2026 Final Four Indianapolis Transportation Guide
TL;DR:
- Fly into IND: Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the best choice, just ~15–20 minutes from downtown. It has an on-site rental car center for quick pickup.
- Getting Around: Downtown Indy is walkable around Lucas Oil Stadium, but renting a vehicle (van or SUV) gives flexibility for groups to explore beyond downtown. IndyGo Red Line buses and rideshares are available alternatives.
- Parking & Traffic: Expect heavy traffic and road closures near Lucas Oil Stadium on Final Four weekend. Arrive early and consider reserving parking ($20–$40 event rates). Many downtown hotels charge ~$25–$35 per night for parking.
- Where to Stay: Downtown hotels (over 4,700 rooms connect via skywalk to the Convention Center & stadium) let you walk to games. Book early prime hotels are filling up fast.
- Things to Do: Enjoy Final Four Friday (open team practices), Fan Fest at the Convention Center, free concerts at the March Madness Music Festival, and the Tip-Off Tailgate street party all official events during Final Four weekend. Don’t miss Indy attractions like the NCAA Hall of Champions or a tour of Indianapolis Motor Speedway if you have extra time.
Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis will host the NCAA Men’s Final Four 2026. The stadium sits in a walkable area with many hotels and event venues nearby.
Best Ways to Get to Indianapolis (Airports & Arrival)
The 2026 Final Four is set for April 4 and 6, 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and thousands of fans will be traveling into the city. The most convenient way to get to Indianapolis is by flying into Indianapolis International Airport (IND) the region’s major airport. IND is only about 7–8 miles southwest of downtown (roughly a 15–20 minute drive) and is well-equipped to handle the influx of visitors. In fact, landing at IND puts you just a short ride away from all the Final Four action.
IND is a modern, traveler-friendly airport consistently rated among the top in the U.S. for customer satisfaction. It features a Ground Transportation Center with all the major car rental companies on-site, so you can pick up a rental car right at the terminal without a shuttle. This means after you land, it’s possible to go from your plane, walk a covered walkway to the rental center, and be on the road in under 15 minutes. If you’re arriving with a group or lots of luggage, this seamless rental car pickup is a huge plus no waiting in the elements for shuttles or hauling bags across parking lots.
While IND will be the go-to airport for nearly all Final Four travelers (and rightly so), a few other regional airports exist as backup options. Chicago, Cincinnati, Louisville, and other Midwest cities are a few hours’ drive away; however, flying into IND is by far the most convenient. It’s a good idea to book flights early if you plan to attend Final Four weekend, since demand will be high. Once your flight is set, you can also reserve a car or van at IND in advance (with free cancellation on most bookings) to lock in a good rate before inventories shrink during this major event. Indianapolis is nicknamed the “Crossroads of America” for its central location and network of interstates if you’re within driving distance, hitting the road with your group is also an option, just anticipate heavier traffic as you approach the city close to the weekend.
How to Get Around Indianapolis During Final Four Weekend
Once you’ve arrived in Indianapolis, you’ll find downtown is relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly, especially around the sports venues. Lucas Oil Stadium is located in the heart of downtown, so if you’re staying nearby you can walk to the games and Fan Fest easily. Many downtown streets will be filled with fans, and the city often closes off certain blocks for festivities. Walking will be one of the easiest ways to hop between your hotel, the stadium, the Indiana Convention Center (for Fan Fest), and nearby bars or restaurants. Skywalks connect several downtown hotels to the Convention Center and even to Lucas Oil Stadium itself, which is a big plus if the weather turns chilly or rainy you might be able to reach events without even going outside.
That said, Indianapolis is a sprawling city beyond downtown, and not all attractions or neighborhoods are within walking distance. If you want to explore more of the city (or if your accommodations aren’t in the immediate downtown area), you’ll need to consider other transportation. Public transit in Indy consists mainly of the IndyGo bus system. The standout route is the IndyGo Red Line, a bus rapid transit route that runs through downtown and north–south through the city. The Red Line can be handy for visitors for example, it links downtown to the Broad Ripple area (a popular district for dining and nightlife) in about 30 minutes. Buses on the Red Line are electric and run frequently, and there are ticket vending machines at stations. IndyGo’s regular buses can get you to some attractions as well, but keep in mind service may be limited on nights and weekends. If you’re comfortable with public transit, the Red Line and other IndyGo routes are an affordable way to get around (fares are usually a few dollars for a day pass).
An IndyGo Red Line rapid transit bus on Meridian Street. The Red Line provides a convenient north-south transit option through downtown Indianapolis, connecting areas like Broad Ripple and the University of Indianapolis campus.
