Indy 500 2026 Group Travel & Transportation Guide
TL;DR: Indy 500 2026 travel planning should start with flying into Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and booking your group vehicle (van or SUV) early due to high demand. Race day traffic from IND to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is heavy, so arrive well before the start and use real-time navigation to avoid closures. Secure official IMS parking with prepaid passes if available, or plan alternatives like local yard parking, scheduled shuttles from IND or downtown, or rideshare with expected surge pricing and delays.
Flying into Indianapolis (IND) & Nearby Airports
For most travelers, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the gateway to the Indy 500. IND is the primary airport serving the city and is conveniently located just a few miles from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In fact, IND is only about 11–15 miles (18–24 km) from the track depending on your route, making it by far the closest and most convenient option for race attendees. The airport is well-equipped with a consolidated rental car center on-site, so picking up your reserved van or SUV is quick no shuttles needed to get your car.
Alternative Airports: If flight options into IND are limited or pricey, some groups consider other regional airports but be prepared for a longer drive. Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Chicago Midway (MDW) are about ~3 hours north (via I-65) a feasible road trip if you plan to rent a vehicle and drive down. Louisville Muhammad Ali Intl (SDF) in Kentucky and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl (CVG) are roughly 2 hours away south and southeast, respectively. These can work if you combine the Indy 500 with other travel, but you’ll need a rental car or van for the final leg. Keep in mind that IND will offer the most race-focused services (like the IMS shuttle from the airport) and the shortest transfer to your hotel. Private and corporate jets can use IND as well the airport is the primary choice for charter flights, located just ~15 miles from IMS with multiple FBOs for quick access.
Peak travel times: Plan flights and arrivals with race events in mind. Carb Day (Friday) and Legends Day (Saturday) see many fans flying in, and the airport will be extremely busy on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day) when everyone departs. In 2025, IND recorded record traffic around race weekend, so expect crowds. Give yourself extra time for everything from baggage claim to picking up your rental. Pro tip: if possible, arrive by Thursday or early Friday to avoid last-minute rush and to enjoy pre-race events.
Event Week Schedule & Logistics
The Indy 500 isn’t just a Sunday race it’s a week (and month) of festivities. Knowing the schedule will help your group plan when to arrive and how to get around:
- Practice & Qualifying: Starting mid-May, teams practice at IMS on select weekdays. Qualifying for the 110th Indy 500 is set for the weekend of May 16–17, 2026. If you’re an avid racing fan, you might come early to catch these sessions, but note that traffic is lighter on practice days. Regular city traffic rules apply then no special closures except around the immediate track area.
- Carb Day Friday, May 22, 2026:Miller Lite Carb Day is the Friday before the race and features the final practice, pit stop competitions, and concerts. This draws a big crowd at IMS, especially late morning through afternoon. If you go, plan on arriving early at the track; parking lots will fill up. Traffic on Friday afternoon around Speedway will spike when events end (~3-4 p.m.), so be prepared for slow going out of the IMS area. Many locals treat Carb Day as a holiday expect busy roads and perhaps consider staying until early evening to let traffic die down.
- Legends Day & Parade Saturday, May 23, 2026: The day before the 500 is packed. Legends Day at the track includes driver autograph sessions and the public drivers’ meeting in the morning. Downtown, the 500 Festival Parade kicks off around midday, drawing over 200,000 people downtown to watch floats, bands, and celebs. If your group is staying in downtown Indianapolis or plans to attend the parade, be aware of extensive street closures and heavy traffic downtown on Saturday late morning through afternoon. Give yourselves plenty of time to get into or out of the city center. (Hint: if you have a rental van, you might park on the outskirts of downtown or near a highway exit and use rideshare or walk to the parade to avoid the worst congestion). Saturday evening is relatively calmer, but many streets near the track start seeing campers and early arrivals.
- Race Day Sunday, May 24, 2026: This is it the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Gates open extremely early (some parking lots open by 5 a.m., and infield parking entrances by 6 a.m.). Thousands of eager fans will arrive at the crack of dawn to tailgate. Plan to arrive at IMS by 7 a.m. or earlier if you want a smoother drive and decent parking spot. The green flag is around midday (typically just after 12:40 p.m. ET), but by late morning, inbound traffic becomes very heavy on all routes into Speedway. Indiana State Police and local officers direct traffic flow expect certain roads to switch to one-way and closures after 11 a.m.. During the race, Indianapolis streets elsewhere may be quiet it’s a good time for non-race activities but near the Speedway it will be busy all day. After the race ends (late afternoon), outbound traffic jams can last 2+ hours. Many veteran attendees choose to linger at their parking spot, grill out, or hang in Speedway for a while until the worst traffic clears.
