Indianapolis Is at the National Average. Midway Is $80 Cheaper.

Indiana has one airport in the national top 100 for passenger volume, and it sits squarely in the middle of the national pack for domestic airfare costs. Only In Your State analyzed recently released Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, and Indianapolis International Airport (IND) came in at an average of $392.27 per domestic ticket in 2025—ranking 49th most affordable nationally.

That's $5.27 above the national average of $387—essentially a wash. Indianapolis isn't an expensive airport, but it's not a bargain either. The more interesting story for Indiana travelers might be the options that lie just outside the state's borders.

The Regional Alternatives Worth Knowing

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), roughly 180 miles north of Indianapolis via I-65, averaged $312.18 in 2025—ranking 9th most affordable nationally. That's $80.09 cheaper per ticket than flying out of Indianapolis. For a family of four, that gap adds up to over $320 on a single round trip.

Chicago O'Hare (ORD) averaged $374.28, ranking 37th—still $18 cheaper than Indianapolis and offering a much wider range of nonstop routes to destinations nationwide and internationally.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), about 115 miles from Indianapolis, averaged $380.58—ranking 42nd nationally. That's closer in price to Indianapolis, but the route options and timing might justify the drive for some travelers.

Indianapolis as a Departure Point

For most Indiana residents, Indianapolis International is the practical choice—centrally located, 39th by passenger volume, and sitting right at the national fare average. Holding the 49th spot for affordability, it remains a genuinely competitive option for a mid-size market.

But Indiana's position in the Midwest means that two of the nation's more affordable major airports are within a reasonable drive. That geographic advantage is worth factoring in when a trip is important enough to justify a little flexibility on which airport you use.

Factoring in the Hidden Costs of the Drive

Before jumping into the car, travelers should weigh the math behind the savings. While saving $80 to $320 per trip on airfare at Midway or O'Hare is tempting, driving 360 miles round-trip introduces expenses like highway tolls, gas, and extended airport parking rates. Longer drives also mean building in extra travel time for unpredictable traffic delays near major metro areas.

For a family or a group booking multiple tickets on the same itinerary, the math almost always works out in favor of making the drive. However, solo travelers or business flyers taking short weekend trips may find that the convenience, proximity, and ease of navigating Indianapolis International outweigh a modest price difference.

This data reflects 2025 averages from the Department of Transportation, released in May 2026. Smart booking habits—booking early, staying flexible on dates, and comparing nearby airports—can help Indiana travelers make the most of a solid regional airfare landscape.

To get the most from your next departure, explore how to find cheap flights and unexpected ways to cut travel costs to help stretch your budget further once you've already got a head start.

To see how every major airport in the country compares—plus the full methodology behind the data—explore the complete U.S. Airport Cost Rankings for 2026.