Rideshare and taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely available in Indianapolis. During Final Four weekend, you can expect surge pricing at peak times (before and after games, for example) and high demand, so be prepared for potential wait times. The city and event organizers typically designate specific rideshare pickup/drop-off zones near Lucas Oil Stadium to keep traffic flowing for example, one recommended zone is often just east of the stadium on a major street. Follow the signs or app instructions for the exact location when hailing a ride. Taxis are less common, but you may find some at hotel ranks or the airport.
Scooters and bikes: Like many cities, Indy has dockless electric scooters (Bird, Lime, etc.) scattered around downtown. These can be a fun way to zip short distances to events or between downtown attractions. If you use a scooter, remember to park it in the designated areas (the city asks riders to park near the Convention Center or similar spots, not right in front of stadium gates). There’s also a bike-share program (Pacers Bikeshare) with stations along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail a biking/walking path that loops through downtown. April weather in Indianapolis can be unpredictable (sunny and 65°F one day, chilly and 45°F the next), so dress in layers if you plan to scooter or bike.
Driving: If you have your own car or a rental car, getting around Indy by driving is straightforward. The downtown street grid has many one-way streets, so pay attention to signs and GPS directions. Major interstates (I-70, I-65) intersect at the south edge of downtown near the stadium, which is convenient but can also cause heavy congestion at rush hour or before events. Local authorities strongly recommend giving yourself plenty of extra time if you’re driving to the Final Four games even 3 hours early to navigate road closures and traffic jams around downtown. Indianapolis police and event staff will likely impose traffic restrictions near Lucas Oil Stadium on game days for security, meaning some streets may be temporarily pedestrian-only. Plan your route ahead, and consider parking a little farther out and walking or taking a shuttle in (more on parking below).
Parking and Traffic Tips for Final Four Weekend
Driving to the games or downtown events? Plan ahead for parking and traffic, because Final Four weekend will draw huge crowds downtown. The first rule is arrive early not just to soak in the atmosphere, but to beat the last-minute traffic rush. The Indianapolis Colts’ usual guidance for big games is to get downtown at least 3 hours before kickoff, and similar advice applies here. Streets around Lucas Oil Stadium and the Convention Center could see closures or diversions. Expect police-directed traffic and signs guiding you to specific routes. Using a GPS mapping app (with live traffic) or checking Indy’s event traffic info can help you avoid major bottlenecks.
Parking near Lucas Oil Stadium is available but will come at a premium. The stadium itself does not operate public parking lots directly for events; instead, private lots and garages throughout downtown offer event parking. On Final Four game days, many lots within a few blocks of the stadium will charge special event rates typically around $20 to $40 for parking, depending on how close and how competitive the lot is. Some popular options are the South Lot (just south of the stadium), the Government Center Garage, or lots by the Indiana Convention Center, all of which are within a short walk. It’s highly recommended to reserve a parking spot in advance using apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero, which partner with downtown Indy garages. By booking ahead, you’ll know exactly where to go and what you’ll pay, instead of circling in traffic looking for an open lot. Keep your printed or mobile reservation handy to show attendants.
If you’re staying at a downtown hotel and have a car, remember that most hotels charge for overnight parking and event weekends may carry higher fees. Typical downtown hotel parking runs about $25–$35 per night for self-parking (valet might be $50+ at upscale hotels). Some hotels even contract out their garages for event parking to non-guests at high rates, so clarify with your hotel about parking arrangements. If you’d rather save, there are a few cheaper garages a bit further from the core for instance, some travelers mention parking in the Fountain Square area (just south-east of downtown) for free on streets and walking 15–20 minutes, but this is only advisable if you’re up for a walk and familiar with the area.
Traffic tips: On game days, especially for the National Championship, expect downtown street closures around Georgia Street and Capitol Avenue for the Tip-Off Tailgate and other fan events. Use Illinois Street or other designated routes for drop-offs if taking rideshare. After the games, traffic out of downtown will be slow consider grabbing a bite to eat or hanging around a fan fest site until the initial gridlock eases. Patience is key. Also note that Indianapolis has recently increased its meter parking rates downtown to $2/hour. If you find an on-street spot (unlikely right by the stadium on game day, but possible further out or on non-game days), you can pay via the ParkIndy app on your phone. However, for major events like this, meters near the venue may be hooded (No Parking) to create temporary loading zones or for security perimeters heed any posted signs.
In summary, park once and walk whenever you can. Downtown Indy isn’t huge, and walking 5-10 blocks is often faster than sitting in post-game traffic. Plus, you’ll get to soak in the city’s energy with fellow fans on the sidewalks. If you do drive, plan your parking, arrive early, and expect to pay event prices for the convenience of proximity to the festivities.