In summary, coordinate your itinerary with these events. If you’re primarily attending Race Day, arriving by Saturday (or earlier) is wise. For those also doing Carb Day or the Parade, build in transit time and know that Friday and Saturday have their own traffic surges. A well-planned schedule will keep your trip running smoothly and your group happy.
Renting a Van or SUV for Your Group
When traveling with a group whether family, friends, or colleagues renting a larger vehicle is the way to go in Indianapolis. The Indy 500 draws an estimated 350,000 spectators on race day, so having your own dedicated transportation gives you flexibility and comfort amid the crowds. Here’s why a passenger van or SUV rental can be a game-changer for your Indy 500 trip:
- Keep everyone together: Instead of splitting up into multiple cars or relying on separate rideshares, a 12-passenger van or roomy SUV lets your whole group stick together. The pre-race excitement starts the moment you leave for the track and no one will miss out. You can easily coordinate meet-up times and departure times when everyone’s in one vehicle, and it’s easier to navigate and park one vehicle versus several. (Tip: For larger groups, compare options like a 15-passenger van for maximum seating or a couple of 7-passenger SUVs for flexibility.)
- Cost-effective and convenient: Big events can strain rideshare availability and drive prices sky-high. A typical Uber or Lyft from the airport to downtown Indy might run $30–$40 one-way during normal times and much more with surge pricing on race weekend. By renting a van/SUV for a few days, you get unlimited rides for your group at a flat rate. Split the cost among 6–12 people, and it’s often cheaper per person than multiple rideshares or taxis, especially for multiple days. Plus, you won’t be stuck waiting around for a ride when the event lets out (when wait times can be long). You have the keys and can go when you’re ready.
- Room for gear and tailgating: Part of the Indy 500 tradition is the tailgate and gear you bring coolers, folding chairs, backpacks, flags, maybe a portable grill. A minivan or SUV provides ample cargo space to haul all that. Passenger vans have even more space for coolers and canopies. No need to pack light your rental can carry it. For families, a minivan or SUV easily fits strollers, snacks, and kids’ essentials with room to spare. Your vehicle becomes your race-day basecamp: store what you need and have a comfortable spot to regroup.
- Easy airport and city driving: Indianapolis is a very car-friendly city with wide roads and plenty of parking outside of downtown. Even larger 12- or 15-seater vans are manageable on Indy’s streets and interstates. If your group is flying into IND, you can pick up your van rental right at the airport and be on your way. Having a single vehicle also simplifies airport pickups and drop-offs for your group just load everyone and everything in at the Ground Transportation Center and go. No one gets left behind waiting for the next shuttle or rideshare.
- One driver (or two) can rotate: With a group, you likely have multiple qualified drivers. This means you can share driving duties for long drives (say you flew into Chicago or plan a day trip). While one person drives to the track at 5 a.m., others can rest and a different person can take the wheel for the late-day return. Make sure any extra drivers are listed on the rental agreement (most companies allow additional drivers, sometimes for a fee). Rotating drivers keeps everyone fresh and enjoying the trip.
Book early for best selection: As noted, big events like the Indy 500 cause demand for rental vehicles especially vans and larger SUVs to spike. Indianapolis sees a huge influx of visitors in May, and rental agencies often sell out of 7–15 passenger vehicles first. To avoid scrambling, reserve your vehicle a few months in advance if possible. Lock in the size you need many rentals offer free cancellation until 48 hours before pickup, so it’s low-risk to book early. This guarantees your group the right ride. Also, consider opting for the “pay at pickup” option if available, so you have flexibility to adjust your plans without upfront cost.
When booking, use internal resources to find the best fit: compare a Minivan rental versus a 12-passenger van rental based on your group’s size. If your crew is smaller (4–5 people plus luggage), a 7-passenger SUV might suffice with comfort. If you have a full dozen friends, go for the larger van so no one gets left out. And if you’re mixing business and leisure, you could even rent a luxury SUV to impress your VIP guests. The key is: Indianapolis is much easier to navigate with your own vehicle, and a group rental makes it both practical and fun.
