Parking will be scarce at Indianapolis International Airport this week. Here's what to do.

John Tufts, Indianapolis Star
Updated ·5 min read

The Indianapolis International Airport is asking travelers not to be spooked this October by the record number of passengers during fall break who recently filled its parking lot to capacity.

On Friday — we're sure it being Friday the 13th is just a coincidence — a few unlucky passengers arrived at the airport to discover just about every space was taken due to fall break travel.

Airport officials are urging flyers this weekend to watch for posted signs on where to park and encouraging travelers to consider alternative forms of transportation to the airport, such as rideshare programs or having a friend or loved one drop them off at the terminal.

"The Indianapolis International Airport is anticipating peak periods when its parking availability will be full or scarce this weekend for Fall Break," a spokesperson for the airport said in a news release.

This October one for the record books, say Indianapolis airport officials

From Oct. 11– 16, Indianapolis TSA officials anticipate it to be the busiest week ever in the airport’s history, expecting travel to be 8% higher than the previous record set in October 2004.

Officials expect an average of more than 20,000 passengers to go through airport security screening daily during those six days, a news release stated.

And if you plan on flying out in the morning, officials recommend you arrive early. Approximately 21% of travelers Thursday through Monday will fly before 6 a.m., according to the release.

Early morning flights, 4 a.m. – 6 a.m., are the most impacted by the surge in travel, officials said, while late afternoon flights, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., are another peak time for travelers departing Indy.

Indianapolis Airport opens overflow parking: here's where that is.

Fortunately, the airport is offering travelers a solution: complimentary parking in the cellphone overflow lot, 8600 South Service Road, which sits roughly a mile away from the terminal.

Shuttle service was made available to transport passengers to the terminal, according to a social media post by airport officials.

To accommodate an influx of passengers, TSA checkpoint A and B will open at 3:30 a.m., according to the release.

Hoosiers can process through either TSA checkpoint and proceed to their gate, officials said, but be mindful: TSA PreCheck is only available on checkpoint A.

Chance airport encounter: The Golden Bachelor on the fly: Westfield fan gets a close encounter with the reality star

For passengers using rideshares, officials said those can be picked up in Zone A and B of the Ground Transportation Center while taxicabs can be hailed at the arrivals level outside the baggage claim area.

Those who have questions about airport parking can call the Parking Supervisor at 317-487-5017.

How early should I arrive at Indianapolis International Airport during fall break travel?

Hoosiers flying out of the Indy airport during fall break, officials said, are strongly urged to arrive two hours early, especially if they're leaving on early morning flights.

What parking lots are available at Indianapolis International Airport?

You can determine whether or not parking at the Indianapolis International Airport is full by visiting its website at: ind.com/parking.

Where can I park at Indianapolis International Airport?

There are several places to park at Indianapolis International Airport, which a multilevel parking garage close to the terminal, an economy lot with shuttle service to the terminal, valet parking and a cellphone lot, allowing a place for people to park until passengers have landed and claimed baggage.

Why is Indianapolis International Airport so busy this week?

Nonstop flights to Florida, officials said, are what's driving the surge in travel during Fall Break 2023, as Hoosiers are leaving the chill in Indiana air for warmer temperatures and fun and sun with family.

Airport officials recommend you do these things before leaving for the airport:

  • Always check flight status with the airline prior to arriving at the airport

  • Arrive a full two hours ahead of the departure time to get checked in, through security, and to the gate in plenty of time before boarding call.

  • Download the airline’s mobile app for all pertinent travel update.

  • Use a mobile boarding pass or print boarding passes ahead of time.

  • Download the MyTSA app for 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information, including helpful tips for preparing for security, including a searchable database of items that can and can’t go in checked or carry-on bags.

  • Pack smart – check for prohibited items and follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Learn more at: tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/refresh-your-memory-liquid-rules

Plan ahead before parking at Indianapolis International Airport

  • With record passenger traffic comes record parking volumes, and parking at IND is anticipated to go full during Fall Break.

  • Consider alternative forms of transportation, such as Uber and Lyft or having a loved one drop-off and pick-up at the airport.

  • For help determining parking options at IND, visit https://www.ind.com/parking.

  • The Economy Lot is a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers: ind.com/parking/economy-lot

  • For a contactless parking experience at IND, register for the free parkIND plus program ind.com/parking/parkind-plus-program

  • Valet parking offers the closest proximity to the pedestrian walkway to the terminal. To learn more, visit ind.com/parking/valet

Soaring highs: Here's what's fueling Indianapolis Airports record-breaking passenger highs

John Tufts covers evening breaking and trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Parking at Indianapolis International Airport will be scarce this week