Where to Stay in Indianapolis for Final Four 2026
With the Final Four in town, Indianapolis will be buzzing with visitors and hotels will be in high demand. The ideal place to stay is downtown Indianapolis, as close to Lucas Oil Stadium as possible. Not only will you be near the games, but you’ll also be walking distance from the Fan Fest, concerts, restaurants, and nightlife. In fact, Indy’s downtown is extremely convenient for big events: the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and several major hotels are interconnected by climate-controlled skywalks. There are over 4,700 hotel rooms connected via enclosed walkways to the convention center and stadium, more than any city in the country. This means if you book a room at, say, the JW Marriott, Hyatt Regency, Marriott Downtown, Westin, or the newer Signia by Hilton (all of which are part of the connected complex), you could potentially walk indoors from your hotel to Final Four Fan Fest or even into the stadium without braving the elements. It’s a fantastic perk if the April weather turns cold or wet, or if you just want to avoid traffic altogether.
Book early: Downtown hotels will sell out quickly for Final Four weekend. The NCAA and local organizers reserve blocks of rooms for teams, officials, media, etc., which instantly takes up a large portion of the inventory. Fans have been booking since the host city was announced. As one travel site put it, hotels around Lucas Oil Stadium are disappearing faster than a fast break. If you haven’t reserved a room yet, do so as soon as possible. You might still find availability at slightly higher-end places or those a bit further out from the core of downtown. Look for hotels in neighborhoods like White River State Park area (west side of downtown, near the museums) or Mass Ave district (a mile northeast of the stadium) still walkable or a short ride away. Another option is the airport hotel cluster (by IND, 15 minutes from downtown) or hotels in suburbs like Carmel or Fishers, but keep in mind if you stay outside downtown, you’ll absolutely need a car or to commute in for events each day.
Best areas to stay:
- Downtown Core: This includes hotels by the Convention Center (e.g. Westin, Hyatt, Marriott, JW Marriott, Signia Hilton) and around Monument Circle. From here, Lucas Oil Stadium is 5–10 minutes walking. You’ll be surrounded by fellow fans and all the action. These hotels are likely premium-priced and require multi-night stays.
- Lucas Oil/Stadium District: A few hotels like Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn are just south of the stadium. These are budget-friendlier and literally across the street from the venue, but they will sell out early.
- Fountain Square/Mass Ave/Broad Ripple: If you prefer boutique inns or Airbnb, areas like Fountain Square (just a mile east, artsy vibe) or Mass Ave (bars and restaurants) offer some rentals. Broad Ripple is fun but about 20 minutes north not ideal without a car, unless you use the Red Line bus.
- Airport or Suburbs: If downtown prices are too high or sold out, you can stay by the airport (plenty of mid-range hotels with likely lower rates). You’ll have a longer drive in, but airport hotels are used to event overflow crowds. Suburban options might be 20–30 minutes out; you’ll trade convenience for cost savings.
Whenever possible, try to stay Friday through Monday so you can experience all the Final Four events. Also, consider asking about early check-in on Friday, April 3 (many fans arrive that day for the semifinals on April 4). An early check-in can let you drop bags and head straight to Fan Fest or open practice without delay. Finally, keep in mind parking fees at your hotel if you have a car, and whether they allow in-and-out privileges (you may choose to just park your car for the weekend and use your feet or short rides for everything else). Downtown is very safe and busy during event weekends, with lots of police presence and pedestrians, so you should feel comfortable walking around at most hours. Indianapolis also has plenty of dining options near hotels from steakhouses to brewpubs so you’ll never be far from food or entertainment.
Top Things to Do in Indianapolis During Final Four Weekend
Final Four weekend is not just about the games it’s a citywide celebration of basketball and a chance to explore Indy’s attractions. The NCAA and Indianapolis host committee have a full lineup of fan events that visitors should check out, most of which are free or low-cost and family-friendly. Here are the highlights:
- Reese’s Final Four Friday: On Friday, April 3, head to Lucas Oil Stadium for Final Four Friday. This is a FREE event where you can watch the Final Four teams hold their open practice sessions on the court. It’s a casual, come-and-go atmosphere sit anywhere in the stadium and get a first glimpse of the teams. After the practices, the Reese’s NABC All-Star Game usually takes place, featuring top senior college players in a fun showcase. It’s a great way to enjoy Lucas Oil Stadium without game-day crowds, and you might snag some giveaways (sometimes they’ve handed out free Reese’s candy, etc.). No ticket required for Friday’s events, and concessions are typically open.
