The distance from Columbus to Indianapolis is 176 miles, with a 2h37m driving time. The best road trip stops on the Columbus to Indianapolis drive are Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House, Dayton and the Lewisburg Haunted Cave.
Finding things to do between Columbus and Indianapolis
The Columbus to Indianapolis drive connects the capitals of Ohio and Indiana. But there are plenty of things to do along the way.
In Columbus, a three day attractions pass covers most of the top sights. These include the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. For other Columbus experiences, try scavenger hunts, a town tour aboard the Trolley Pub and the Legoland Discovery Center.
The capital of Indiana marries big city energy with country charm.
Top attractions in Indianapolis include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Worthwhile Indianapolis experiences include a Fountain Square food tour and a walking tour around the city’s highlights.
Columbus to Indianapolis distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Columbus to Indianapolis is 176 miles. That makes for a driving time of around two hours and 37 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-70.
The best stops to add to a Columbus to Indianapolis road trip itinerary are Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House, Dayton and the Lewisburg Haunted Cave.
Columbus to Indianapolis drive: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House
In Springfield, Ohio, the Westcott House is a classic piece of Prairie-style architecture from Frank Lloyd Wright. It was designed for seeding machine magnate Burton Westcott, but was turned into apartments after Westcott’s death. This radically changed the interior, but strenuous efforts have been made to return it to the original design.
Tours of the house are available, and are best booked in advance.
Best stops between Columbus and Indianapolis: Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio, isn’t a massive city, but it has more than played its part in history. It was here that Orville and Wilbur Wright created the first plane capable of manned, sustained flight. The original Wright Cycle Company Shop that still stands is not where the Wright Flyer was made – that was a future incarnation of the company HQ – but it was home to their bicycle business.
In Dayton, you can also visit the SunWatch Indian Village, a recreated Native American village, and the National Museum of the US Air Force.
Columbus to Indianapolis road trip stops: Lewisburg Haunted Cave
The Lewisburg Haunted Cave bills itself as the world’s longest haunted house. Located 80ft below ground, this cave is supposedly home to more than 30,000 bats.
Tours of the Lewisburg Haunted Cave take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, and are hokey affairs with costumed actors. As long as you’re signing up for the schlock factor rather than wanting to admire cave decorations, it’s fun.
More Ohio road trips
- Road trips from Columbus, Ohio: Guides to the Columbus to Chicago drive, Columbus to Detroit drive, Columbus to Philadelphia drive and Columbus to Pittsburgh drive.
- Road trips from Toledo, Ohio: Guides to the Toledo to Chicago drive and Toledo to Detroit drive.
- Getting to Cincinnati: The best stops on the Columbus to Cincinnati drive, Louisville to Cincinnati drive, Nashville to Cincinnati drive and Pittsburgh to Cincinnati drive.
- Road trips from Cincinnati: Take on the Cincinnati to Chicago drive.
- Road trips from Cleveland: Guides to the Cleveland to Chicago drive, Cleveland to Detroit drive and Cleveland to Philadelphia drive.