Driving Routes from Indianapolis Airport to IMS
Distance and timing: Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Indianapolis Motor Speedway is only about a 20-minute drive without traffic, but on race weekend traffic will be the deciding factor. The roughly 11-mile trip can easily stretch to an hour or more on race morning due to volume and road closures. Patience and planning are essential.
Primary route: The most straightforward path from IND to IMS is as follows: from the airport, follow signs to I-465 North (the beltway route around Indy’s west side). Take I-465 north about 5 miles to Exit 16A for Crawfordsville Road (US 136 East). This exit puts you on Crawfordsville Road heading east toward the town of Speedway. Crawfordsville Rd becomes West 16th Street as you near the track and IMS is located off 16th Street at Georgetown Road. This route effectively brings you to the west side of the Speedway, near the main entrances (Gate 2/Gate 10 area). On race day, expect slow going as you approach Exit 16 and along Crawfordsville/16th; police will direct incoming cars into parking lots. Give yourself plenty of time if you leave IND around 6:00 a.m., you might reach the track by 7:00, but any later and that drive could double or triple in length.
Alternate approaches:Locals often have back-road tricks to avoid the heaviest congestion. One such approach is to bypass I-465/Exit 16 and come in from the west/northwest side of the track. For example, some drivers take Ronald Reagan Parkway north from the airport area (connecting via I-70 or local roads), then head east on County Road 200N (West 21st Street) which eventually leads toward the north end of Speedway. This can position you near 30th Street and other lesser-used entrances. Another alternate is exiting I-465 a bit sooner at 10th Street (Exit 14) and approaching the track from the south on 10th, though note that 10th Street has restrictions on race day near the track. These back routes are not guaranteed to be quick, but in some cases they avoid the crawl on 16th Street. Check race-day traffic updates (local radio and navigation apps will have IMS traffic info) and adjust if you hear certain ramps are backed up.
Downtown to Speedway: If you’re coming from downtown Indianapolis (perhaps your hotel or the Saturday parade), the track lies ~6 miles west of downtown. The direct route is West 16th Street all the way out. On early Sunday morning, many downtown streets feed into 10th and 16th heading west. Merging onto 16th from downtown is an option, but be mindful that 16th Street will be extremely busy once you get closer to the track. An alternate from downtown is taking West 10th Street out to Polco or Lynhurst, but again some segments close as you near IMS. Holt Road is often closed between Washington St. and 16th on race day. Plan an approach from the north or south to avoid dead-ends.
Post-race outbound: After the race, police typically reverse many incoming routes for outbound traffic. 16th Street may become one-way westbound only, and certain gates will force you onto specific roads. If you parked in official IMS lots, you’ll be directed to the nearest highway via a preset route. Be aware that vehicles can be held in parking lots for up to 2 hours post-race to allow pedestrians to clear. It can be frustrating, but safety is paramount with tens of thousands walking around. Use this time to relax fire up the AC, queue some music, and debrief on the race finish. Pro tip: Some groups bring a map or have an offline GPS ready since cell service can be spotty with so many people. Know your general direction (e.g., need to go south toward the airport? North toward downtown?) and follow officials’ instructions.
In summary, have a primary route in mind and a backup. Leave as early as your group can manage (pre-dawn is not too extreme for the Indy 500). And remember, the party atmosphere starts on the road you’ll see convoys of fans, decorated vehicles, and Indy flags flying en route. Set out early, stay patient, and you’ll be in your seats in time for the national anthem and engine roar.
Parking at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
On-Site IMS Parking (Pre-Paid Only): If you planned ahead and purchased an official IMS parking pass, congratulations that’s the most straightforward (though pricey) parking option. All official IMS parking is pre-sold and assigned; by early May, on-site lots are usually completely sold out. There are a mix of infield and outfield lots. Infield parking (inside the track) requires a specific pass and entry through designated gates (often Gate 2 or 10) starting at 6 a.m. on Race Day. If you have an infield pass, arrive early to utilize it once the race start time nears, some gates may restrict entry. Outside parking (near the perimeter of the track) also opens super early (some lots by 5 a.m.) and each lot has a color/number designation on your pass. Display your parking credential on your mirror or dashboard so traffic staff can funnel you to the correct lane. Expect a long wait exiting these lots after the race; bring your patience (and maybe a cooler of drinks for the wait).