- NCAA Fan Fest Presented by Capital One: This is the big multi-day fan festival at the Indiana Convention Center (right next to the stadium). Fan Fest runs Friday through Monday (Championship day). It’s an interactive extravaganza with basketball skill games, celebrity and former player autograph sessions, slam dunk/three-point contests for kids, exhibits from the NCAA Hall of Champions, and more. All ages will find something fun. Ticket holders to the Final Four get in free, and kids under 12 are free as well. Others may pay a small fee (in past years ~$8–$10). If you need a break from the outdoors or want to entertain the family, Fan Fest is perfect you could easily spend a few hours here.
- Final Four Dribble: On Sunday (often late morning), the NCAA hosts a youth dribbling parade through downtown. Thousands of kids (usually under 18) can register for free to dribble a basketball along a route that typically ends at Fan Fest. Participants get a free Final Four basketball and t-shirt. It’s a fun spectacle to watch even if you don’t have kids in it picture a sea of young fans dribbling basketballs through the streets escorted by mascots and cheerleaders!
- March Madness Music Festival: Indianapolis will put on a free three-day music festival during Final Four weekend. This outdoor concert series (usually sponsored by AT&T, Coke, Capital One) features major national artists each day past Final Four performers have included Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Miley Cyrus, and more. The concerts are often held at a large public space like White River State Park or Monument Circle. Expect big crowds (tens of thousands) for the headliners, but it’s free entry first come, first in. If there’s a band you love on the lineup, get there early to claim a spot. Even if you’re not trying to get up front, it’s a blast to join the crowd and experience a festival atmosphere for free. The music festival typically has one concert Friday night, a full day of performances Saturday, and a closing show Sunday.
- Tip-Off Tailgate on Georgia Street: Georgia Street is a three-block pedestrian-friendly stretch downtown that often serves as the epicenter of street parties. During Final Four, Tip-Off Tailgate will turn Georgia Street into a pre-game block party on game days. This means on Saturday before the semifinals and Monday before the championship (and even on Friday in conjunction with open practice), you can roam Georgia Street to enjoy live music, DJs, food trucks, beer tents, and sponsor activations. It’s free to enter and family-friendly. You’ll catch pep rallies with team bands and cheerleaders here as well. It’s the perfect place to hang out before heading into the stadium, or even to watch the games on big screens if you don’t have a ticket.
In addition to the official events, be sure to soak up some local Indianapolis attractions if time permits. A few ideas:
- NCAA Hall of Champions: A museum dedicated to college sports, located in White River State Park. It’s very fitting during Final Four lots of interesting exhibits about NCAA history and hands-on sports simulators.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway: If you have a car and some free time, the famed racetrack (home of the Indy 500) is about 20 minutes west of downtown. You can visit the Speedway Museum there, which is open daily. Seeing the “Yard of Bricks” and racing memorabilia is a nice side trip (and a very “Indiana” experience).
- Monument Circle: The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the heart of downtown is Indy’s iconic centerpiece. There may be special lighting or displays on the monument for Final Four. You can ride up to the observation deck for a small fee and great city views.
- Mass Ave and Broad Ripple: For nightlife beyond the official events, check out Mass Ave downtown a stretch of bars, breweries, and restaurants popular with locals. Or venture to Broad Ripple Village (via car or Red Line bus) for a youthful bar scene around Butler University though note it will be a mix of locals and may not specifically cater to Final Four activities.
- Foodie picks: Indianapolis is known for pork tenderloin sandwiches (try one at a local pub), and also has a burgeoning craft beer scene. Places like Sun King Brewery or St. Joseph Brewery are worth a visit if you appreciate local beer. And if you want an upscale meal to celebrate, St. Elmo Steak House is an Indy institution (famous for its spicy shrimp cocktail and steaks).
With so much going on, plan your weekend wisely. You might map out Saturday to catch a Fan Fest session in the morning, hit a concert in the afternoon, then the semifinal games in the evening. Sunday could be a bit more low-key with maybe a museum visit or exploring the city, then the free concert finale. By Monday, it’s championship time! Keep an eye on the Visit Indy website or Final Four app for any schedule updates or additional pop-up events. Indianapolis prides itself on hospitality and Hoosier hoops hysteria, so you’re in for a memorable time both inside and outside the stadium.
Group Travel Made Easy: Renting a Car or Van for Final Four
If you’re traveling to the Final Four with a group of friends or family, renting a vehicle can be the smartest move for flexibility and cost-saving. Indianapolis’s public transit, while improving, won’t conveniently connect all the dots for a busy Final Four itinerary. And relying on multiple Ubers or taxis for a large group gets inefficient and pricey. Having your own set of wheels especially a larger vehicle like a van or SUV means you can all stick together and make the most of your trip.
