Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
HOTEL · 8.5 km from circuit
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The Racing Capital of the World. The legendary 2.5-mile oval hosts the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400, and the Indianapolis Grand Prix on its 2.439-mile road course.
The Speedway is a 2.5-mile rectangle of four nearly identical left-hand corners joined by two long straights, and its simplicity is deceptive — the margins are tiny, the corners are taken flat in modern IndyCars, and the racing is decided by slipstreaming and track position. A yard of bricks remains at the start-finish line, the last of the surface that gave the place its nickname. Capacity runs to a scale nothing else in motorsport matches.
Race day at the Indy 500 is as much an American institution as a motor race, with traditions — the milk, the yard of bricks, the crowd on the morning of the race — that matter as much to regulars as the result. The infield is a venue in itself. Paid shuttles run from the airport and downtown and sell out well in advance, so book transport at the same time as tickets.
The Speedway held its first automobile race on 19 August 1909, drawing over twelve thousand spectators to a two-lap event. The original surface of crushed stone and tar broke up badly and the meeting was marred by crashes and deaths. The response was drastic: that autumn the entire track was repaved with 3.2 million bricks laid in sand and set with mortar, earning it the name that stuck — the Brickyard.
The first 500-mile race followed on 30 May 1911 in front of a crowd of around eighty thousand. Ray Haroun won in six hours and forty-two minutes at an average of 74.59 mph, taking a purse of $14,250. The Indianapolis 500 has been run at the Speedway ever since and remains among the largest single-day sporting events in the world.
8 curated properties, sorted by distance from the circuit
HOTEL · 8.5 km from circuit
Visit websiteHOTEL · 9.3 km from circuit
Visit websiteHOTEL · 9.5 km from circuit
Visit websiteBOUTIQUE · $$ · 11.6 km from circuit
Art deco gem in the Mass Ave district with in-house cinema and craft cocktail bar. The drive to Indianapolis Motor Speedway takes about 19 minutes (7.2 miles). Facilities include restaurant.
Visit websiteHOTEL · $$ · 11.7 km from circuit
The unofficial Indy 500 headquarters hotel, connected to the convention center downtown. The drive to Indianapolis Motor Speedway takes about 16 minutes (7.3 miles). Facilities include spa, pool, and restaurant.
Visit websiteHOTEL · $$ · 12.6 km from circuit
Art-filled downtown hotel with rooftop views, 18 minutes from the Brickyard. Facilities include art gallery, pool, and restaurant.
Visit websiteHOTEL · 29.0 km from circuit
Visit websiteBOUTIQUE · $$ · 34.9 km from circuit
Industrial-chic boutique hotel with craft cocktails, a popular base for Indy 500 VIPs. The drive to Indianapolis Motor Speedway takes about 28 minutes (21.7 miles). Facilities include restaurant and bar.
Visit websiteNearest Airport: Indianapolis International Airport (IND) — approximately 16 km from the circuit
IMS runs paid round-trip race-day shuttles from Indianapolis International Airport and a downtown pickup point, dropping off across from Gate 2. These sell out well ahead of the Indy 500, so book early. Parking at the shuttle lots is $20 per vehicle.
Hotels near Indianapolis Motor Speedway typically sell out 6-12 months before major race weekends, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix. For the best rates and widest selection, book as soon as race dates are officially confirmed. Early bookers can save 30-50% compared to last-minute rates.
Expect to pay $300-800+ per night during race weekends, compared to $120-250 during off-peak periods. Properties within 5km of the circuit command the highest premiums. Consider hotels in Indianapolis centre for better value — the slightly longer commute is offset by lower rates, more dining options, and a livelier atmosphere in the evenings.
Flexible cancellation policies are worth the small premium — race weekends can be rescheduled. Many hotels near Indianapolis Motor Speedway offer free cancellation up to 48-72 hours before check-in during race weekends.
Visiting Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a race weekend? Here are essential tips to make the most of your trip to Indianapolis, Indiana. The circuit holds up to 257,325 spectators, so plan for large crowds on race day.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The nearest airport (IND) is approximately 16 km away. Most hotels near the circuit are within a 5-30 minute drive.
We recommend browsing all 8 curated properties above to find the best match for your budget, travel style, and race weekend plans. Each property has been selected for its proximity to the circuit and quality of service.
Expect to pay $300-800+ per night during major race weekends at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, compared to $120-250 during off-peak periods. Booking 6-12 months in advance typically secures the best rates.
Yes, Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides parking facilities for race weekend visitors. Parking fills up quickly on race day — arriving before 8am is recommended. Many visitors prefer to book hotels with parking included.
For the best rates and availability, book your accommodation 6-12 months before the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hotels within 10km of the circuit sell out first.