Indianapolis 500 race day travel choices: on-site parking sold out, shuttles, bikes and rideshares detailed

Parking sells out early as Indianapolis 500 organizers urge fans to plan transportation in advance

Indianapolis Motor Speedway has sold out on-site Race Day parking and camping for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026. With demand trending ahead of last year and large attendance expected, organizers are advising spectators to finalize transportation plans well before Race Day and to arrive early.

The sellout does not prevent access to the event, but it changes the calculus for thousands of ticket-holders who typically rely on Speedway-managed lots. The Speedway’s plan for Race Day emphasizes four alternatives: neighborhood parking, bicycling options, rideshare and a paid shuttle program.

Neighborhood parking remains a major fallback around the Speedway

Parking in the neighborhoods and commercial areas surrounding the track has long been a core part of Race Day logistics. Residents and businesses in Speedway and nearby communities commonly open private yards and lots to paying visitors. While this approach expands capacity beyond Speedway-controlled inventory, availability, pricing and walking distance can vary block to block. Drivers using neighborhood parking should expect heavy congestion near the track and plan extra time for the final approach and the walk to an entry gate.

Bike-to-the-500 group ride and bike parking provide a traffic-avoidance option

For spectators who can cycle, the escorted “Bike to the 500” commute returns for its 11th year with a police-escorted ride from the AMP at 16 Tech to the Speedway. The commute is listed as five miles, with two departure times: 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Eastern on Race Day.

• Group ride start: AMP at 16 Tech
• Departure times: 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. ET
• Bike parking locations: outside Gates 1, 6 and 9

Separate from the group ride, limited valet bike options are planned near Gate 1 and Gate 2 for cyclists who are not participating in the escorted commute. Bicycles are not permitted inside the gates, so riders should plan to use the designated parking areas.

Rideshare and taxi drop-off locations are fixed on Race Day

For fans using app-based rideshare services or taxis, pickup and drop-off procedures are structured to manage post-race traffic and keep vehicles away from the most congested perimeter roads. On Indianapolis 500 Race Day, the designated rideshare and taxi location is at the corner of 10th Street and Polco Street for both drop-offs and post-race pickups.

On Race Day, rideshare and taxi drop-off and pickup are designated for the corner of 10th Street and Polco Street.

Paid Race Day shuttles run from the airport and downtown, with separate parking fees

The Speedway’s round-trip shuttle program uses school buses and operates from two staging points: Indianapolis International Airport (1904 S. High School Road) and a downtown location (402 Kentucky Avenue). Shuttles begin running at 7:00 a.m. ET and continue until 12:30 p.m. ET, with return service beginning with 50 laps remaining and continuing for two hours after the checkered flag.

• Origins: Indianapolis International Airport and downtown (402 Kentucky Avenue)
• Drop-off/pickup at IMS: Main Gate parking lot across from Gate 2
• Operating window (to IMS): 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET
• Parking fees at shuttle origins: $20 per vehicle (separate from shuttle pass)

Organizers note that every rider, regardless of age, must have a shuttle pass. ADA-accessible vans with ramps are planned for shuttle customers who need mobility assistance.