Why rent? For one, Indianapolis lacks direct rail service from the airport and has only limited shuttle/bus options, so most visitors end up taking a car one way or another. A single rideshare from IND airport to downtown can cost $30–$40 (and that’s for a regular car, potentially higher for an XL to fit everyone). Two rides (to and from the airport) could already run $60–$80, which might equal a full day’s car rental cost. By renting a car, you also save yourself from having to summon a rideshare each time you want to go somewhere. You can come and go on your own schedule whether that’s a late-night food run or a spontaneous drive to see the city lights from across the river.
For group travel, consider renting a passenger van or roomy SUV. With a larger vehicle, your entire crew can travel in one car, which is both more fun and often more economical than splitting into multiple smaller cars. Plus, you have plenty of space for luggage, cooler boxes, sports gear, or any souvenirs you pick up (yes, that includes fitting a commemorative basketball or giant foam fingers!). A van is ideal if you have, say, 5–15 people. Indianapolis rental fleets often include minivans (seating 7–8) and 12 or 15-passenger vans, which are perfect for big families or alumni groups. Passenger van rentals tend to be in high demand during major sporting events, so if you know you’ll need one, try to book it early. Many rental companies allow you to reserve these specialty vehicles in advance without upfront payment, giving you flexibility to lock it in now and adjust later if needed.
When booking, you might also look for a one-way rental deal if your group is road-tripping from another city and only needs a van one direction some platforms even show specials waiving drop-off fees on popular routes. But for most, a round-trip rental from Indianapolis is simplest.
Picking up at IND: It’s highly recommended to pick up your rental car at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) when you arrive. IND’s rental car center is on-site and super convenient no shuttles required, just walk to the garage from baggage claim. By grabbing the car at the airport, you can load up your group and head straight to your hotel. This saves the hassle of coordinating transportation into downtown and then getting a car later. Plus, when it’s time to leave, you can drive back to the airport and drop off the car, avoiding multiple transfers with luggage. For ease, consider an on-airport rental via Indianapolis International Airport (IND) car rentals where all major rental brands operate under one roof.
Driving around Indy: Having a rental car also opens up possibilities to explore beyond the Final Four venues. Want to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum on Sunday? Or maybe take a short road trip to see the NCAA Hall of Champions or even venture to Bloomington (home of Indiana University, about an hour away) or up to the campus of Purdue? With your own vehicle, those side excursions are doable on your own timeline. Indiana is called the Crossroads of America because so many interstates intersect here you can drive to multiple nearby states if you’re making a longer vacation of it. Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati, and more are all within a few hours’ drive.
Parking a rental: Do factor in parking costs and hotel valet fees in your planning. As noted earlier, downtown hotels charge for parking and event parking can be $20+ near the stadium. If your group is splitting costs, it often still works out well e.g., a $30 parking fee spread across 8 people is under $4 each. And you’ll have the convenience of your vehicle at all times.
Flexibility and peace of mind: Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of renting a car or van is flexibility. Plans during Final Four weekend can be fluid you might decide last-minute to go to a different viewing party or need to drive to a restaurant outside of downtown for a reservation. Having your own vehicle means you can adapt without waiting on someone else’s schedule. It’s also comforting to know you have a private, secure place (the car) to store things like extra jackets, merch from the Fan Shop, or snacks and drinks for tailgating. And if you’re traveling with kids, having a car means easy access to car seats, strollers, and a quick escape if they get tired or cranky at events.
In short, renting a vehicle in Indianapolis especially a larger van for a group is highly recommended for Final Four visitors. It provides freedom to fully enjoy not just the games but everything the city offers. Just remember to reserve early, as demand will spike during the Final Four (major events in Indy have been known to cause rental rates to jump 40–60% as inventory gets snapped up). With an early booking, you can secure the type of vehicle you need at a reasonable rate, and most rentals offer free cancellation if plans change, so it’s a low-risk move. Then, buckle up and enjoy the ride you’ll have Indianapolis and all its March Madness excitement at your fingertips!
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Final Four 2026 in Indianapolis like a pro. From touchdown at IND to the final buzzer at Lucas Oil Stadium, you now have the insider knowledge on airports, transportation, parking, hotels, and local highlights. Indianapolis is a welcoming host city that knows how to put on a big event, so get ready for an unforgettable weekend of hoops and Hoosier hospitality. Whether you’re rolling with a group in a rental van or hoofing it downtown with the crowd, enjoy every moment of the madness and may your team go all the way! Safe travels and see you in Indy for the Final Four!
Our Most Popular Vehicles
