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How to get from Indianapolis Airport to Purdue University

West Lafayette, known for being the home of the famous Purdue University, lies between the cities of Chicago and Indianapolis. It is the perfect example of an American college town and attracts numerous visitors every year who want the quintessential university campus experience. West Lafayette offers diverse options for its visitors. Experience the architectural marvel of the Samara House designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and walk amongst West Lafayette’s historic neighbourhoods and parks, or satisfy your hunger at the Triple XXX restaurant, Indiana’s oldest drive-in. Just across the Wabash river lies the city of Lafayette with its own multitude of attractions and things to do.

Purdue University is located 116 km (72 miles) away from Indianapolis airport and there are a number of ways to travel between these destinations. The first option is a direct transfer and involves taking an airport taxi or private shuttle. The public transport option involves travelling into downtown Indianapolis and the use of multiple bus routes and numerous connections leading to a hefty travel time, therefore the only alternative direct travel method is a shared shuttle service.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Indianapolis at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €160 85min 24/7
Shuttle €56 90min 06:30–22:30

How to get from Indianapolis Airport to Purdue University by taxi

A taxi or private shuttle from Indianapolis airport to Purdue university is the only direct, convenient and efficient means of transport. The taxi fare to this destination is calculated with a calibrated taximeter. The final cost is made up of an initial base fee and a per km charge, based on the distance travelled to your destination. The current taxi tariffs have been set by the city of Indianapolis in 2011. A taxi or shuttle service can also be pre-booked guaranteeing a fixed rate fare for your transfer.

How much is the taxi fare from Indianapolis airport to Purdue University?

A direct taxi transfer from Indianapolis airport to Purdue University with a taximeter will cost about $170 (€160) and the travel time is expected to be 1h 25 mins. For a guaranteed fixed rate fare with no hidden costs, you can pre-book your Indianapolis airport taxi or shuttle in advance.

Cost

$170 (€160)

Trip Duration

1h 25min

All taxi fares to and from the airport are subject to an extra charge of $3.50 (€3.25).

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Taxis and private shuttles from Indianapolis airport are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

The taxi station at Indianapolis airport is located on the lower level of the airport’s terminal and just outside of the baggage claim area.

Convenience

A taxi or private shuttle from Indianapolis airport to West Lafayette, is the only direct method of transport, making it the most convenient way to travel to this destination. The alternative uses a combination of bus services with multiple connections which requires travelling to the bus station in downtown Indianapolis first, as there is no direct bus route between the airport and Purdue University.

Editor’s Note

In order to avoid delays in finding an Indianapolis airport taxi or shuttle, we recommend booking your transfer in advance and having your driver meet you as you exit the baggage claim area.

Useful Tips

Taxi tariffs for day and late night transfers are the same. There is no extra charge for late night transfers.
Tipping your taxi driver at the end of your journey is common practice in Indianapolis. Acceptable tipping rates would be 10-15% of the total cost.

How to get from Indianapolis Airport to Purdue University by shuttle

There is no direct public transportation option for travelling from Indianapolis airport to Purdue University or West Lafayette. The public transport option involves the use of multiple bus routes and connections, starting with having to travel into the city of Indianapolis to make the first connecting bus route.

The only other direct transport alternative is the use of a shared shuttle service. Reindeer Shuttle and Lafayette Limo run up to nine shared shuttles a day directly from Indianapolis airport to Purdue University in West Lafayette. The travel time for this journey is approximately 1h 30 mins.

What's the cost of a shared shuttle cost from Indianapolis airport to Purdue University?

The Reindeer shuttle general public ticket when purchased online and in advance costs $30 (€28). Tickets for walk-on passengers cost $35 (€33) and can only be paid in cash.

The Lafayette limo adult ticket costs $27 (€25). They also offer a children’s (ages 3-12) ticket at a cost of $14 (€13).

Cost

From $27 (€25)

Trip Duration

1 h 30 mins

Adult tickets start from $27 (€25) depending on the shared shuttle service company. Lafayette Limo offer tickets at at cost of $14 (€13) for children aged between 3-12.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The shared shuttle companies run up to 9 trips a day from Indianapolis airport starting from 06:30 till 22:30.

Where do I get the shuttle from?

Both shared shuttle companies leave from the same building at the airport and the pick-up point for passengers is outside the Ground Transportation Center. A booth for each shuttle company is available inside the Ground Transportation Center for any assistance that you may require.

Convenience

The shared shuttle service is an affordable direct method of transportation to travel from Indianapolis airport to Purdue University or the West Lafayette area. You may however experience wait times between the scheduled routes depending on the timing of your flight’s landing and the next available shuttle to this destination.

Editor’s Note

We recommend booking your shared shuttle from Indianapolis airport to Purdue University and West Lafayette at least one week in advance to ensure ticket availability.

Useful Tips

The Reindeer Shuttle baggage allowance is two carry-on bags and one suitcase per ticket holder. Lafayette Limo baggage allowance is two suitcases and one carry-on per ticket holder. Each additional bag will be charged $5 (€4.70) on either shuttle service.
It is recommended to arrive at the designated pickup location of each shuttle service at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Therefore, when picking a departure time slot please allow sufficient time to collect your luggage and clear customs, especially when travelling from an international flight.
In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact the shared shuttle service you have booked your transfer with as soon as possible, via email or telephone, in order for them to make arrangements for the next available shuttle service.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

Are there shuttles from Indianapolis airport to Purdue?

If you are travelling from Indianapolis airport to Purdue University, you have the option of taking an airport taxi, private shuttle or a shared shuttle service.

How far is Indianapolis airport from Purdue, West Lafayette?

The distance between Indianapolis airport and Purdue in West Lafayette is 116km (72 miles). You can expect this transfer in a taxi to take about 1h and 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

How much does a taxi cost from Indianapolis airport to West Lafayette?

A taxi from Indianapolis airport to West Lafayette using a taximeter will cost about $170 (€160). You can however pre-book your Indianapolis airport taxi or shuttle in advance with Welcome and guarantee a fixed rate fare with no hidden costs.

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