Last updated: October 24, 2026 · By Ronen, Stay Near The Venue
The Indianapolis 500 is one of the biggest single-day sporting events anywhere, and race weekend fills hotels across central Indiana. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway sits in the town of Speedway, about 4 miles west of downtown Indianapolis. Where you stay decides how you’ll handle race-morning traffic. This guide covers the best areas, real hotels with their distances to the track, and the official IMS shuttle, rideshare and parking details for the 2027 race.
Quick answer: The closest hotels are on the Speedway/west side, about 2–3 miles from IMS (the Courtyard Indianapolis West-Speedway is about 2 miles away). Downtown Indianapolis, about 4–4.5 miles away, has the most hotels and the official downtown shuttle. Airport-area hotels are about 3–5 miles away and close to the airport shuttle lot. Carmel and Fishers are quieter, family-friendly suburbs about 10–15 miles out.
Top hotel picks at a glance
| Hotel | Location & highlights | |
|---|---|---|
| Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis West-Speedway | 6315 Crawfordsville Road, about 2 miles (an 8-minute drive outside race traffic). It’s one… | Check price |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Indianapolis W – Airport Area | about 2.7 miles. Free breakfast and a west-side location between the track and the… | Check price |
| Candlewood Suites Indianapolis Downtown Medical District | about 2.5 miles, between the Speedway and downtown. Kitchen suites work well for longer… | Check price |
| JW Marriott Indianapolis | about 4.1 miles, at White River State Park. A large upscale hotel near the… | Check price |
| Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union Stn | about 4.5 miles, in the historic Union Station, a short walk from the downtown… | Check price |
| Hyatt Regency Indianapolis | about 4.4 miles, on Washington St across from the Statehouse. Big rooms and a… | Check price |
| Staybridge Suites Indianapolis Downtown-Conv Ctr | about 4.3 miles. Suites with kitchens and free breakfast suit families and crews splitting… | Check price |
| Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Airport | about 4.9 miles. Near the official airport shuttle lot and handy if you’re flying… | Check price |
Prices change daily – tap “Check price” for live rates on your dates.
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Compare live prices: See hotels near Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Hotel map: live prices near Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indy 500 2027 date: Sunday, May 30 – book early
The 111th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 30, 2027, on Memorial Day weekend, per IndyCar’s 2027 schedule. Other IMS dates that month include the Sonsio Grand Prix on the road course (Saturday, May 15) and qualifying weekend (May 22–23). The Speedway lists the Indy 500 event period as May 18–30, 2027. Hotels within reach of the track often set multi-night minimums and higher race-weekend rates. Book a free-cancellation room now and check prices again in spring.
Best areas to stay for the Indianapolis 500
| Area | Distance / walk time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Speedway / west side | About 2–3 miles | Shortest trip, fans focused on the race |
| Downtown Indianapolis | About 4–4.5 miles | Most hotels, nightlife, official downtown shuttle |
| Airport area | About 3–5 miles | Fly-in fans, official airport shuttle, value |
| Carmel | About 10–11 miles | Families, quieter suburb, Arts & Design District |
| Fishers | About 14.5 miles | Value, suites, easy I-69/I-465 access |
Closest hotels to the Speedway
- Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis West-Speedway – 6315 Crawfordsville Road, about 2 miles (an 8-minute drive outside race traffic). It’s one of the closest hotels to IMS, with an indoor pool and free self-parking. A practical pick for race fans.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Indianapolis W – Airport Area – about 2.7 miles. Free breakfast and a west-side location between the track and the airport suit early starts on race morning.
- Candlewood Suites Indianapolis Downtown Medical District – about 2.5 miles, between the Speedway and downtown. Kitchen suites work well for longer stays covering practice and qualifying.
Downtown Indianapolis (with the official shuttle)
- JW Marriott Indianapolis – about 4.1 miles, at White River State Park. A large upscale hotel near the downtown shuttle lot on Kentucky Avenue. Good for groups who want restaurants and bars on site.
- Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union Stn – about 4.5 miles, in the historic Union Station, a short walk from the downtown shuttle parking at 402 Kentucky Ave. A fun, central base for first-timers.
