ThomasSchwarzmann

Need recommendations/suggestions for flights from SF bay area (SJC, OAK, SFO) to Indianapolis, preferably non-stop...have checked all possible online avenues and airlines but still not satisfied with options, hoping for as yet undiscovered possibilities

indyhiker

The only nonstop service I'm aware of is on United from SFO--which I'm assuming you're already aware of. Trust me, nonstop service to/from Indy is pretty limited in terms of destinations and flight choices.

tomfuller

Probably not what you want, but an option: Fly to Chicago (Midway or O'Hare) and then ride the El to downtown and get to Union station before 5:30 PM Central time. Take the Hoosier Amtrak train which arrives in Indianapolis about midnight Eastern time (5 hours on the train).

ThomasSchwarzmann

Hey Indy, I actually had not found that particular flight in all my searches...so your info really helps me out and if I go to Indy that'll be the flight - pressing my luck, and if you're familiar with that city, can you suggest places to go/things to see/eateries, with which I can distract myself during three days of conferences?

ThomasSchwarzmann

Just got your response, Tom - yea, I had entertained both your suggestion and also Southwest into MDW, then rental car for the approx. 3 1/2 hour drive to my destination - but the costs are about the same with all options and I'll probably spare myself the circuitous routes and wear/tear of anxiety and opt for just one, non-stop flight...but, hey, never hurts to consider all possibilities, thx

indyhiker

Great, Thomas. I assume it's still running. The service just started in January of this year. We used that flight to/from Indy/SFO in May. There was a delay going out, but it had nothing to do with United, although they did offer a voucher for our trouble. The return flight was just fine.

Is your conference in dowtown Indy? What time of year? If you let me know your hotel and dining/drinking preferences, I can offer some suggestions. Also, let me know if you mind a short walk to something. Downtown Indy if relatively safe if that helps (the rest of Indy, not so much).

indyhiker

Here's a thread from earlier this year to get you started, but I'm happy to add more specific suggestions based on where you're staying/when you're visiting. You'll see mention of St. Elmo's in this thread. I should add that it's not that I don't like the food, I'm just not a big fan of expensive steakhouses in general and in Indy, I prefer the Capital Grill at The Conrad Hotel, but if you do go to St. Elmo's, you must try to shrimp cocktail.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ngton-help.cfm

ThomasSchwarzmann

Indy: Indiana Convention Center/Lucas Oil Stadium - - June 3-6 --
not a lot of free time, but walkabouts help - sometimes a movie to shake my brain up - tend towards pub food, reuben sandwich, burger, salads -- not at all sure where I'll be staying other than within walking/bus distance of conference (up to 20-30minutes) - thx for thread info

indyhiker

I really like the restaurants on Mass Ave., a street that's on the east side of downtown. It might be a bit more of a walk from the convention center, but it's completely doable, especially in June. The area closer to the convention center, with a few exceptions, is replete with chain restaurants. They're okay, but nothing interesting. Shapiros is the only real true deli downtown. It's near Lucas. There's a movie theatre at the mall, also near the convention center.

ThomasSchwarzmann

starting early, but with your suggestions, I've got a good head start on planning. thank you.