Neighborhood/Yard Parking: Didn’t secure an official pass? No worries one of the charming traditions of the Indy 500 is the enterprising locals in the town of Speedway. Many residents and businesses near IMS open up lawns, driveways, and improvised lots for parking on race day. As you get within a mile or so of the track, you’ll see signs and people flagging cars for parking. Typical cost ranges from $20 to $50 (cash is king, though some might take digital pay). The closer to the track, generally the higher the price (and the faster spots fill up). If you arrive later in the morning, you might have to park farther out and walk a bit. Pro tip: If you choose a yard or unofficial lot, note the exact street and house/business number. Take a photo of the location for reference. After the race, with crowds streaming out, it can be disorienting finding the exact yard where you left your van! Also, don’t block driveways or alleys when you park use only clearly designated spots. The Speedway homeowners are pretty organized and often will guide you; this “Hoosier hospitality” is key to hosting such a huge event.
Park-and-Ride Shuttles: Another strategy is to park away from IMS and shuttle in. The Speedway offers official Park & Ride shuttle service from two main locations: the Indianapolis Airport (IND) and Gate Ten Events & Parking in downtown. If you have a smaller vehicle or want to avoid driving into the immediate Speedway area, you can park at these sites for a fee and take a shuttle bus directly to the track. For example, the Gate Ten Events & Parking lot (near Lucas Oil Stadium downtown) offers race day parking (approx. $20) and is an official shuttle pickup spot. The round-trip shuttle ticket is about $50 per person (all ages need a ticket). Shuttles from both downtown and IND run in the morning from ~7:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., continuously ferrying fans. They drop off at the IMS Main Gate parking lot across from Gate 2 on 16th Street very convenient. After the race, return shuttles start when the race is nearing its finish (with a queue forming about the last 50 laps) and run until roughly two hours post-race. If you use the shuttle, be prepared for lines both going and returning but you’ll bypass the hassle of driving in traffic or finding a spot. Important: Shuttle tickets often sell out in advance (just like parking), so purchase them ahead of time through the IMS website if you plan to go this route.
Downtown & Other Parking: Some fans choose to stay outside the immediate Speedway area and either walk or rideshare in. Downtown Indianapolis is about 5-6 miles from IMS not walkable for the race, but you could park downtown (in a garage or lot) and then catch the shuttle or a Lyft from there. This could be a good idea if you plan to head out to dinner downtown after the race instead of sitting in traffic. Just remember downtown garages on Sunday morning will fill with parade and race fans too, albeit less intensely than Speedway itself. Another alternative: If you’re coming from the west or south, park at one of the I-465 exits (like in a shopping center lot with permission) and have someone drop the drivers near the track, then carpool back after. These improvised strategies can work for locals but are tricky for out-of-towners. In most cases, parking in someone’s yard near IMS or using the shuttle is the simplest choice if you don’t have an official pass.
Accessibility: If anyone in your group has mobility issues, plan accordingly. IMS does have designated ADA parking areas (with the proper state-issued placard) but these are also limited and usually must be arranged in advance. The official shuttle does offer ADA-accessible vans on request. Rideshare might drop closer for ADA guests as well. Check the IMS Plan Ahead Guide or contact IMS for the latest on accommodating disabilities. The key is to arrive early to snag convenient spots.
Local Transit, Rideshares & Other Options
While having your own vehicle is ideal for flexibility, there are other ways to get around during Indy 500 week. Here’s a breakdown of additional transportation options and how to make them work for your group:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Shuttle: As mentioned, the official IMS Race Day Shuttle is a convenient option if you don’t want to drive/park at the track. It runs from IND Airport (Ground Transportation Center) and from Gate Ten downtown, direct to IMS. Round-trip fare in 2025 was $50 (it may be around $60 in 2026) per person. School buses are used for the shuttle, and they even have ADA-accessible vans available on request. If you’re a smaller group or staying right by the airport or downtown, this is worth considering. Just get your tickets online ahead of time and plan for the shuttle schedule. The upside is you avoid parking headaches; the downside is you’ll need to stick to their timing and possibly wait in lines. Still, a stress-free ride in and out, especially for first-timers, can be well worth it.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and Taxis: Ride-hailing services are widely available in Indianapolis and will be operating on race day, but with significant caveats. IMS and local authorities designate specific drop-off and pick-up zones for rideshares to manage traffic. Uber/Lyft drop-offs are directed to the corner of 10th Street and Polco Street (just a few blocks from the track’s west entrance). Taxis typically use the same general area. On your approach, expect road closures your driver likely won’t get closer than the designated zone. After the race, follow the signs to the rideshare pickup area (and note that it may be a bit of a walk from your grandstand). Be prepared for surge pricing when ~300k people leave an event, fares jump high. Also, you may have a long wait or difficulty getting cell signal to meet your driver among throngs of riders. Our tip: If you have a smaller group and plan to Uber, try to leave a little before the race ends (if you can tear yourself away) or be patient until later in the evening when demand drops. For drop-off, aim to arrive super early (before roads close) or get dropped a bit farther away and walk. Rideshare is great for avoiding parking fees, but you sacrifice control over timing.
