Rev Up Your Summer - A Guide to the Indianapolis 500

Since 1911 the Indianapolis 500 has packed 200 laps, 500 miles and some 300,000 spectators into one day of speed and Americana on the 2.5‑mile oval locals still call “the Brickyard.” Here's everything you need to know about Indianapolis 500,“The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” and how to get there.

What actually happens on race day?

• 33 cars line-up for the most anticipated race of the year.

• Tradition - a fighter‑jet fly‑past and, for the winner, an ice‑cold bottle of milk.

• The 109 th running takes place Sunday, 25  May  2025. Gates open at 06:00 and the green flag is scheduled for midday local time.

Ticket tip: General‑admission race‑day credentials are the best way in. For 2025, IMS lists GA at US $50 when bought as part of a group parcel, with practice‑day access from just US $20 earlier in the week.

Getting there from Dublin - nonstop at last

Until now, attending the Indy 500 meant hopping off in Chicago or New York and grabbing a domestic flight to Indy. In May 2025 Aer Lingus changes the game with the first ever direct flight from Europe to Indianapolis International Airport (IND):

Route	Frequency	Flight time	Launch date	Lead‑in return fare*
Dublin (DUB) → Indianapolis (IND)	4 × weekly	~ 8 hrs	3 May 2025	from €249

*fare snapshot checked 13 May 2025; economy class incl. taxes & fees.(Aer Lingus)

Booking pointers

• Where to book: Head to the official Aer Lingus site or use the Aer Lingus app for real‑time fares and AerClub Avios.

• When to travel: Depart Thu  22  May and return Tue  27  May to catch Carb Day, Legends Day and the race itself; sample search shows return fares around €515 in Saver Economy with 10 kg carry‑on.

• Perks: U.S. Pre‑clearance in Dublin, complimentary meal & drinks on the Atlantic leg, and seamless onward connections if you decide to tag on Chicago, Nashville or Orlando before flying home.

Touchdown

Indianapolis International is a breeze, just a 20‑minute ride from downtown.

• IndyGo Route 8 city bus: €3.70 (US $4) daily fare‑cap, every 30 min., stops at Capitol Ave/Georgia St — a short stroll to most hotels.

• Uber/Lyft: budget US $30–35 to Monument Circle.

From downtown, the Speedway is just 5 km away. On race day the city lays on shuttle buses (pick‑up at the Indiana Convention Center) and rideshares use a dedicated traffic plan — allow at least an hour to navigate, as it'll be busy.

Making a long weekend of it

Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Thu 22 May	Arrive, Canal Walk & White River State Park	Tour Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (closes 17:00)	First US pint on Mass Ave gastro‑strip
Fri	Carb Day practice & pit‑stop contest	Free concert in the infield	Dine in Fountain Square
Sat	Legends Day driver autographs	Explore Newfields art & gardens	Eat at St. Elmo’s legendary steakhouse
Sun	109 th Indianapolis 500 (race start ~12:45)	Post‑race snake‑pit festivities	Collapse happy
Mon	Recover at Bottleworks Hotel Spa	Shop Irvington vintage	Evening flight DUB‑bound

Why Aer Lingus?

• Shortest path: The only nonstop link between Ireland and Indiana, cutting at least four hours off traditional routings.

• Irish‑style service: Cabin crews who make a mean cuppa mid-Atlantic.

• Connect & collect: Double Avios on economy transatlantic bookings booked before 20 May 2025 (check site T&Cs).

• Carbon‑smart: New‑generation Airbus A321 LRs burn up to 20 % less fuel than previous jets on the route.

With a new direct flight, a €50 hill‑seat and the promise of 800‑horsepower racing, the Indianapolis 500 is a long weekend you can board after breakfast at Dublin Airport and still make happy hour on Monument Circle - all you have to do is book your seat.

Prices and schedules correct at time of writing, 12  May 2025; always re‑check before purchase.