A Local’s Tip for Getting In and Out of the Speedway
If you’re visiting Indianapolis for the Indy 500, welcome! The race is more than a sporting event here — it’s a tradition woven into the city for more than a century.
Every year, more than 300,000 fans descend on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The racing is unforgettable, but the logistics can feel overwhelming if it’s your first time.
Here’s one simple piece of advice that can make your day easier.
You can bring a small cooler (up to a 12-pack size) with snacks and drinks — just remember, no glass bottles are allowed.
Think About the Track Like a Map
Picture a line drawn down the middle of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from south to north.
Start in the short chute between Turns 1 and 2 and draw that line north to the middle of the straight between Turns 3 and 4.
That imaginary line divides the track into two halves: east and west.
When it comes to parking and traffic before and after the race, which side of that line you park on matters.
The East Side Is Your Friend (If You’re Staying at Rosslyn Retreat or anywhere East of the track)
If your goal is easy in and easy out, park on the east side of the track. I use the term, Easy, but understand the police are moving hundreds of thousands of people out of the track area.
Here’s why.
After the race, Indianapolis police carefully manage traffic flow on the streets surrounding the Speedway. Directional restrictions are enforced to keep traffic moving.
If you park on the west side, you may not be allowed to head north, south, or east on surface streets. Instead, you’ll often be routed west toward I-465 before you can head back north or south — which can add time and frustration if you’re staying on the east side of the city.
Parking on the east side makes it much easier to reconnect with routes leading toward downtown Indianapolis and the north side.
Plan Your Exit the Day Before
One of the best Indy 500 habits is thinking about your exit before the green flag drops.
A few local tips:
- Walk a little farther if it means easier access to an eastbound route
- Take note of nearby streets and intersections when you arrive
Neighborhood Parking – East Side
There’s a neighborhood just east of the track off Kessler Boulevard where homeowners open their yards for paid parking.
This works especially well if your seats are in:
- Southeast Vista (Turn 2)
- South Vista (south short chute)
Nearby gates include:
- Gates 2, 3, 4, and 12
From there:
- Walk south to 16th Street
- Turn right toward the track
- You’ll run into your gate
It’s safe — I’ve parked there for over 20 years.
Typical cost: $15–$20
Neighborhood Parking – North Side
Another great option is north of the track.
I use Falcon Drive off 34th Street, parking on streets like Evelyn or Patricia in residential yards.
From there:
- Walk to 30th Street
- You’ll be able to see the short chute between Turns 3 and 4
Nearby gates include:
- Gates 10, 11A, 11B, and 11C
There’s also a tunnel that provides access inside the track.
Typical cost: around $20
The Speedway has hosted this event for generations, and the traffic system works surprisingly well when you understand how it flows.
Enjoy the Day
The Indianapolis 500 is a full-day experience.
There’s plenty of pageantry and pre-race ceremony that’s part of the tradition, so plan to be at your gate by around 10:00 AM.
If you’re seated on the outside of the track, large video boards positioned across from your section make it easy to follow the race action.
When the checkered flag waves, thousands of fans make their way back through the surrounding neighborhoods — tired, sunburned, and smiling.
If you’ve planned your parking well, you’ll spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying the rest of your Indy weekend.
Staying in Indianapolis for the Indy 500
If you’re visiting for race weekend, choosing the right place to stay makes the experience even better.
Rosslyn Retreat is a personally hosted home in a quiet Indianapolis neighborhood, just a short drive from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and close to Broad Ripple restaurants, trails, and local favorites.
After a long day at the track, it’s the kind of place where you can relax, put your feet up, and replay the race highlights.
