Carmel travel guide

Carmel Tourism | Carmel Guide

You're Going to Love Carmel

With a population of 79,191, Carmel is a must-see destination in Indiana, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Carmel deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Carmel

If you’re looking for affordable options, Mitchell's Fish Market - Carmel (14311 Clay Terrace Blvd., Suite 100) and Charleston's Restaurant - Carmel (14636 Greyhound Plaza) are great picks.

When to visit Carmel

Carmel in January
Estimated hotel price
$138
1 night at 3-star hotel
Carmel in January
Estimated hotel price
$138
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Carmel

Plane

Although Carmel doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Indianapolis Airport (IND), which is located 33 km from Carmel. Lafayette Purdue University is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Carmel departs from Orlando and takes around 2h 28m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Carmel. The train journey from Carmel to Alexandria takes 17h 56m and costs around $118 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Baltimore, expect to pay about $181 for a 19h 47m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Carmel is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 246 km from Carmel. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Carmel, including Tornado Bus, Amtrak and Greyhound. From Nashville, the bus ride to Carmel takes 274 km and will cost you around $120. From Chicago, the ticket costs about $88 for a journey of 330 km.

Plane

Although Carmel doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Indianapolis Airport (IND), which is located 33 km from Carmel. Lafayette Purdue University is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Carmel departs from Orlando and takes around 2h 28m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Carmel. The train journey from Carmel to Alexandria takes 17h 56m and costs around $118 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Baltimore, expect to pay about $181 for a 19h 47m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Carmel is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 246 km from Carmel. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Carmel, including Tornado Bus, Amtrak and Greyhound. From Nashville, the bus ride to Carmel takes 274 km and will cost you around $120. From Chicago, the ticket costs about $88 for a journey of 330 km.

Airports near Carmel

Airlines serving Carmel

Lufthansa
Good (4,670 reviews)
KLM
Good (844 reviews)
SWISS
Good (950 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,640 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,251 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,576 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (487 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,599 reviews)
Air France
Good (982 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,106 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,423 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,987 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (6,007 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (855 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (415 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,753 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (732 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,550 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,358 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Carmel

Most booked hotels in Carmel

Hotel Carmichael Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (9.2, 114 reviews)
$251+
Hyatt Place Indianapolis/Fishers
3 stars
Excellent (9, 353 reviews)
$169+
Staybridge Suites Indianapolis-Carmel
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 360 reviews)
$133+
Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Northeast/Fishers
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 146 reviews)
$172+
Wyndham Westfield
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 286 reviews)
$117+
Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis/Carmel
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 299 reviews)
$160+

Renting a car in Carmel

Renting a car in Carmel costs $70 per day, on average, or $140 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 3% cheaper than airport locations in Carmel.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Carmel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Carmel is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Nissan Versa Note or similar) are, on average, 69% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Carmel costs $70 per day, on average, or $140 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 3% cheaper than airport locations in Carmel.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Carmel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Carmel is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Nissan Versa Note or similar) are, on average, 69% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.