If you’re traveling between Indiana and Illinois—especially using our GO Express Travel shuttle services—it’s helpful to know that you’ll be crossing time zones. Whether you’re catching a flight, heading home for break, or planning a weekend trip, understanding the difference between Eastern and Central Time can help you stay on schedule.
Let’s break down what you need to know about the time zone in West Lafayette, Bloomington, and Indianapolis—and how that impacts your ride to or from Chicago.
What Time Zone Is West Lafayette, Indiana In?
West Lafayette, home to Purdue University, follows Eastern Time (ET). That’s the same time zone observed by most of Indiana, including Lafayette, Bloomington, and Indianapolis.
While many people assume Indiana is split between Central and Eastern Time, only a few counties in the northwest and southwest corners of the state actually follow Central Time (CT). Tippecanoe County, where Purdue is located, is not one of them.
So if you’re catching our Lafayette Express shuttle service to Chicago, make sure to account for the one-hour time difference once you cross into Illinois.
What Time Zone Is Bloomington, Indiana In?
Bloomington, the home of Indiana University, is also located in Eastern Time. Monroe County does not observe Central Time at any point during the year.
That means our Bloomington Shuttle to Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and connections beyond—including Chicago—is running on Eastern Time.
If you’re traveling to Chicago, where Central Time applies, don’t forget to set your clock back one hour as you cross into Illinois.
Does Indianapolis Follow Eastern Time?
Yes. Indianapolis, and IND Airport, are also in the Eastern Time Zone.
Whether you’re booking a private car or riding with GO Express Travel to downtown Chicago, departures and arrivals in Indianapolis follow Eastern Time—while Chicago follows Central.
Why This Matters for Your Shuttle to Chicago
If you’re planning to take our Chicagoland Express from Indianapolis to Chicago or from West Lafayette to Chicago, you’ll be gaining an hour on the way there and losing an hour coming back.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
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Chicago is one hour behind Indiana.
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If your shuttle leaves West Lafayette at 7:00 AM ET, it arrives in Chicago around 9:00 AM CT (but that’s just 2 hours of travel time).
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On the return trip, that 9:00 AM CT departure from Chicago will get you back to Indiana by 1:00 PM ET.
It’s a small detail—but missing a shuttle, train, or flight due to a time zone slip-up is something no traveler wants.
Why Ride with GO Express Travel Instead of a Train or Rideshare?
Let’s face it—getting from Chicago to Lafayette, Indiana or Chicago to Indianapolis can be pricey and unpredictable when relying on rideshare apps or regional trains. Amtrak’s train from Chicago to Indianapolis, for example, runs only a few days a week, and rideshare pricing can surge unexpectedly.
GO Express Travel offers:
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Scheduled shuttle service with clear pickup points
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Private car service for more flexibility
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A more affordable alternative to taxis or rideshares
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Comfortable vehicles and professional drivers
Whether you’re traveling from Lafayette to Chicago, Indianapolis to Chicago, or Bloomington to IND, our service is designed to help you save money and stay on schedule—across time zones.
Final Tips for Cross-Time-Zone Travel
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Double-check departure and arrival times—especially if your trip includes a flight.
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Set your watch or phone to Eastern Time when in Indiana, and Central Time when in Chicago.
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Pre-book your ride with GO Express Travel so your spot is guaranteed, even during peak travel times around holidays or university breaks.
Ready to Book Your Ride?
Whether you need a scheduled shuttle to IND Airport, a private car service to Chicago, or a reliable way to connect from West Lafayette to downtown Chicago, we’ve got you covered. Book your shuttle or private ride now and travel with peace of mind—no matter the time zone.