- Hyatt Regency Indianapolis – about 4.4 miles, on Washington St across from the Statehouse. Big rooms and a central location for race-weekend nightlife.
- Staybridge Suites Indianapolis Downtown-Conv Ctr – about 4.3 miles. Suites with kitchens and free breakfast suit families and crews splitting the cost.
Airport area and suburbs (best value and for families)
- Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Airport – about 4.9 miles. Near the official airport shuttle lot and handy if you’re flying in and out of IND.
- Holiday Inn Indianapolis Carmel – about 10.4 miles. A quieter suburban base for families, with Carmel’s restaurants nearby and a drive or rideshare to the track.
- Staybridge Suites Indianapolis-Fishers – about 14.5 miles. Spacious suites with kitchens, often cheaper than race-weekend rooms closer in.
Distances are approximate straight-line figures from IHG, Hotels.com and Travelocity listings. On race morning, plan for far longer travel times than these distances suggest.
Getting there, shuttles & parking
- Official shuttles: Per the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, shuttles run from Indianapolis International Airport (1904 S High School Road) and a downtown shuttle parking lot (402 Kentucky Avenue). They drop off and pick up at the Main Gate lot across from Gate 2, near 16th St and Polco St. Buses run from 7:00 a.m. ET until about the green flag (around 12:30 p.m.). Return buses start with 50 laps to go and run until two hours after the checkered flag.
- Shuttle passes and parking: Everyone needs a pass, regardless of age, and passes are not sold on race day. Parking at either shuttle lot costs $20 per vehicle and isn’t included in the pass. Downtown accepts cash or credit; the airport accepts credit only. Both lots open at 6 a.m. ADA vans with ramps are available.
- Rideshare and taxis: On race day, drop-off and pickup are at 10th St and Polco St. Taxis can pick up there only after the race.
- IMS parking: Official race-day parking and camping sell out early. IMS said they sold out in early March for the 2026 race. Residents and businesses in Speedway also sell yard and lot parking on race day.
- Bike to the 500: A police-escorted ride of about 5 miles leaves from the AMP at 16 Tech. Bike parking is outside Gates 1, 6 and 9.
Tips for Indy 500 weekend
- Buy shuttle passes or IMS parking as soon as they go on sale. Neither is sold on race day.
- Downtown hotels near Kentucky Ave/Union Station let you walk to the downtown shuttle lot and skip the $20 parking fee.
- Expect multi-night minimums around Memorial Day weekend. Check the cancellation terms before you book.
- Leave very early. Traffic around Speedway builds hours before the green flag.
- Carmel and Fishers are best if you’re driving and want a quieter stay. Leave extra time for I-465.
FAQ
When is the 2027 Indianapolis 500?
The 111th Indianapolis 500 is on Sunday, May 30, 2027, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Qualifying is May 22–23.
Are there hotels within walking distance of IMS?
Very few. The closest branded hotels, like the Courtyard Indianapolis West-Speedway, are about 2 miles away. Most fans drive, use rideshare or take the official shuttle.
Is there a shuttle from downtown Indianapolis to the Indy 500?
Yes. IMS runs paid shuttles from a downtown lot at 402 Kentucky Avenue and from Indianapolis International Airport to the Main Gate lot across from Gate 2. Buy your pass in advance.
Where do rideshares drop off for the Indy 500?
On race day, Uber, Lyft and taxis use the corner of 10th St and Polco St. On other May days, rideshares use Lot 3P.
Is it better to stay downtown or near the Speedway?
Downtown has far more hotels, restaurants and nightlife, plus the shuttle. West-side hotels are closer but have few amenities. On race day, most fans find downtown plus the shuttle the least stressful option.
More venue guides
- Daytona 500 2027: where to stay
- Kentucky Derby 2027 hotels in Louisville
- US Grand Prix 2027 Austin hotels
- Miami Grand Prix 2027 hotels
- Hotels near Ford Field for the Final Four 2027
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We start at the venue and work outward: walking time, shuttle and transit options first, then guest review scores and value for money. Hotels can’t pay to be listed. Some links are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability change daily, so always check live rates before you book.
