedule rather than hunting a budget fare. Book early if you want the price to stay reasonable. For the best time to visit, spring and fall hit that sweet spot with pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring this super walkable city without the summer humidity that can make the air feel like soup.

• Read Next: Cheap Flights from Philadelphia

10. Indianapolis to Fort Lauderdale ($145–$240 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Allegiant, JetBlue from November (1-2 daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-April 🌴 for perfect beach weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, cruise departures 🚢, winter escapees ☀️

Swapping Indianapolis’ freezing wind chills for Fort Lauderdale’s ocean breeze is a no-brainer. This South Florida gem dishes out sunshine, white sand, and chill vibes just 30 minutes north of flashy Miami. It’s the perfect winter escape, with ideal beach weather from December through April. 

Start your day strolling Las Olas Boulevard, where boutiques, brunch spots, and breezy patios invite you to soak in the sun. Venice of America isn’t just a nickname—its winding canals make water taxis the go-to for bar hopping and sightseeing. 

Nonstop options thinned out here after Spirit folded. Southwest and Allegiant each fly it a handful of times a week, Frontier returns in October, and JetBlue launches daily service on November 2, 2026. Book ahead rather than counting on a last-minute seat.

11. Indianapolis to Nashville ($89–$155 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest (2 daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June & September-November 🎸 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Music lovers 🎸, food enthusiasts 🍗, weekend revelers 🎉

Nashville is basically a giant playground for adults who love live music, comfort food, and day drinking. This Tennessee capital delivers incredible tunes, Southern hospitality, and a food scene that goes way beyond hot chicken.

Broadway is the famous strip where neon-lit honky-tonks blast live country music from morning till night, while neighborhoods like East Nashville offer a more hipster vibe with vintage shops, craft cocktail bars, and restaurants where locals actually hang out. The Gulch gives you that perfect Instagram moment with the famous “What Lifts You” wing mural and upscale eateries housed in former industrial buildings.

Southwest is your only nonstop, running twice daily, and their free checked bag perk ended in 2025. It’s a 4.5-hour drive, so run the numbers before you book. Between the fare, bag fees, and airport time, driving often wins on this one. May brings perfect temperatures and outdoor concerts, making it ideal for exploring both indoor and outdoor attractions. 

12. Indianapolis to Baltimore ($79–$150 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest (3 daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June & September-October 🍂 for mild weather and fewer crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: Seafood lovers 🦀, history buffs ⚓, budget travelers 💰

Baltimore is one of those cities people write off without ever going, and they’re missing out. It’s got real waterfront character, some of the best crab you’ll eat anywhere, and museums that would cost you twice as much to visit in DC.

The Inner Harbor is the obvious starting point, with the National Aquarium and a handful of historic ships you can actually board. Fells Point is the better hang though, a cobblestone waterfront neighborhood full of old bars, coffee shops, and row houses that have been there since the 1700s. Lexington Market has been running since 1782 and is where you go for a crab cake that isn’t priced for tourists. For something weirder, the American Visionary Art Museum is dedicated entirely to self-taught outsider artists and it’s unlike any museum you’ve been to.

Southwest is your only nonstop from Indy, running about three times a day, so you’ve got decent flexibility on timing. Skip the checked bag if you can, since it’s $45 each way now. One thing worth knowing: the MARC train runs from the BWI rail station into DC’s Union Station for under $10, which makes this a sneaky-cheap way to reach Washington without paying DCA or IAD fares.

13. Indianapolis to Tampa ($129–$215 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Allegiant (2 daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-May 🌴 for perfect weather without extreme humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, sports fans ⚾, outdoor enthusiasts 🌊

Tampa is Florida’s chiller, less flashy Gulf Coast gem. This bay city offers pristine beaches, Cuban-influenced culture, and a booming food scene without the South Beach prices or attitude.

Tampa Riverwalk stretches along the water connecting cool museums, parks, and restaurants with killer waterfront views. Ybor City is the historic district with brick streets, old cigar factories turned into shops, and some serious nightlife energy. The nearby beaches are the real stars though Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach regularly rank among America’s best with powder-white sand and sunset views that make your Instagram followers jealous.

The winter months here are why Midwesterners flock to Florida while Indianapolis is dealing with snow and freezing temps, Tampa enjoys sunny 70-75°F days perfect for beach hopping and outdoor dining. For flights, Southwest runs the only nonstop into Tampa International, and checking your beach gear now costs $45 for the first bag. Allegiant flies into St. Pete-Clearwater a couple of times a week, which drops you closer to the beaches anyway.

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