- IndyGo Public Transit: Indianapolis’s public bus system (IndyGo) does operate on race weekend, but options to the Speedway are limited. There is no direct train or rapid transit to IMS. In past years, a couple of IndyGo bus routes (like Route 25) got you in the vicinity of the track, but with race-day detours and crowding, it’s not the most practical for a group with coolers and gear. If you’re a solo traveler staying downtown or on the westside, you could take a bus part of the way and walk, but for most groups we don’t recommend relying solely on city buses for the 500 schedules are limited and you’d have to coordinate transfers amid road closures. If you do use IndyGo, note that the #8 bus runs from the airport toward downtown (useful if arriving on a budget), and some lines like #10 or #25 go west toward Speedway, but expect to walk the last mile or two.
- Biking to the 500: A growing tradition is “Bike to the 500”, an organized group ride to the track. In 2025, over a thousand cyclists participated. The ride usually starts downtown (the AMP at 16 Tech) on race morning and goes about 5 miles with a police escort to IMS. IMS provides bike parking outside Gate 1, 6, and 9, with a monitored bike compound available for a small fee. If your group is local or very fitness-inclined, this can be a fun and eco-friendly way to arrive you’ll bypass all car traffic! Just remember you’ll need to secure the bikes and obviously abstain from too much revelry before the ride back. For most out-of-towners this isn’t practical, but it’s a cool option if you have access to bikes.
- Charter Buses/Limos: Large corporate groups or those wanting a luxury experience sometimes hire charter buses or limousines. Many charter bus companies in Indy offer Indy 500 transport (often with parking permits included). If you have a really big group (20+ people), a private mini-bus might make sense it can pick you up at your hotel and handle all the logistics (for a hefty fee). Limo and car services also operate but book up quickly for race day. These options can drop off closer to the venue (some have special lot access). It’s a convenient but expensive route. If you go this way, ensure the provider is licensed for IMS drop-offs and clarify timing (some services might require you to leave right after the race to avoid overtime charges).
Bottom line: Indianapolis during the 500 offers many transit options, but each has pros/cons. For most visitors, renting your own vehicle gives the best mix of convenience and independence you can drive where you want, when you want. But if you do leave the driving to someone else, the IMS shuttle and rideshares are there as backup. Just plan ahead: snag shuttle tickets early, and know the pickup points and times for whatever option you choose. With a bit of coordination, you’ll get to the Speedway and back with minimal stress, ready to swap victory predictions with your crew along the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is by far the best and closest airport for the Indy 500. It’s the main airport serving the city and is located only about 11–15 miles from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. IND offers the most flights and has an on-site rental car center, plus it’s even a pickup point for the official race-day shuttle. Flying into alternate airports (Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati, etc.) will leave you with a 2-3 hour drive to Indy, so use those only if necessary. Most racing fans, teams, and attendees will be coming through IND because of convenience.
IMS is about 6 miles (10 km) west of downtown Indianapolis and roughly 11 miles (18 km) from IND Airport by road. In normal traffic, it’s a 15–20 minute drive from downtown and from IND. However, on race day these travel times increase dramatically. From the airport, plan for at least an hour drive on Sunday morning (even though it’s a short distance) due to heavy traffic and partial road closures near the track. From downtown, it might take 30–60 minutes to get to the Speedway on race morning, depending on your route and when you leave. Always allocate extra time it’s better to arrive early and soak in the atmosphere than be stuck in a jam hearing the cars start without you!
The best way is to drive or rent a car/van, since it gives you control over timing. The straightforward route is taking I-465 to Crawfordsville Road/Exit 16, which leads to IMS’s main entrances. If you’ve rented a van or SUV at the airport, you can load up your group and head out directly. Allow lots of extra time on race day morning leave as early as 6 or 7 a.m. if you can. As an alternative, IMS offers a shuttle bus from IND Airport on race day. You’d park at the airport, hop on the shuttle (ticket required, ~$50–$60 per person round-trip), and get dropped at the track without having to drive in traffic. This is convenient for solo travelers or small groups staying by the airport. Public transit from IND to Speedway is not practical (there’s no direct train or bus to IMS). Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) from the airport to IMS is an option for small parties it’s about a 15-minute ride without traffic, but on race day availability may be limited and prices surge.
If you have an official IMS parking pass, follow the instructions on your pass to the designated lot. Those are the closest spots (some are inside the track, some just outside) but they must be purchased in advance. On race day, there are no cash lots at IMS itself everything on IMS property is pre-sold and was likely sold out weeks prior. Don’t worry if you don’t have a pass: park in the Speedway neighborhoods surrounding the track. Residents and businesses will direct you to yard and garage parking spots for a fee (typically $20–$60 cash). Just drive toward the track and you’ll see plenty of signs and flaggers offering parking. Be prepared to walk a bit; the earlier you arrive, the closer you can park. Another option is to park downtown or at the Airport and use the shuttle for example, park at Gate Ten near downtown (for a fee) and take the official shuttle bus to IMS. This way you avoid the immediate chaos around the track. Handicap-accessible parking is available but limited if needed, contact IMS ahead of time for an ADA parking permit or use the shuttle’s ADA service. And no matter where you park, arrive early in the day for the best spot and expect a wait when leaving due to traffic.
Yes, strongly consider it. Renting a larger vehicle like a passenger van or 7-8 seat SUV is often the best choice for groups. It allows your whole party to travel together, which simplifies coordination and amplifies the fun (the road trip becomes part of the experience!). Economically, one rental van split among 5–12 people can be cheaper than multiple rental cars or a string of rideshares. You also get plenty of cargo space for coolers, chairs, and souvenirs key for a full day at the Speedway. Indianapolis is a very car-friendly city with ample parking in general, and driving a van/SUV is straightforward. During Indy 500 weekend, rental demand is high, so book your vehicle early to ensure availability. But having your own wheels gives you freedom to go from the hotel to the track, to restaurants, to anywhere on your schedule. For families and friends making an Indy 500 pilgrimage, a rental van keeps everyone together and in the spirit. Just designate a sober driver if you’ll be tailgating safety first!
Yes, there is an official shuttle service on Indy 500 race day. Indianapolis Motor Speedway operates round-trip shuttles from two locations: IND Airport and downtown (Gate Ten Events & Parking). These shuttles run frequently on the morning of the race and will take you to a drop-off point right outside the track (Main Gate area). You need to buy tickets (around $50-60 per person) ahead of time because they can sell out. Apart from the IMS shuttles, there isn’t much in the way of public transport directly to the track. IndyGo buses have very limited service that day and none go straight to IMS. If you’re staying downtown, you could take a ride to the shuttle pickup or even cycle with the “Bike to the 500” group. Rideshares and taxis are also available they’ll drop you a few blocks from the gates (at 10th & Polco) where a designated zone is set up. After the race, you can catch them at the same spot, though wait times will be long. In summary: plan on either driving yourself, taking the official shuttle, or using a rideshare/taxi to get to the Speedway. There’s no train or general public bus to the Indy 500.
How early should we arrive at the track on race day? A7: The earlier, the better! Veteran Indy 500 attendees will tell you that arriving before sunrise is not crazy at all. Gates open by 6:00 a.m. on race day for general admission and infield, and the parking lots even earlier (some at 5 a.m.). Many fans arrive between 5–7 a.m. to stake out spots, especially if they have GA tickets for the infield viewing mounds or want to tailgate. At an absolute minimum, plan to be in the Speedway area by 8 a.m. If you arrive after ~9 or 10 a.m., you’ll hit major traffic and could risk missing pre-race ceremonies (or at worst, the start of the race) if there are any delays. Early arrival not only avoids traffic but also lets you enjoy the pre-race atmosphere there’s a buzz in the morning with the souvenir stands, music, flyovers, etc. Plus, if you’re parking in an unofficial lot, you’ll have more choices available. Bottom line: treat it like an early tailgate party. Pack some breakfast or snacks, arrive at dawn, and soak in the excitement as the Speedway fills up around you. It’s all part of the Indy 500 experience!