Union Station Train Hotel Indianapolis: Spend the Night in a Real Train Car

Have you ever wanted to sleep inside a real train car? Are you always looking for fun train activities for your kids? At Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station, you can actually book a hotel room inside an authentic Pullman train car parked permanently inside historic Union Station. For kids, it’s pure magic. For parents, it’s one of the most unique and memorable hotel stays you’ll ever experience. Plus, it’s one of the best hotels for kids in Indianapolis.

As a mom always on the lookout for fun, family-friendly adventures, this one had been on my bucket list for a while. My kids love trains, and the idea of sleeping in one—without it moving—was something I couldn’t resist. So, we packed our bags for a quick downtown staycation and checked in for an overnight that felt like both history and adventure rolled into one.

What Is the Train Hotel at Union Station?

The Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown sits inside the city’s original Union Station, a gorgeous historic building filled with ironwork, stained glass, and echoes of the golden age of railroads. Along one side of the hotel, actual Pullman train cars are permanently parked on the old tracks. Each car has been remodeled into a handful of guest rooms, giving visitors the rare chance to spend the night in a train car without ever leaving the station.

The rooms are named after people who were famous in the early 1900s. There are also white statues throughout the hotel depicting people from the 1900s, wearing clothing from the 1900s. These are known as ghost travelers or ghost figures. You’ll see them trying to catch the train, pass them as you get on the elevator, and see them as you wander the hotel.

It’s part history lesson, part themed hotel experience, and part cozy staycation—all under one roof.

Why It’s Great for Families

I’ll be honest: staying in a train car is smaller and a little quirkier than a traditional hotel room, but my kids thought it was the coolest thing ever. They went back and forth from bed to bed, peeked through the little train windows, and loved the idea that they were sleeping on a train “like people used to.” In my opinion, they are the perfect size for a family of 2-4 people, depending on how small your little ones are! But good news – you can reserve adjoining rooms if you have a large family!

The train car hotel rooms are available with two full beds or a single queen bed. You’ll also have a television on a dresser, a seating area with two chairs, a desk with a chair, a small bathroom with a bathtub/shower combo, a small coat closet, and an area with a small fridge and a Keurig machine. Each train has two rooms for a total of 26 train car rooms.

Beyond the Train Cars: The Hotel Experience

Even if you book a regular room, Union Station itself is worth experiencing. The lobby and common areas are stunning, with historic architecture and nods to the golden age of rail travel.

The hotel also offers:

• Fitness center – If you can sneak in a workout.
• On-site dining – Great for breakfast or a late-night snack.
• Event space – You may run into a wedding or convention while you’re there.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Book early. Train car rooms are limited and often sell out, especially around big downtown events.

The awesome train shed swimming pool was removed in the 2025 remodel.

Expect cozy quarters. If your family likes lots of space to spread out, you may prefer a traditional room at the hotel. The novelty of the train is in the charm, not the square footage.

Noise factor. You’re in an active hotel with events and conventions. Pack a sound machine or fan if you’re sensitive to hallway noise.

Accessibility. The train cars are stationary, but they do have stairs to climb. Ask about accessibility options if needed.

Price. Train car rooms usually run the same or slightly higher than standard Crowne Plaza rooms. Expect rates between $150–$250 a night, depending on season and events.

Things to Do Nearby

One of the biggest perks of staying at Union Station is the location. You’re steps away from some of the best attractions in Indianapolis:

• Lucas Oil Stadium – Football fans can practically see the Colts’ home field from the hotel.
• Victory Field – Catch an Indianapolis Indians baseball game in the summer.
• Indiana State Museum & IMAX – Great for families who love hands-on learning.
• Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens – A short drive or walk away.
• Monument Circle – Take an evening stroll through downtown.
• For dining, you’ve got everything from quick bites to fine dining within walking distance.
• A five-minute walk from the train hotel will put you at the Old Spaghetti Factory, where you can eat inside a trolley car! It’s one of the top kid-friendly restaurants in Indy.

Birthday Parties, Staycations, or Special Treats

The Union Station Train Hotel works for so many different occasions. If you have a train-obsessed child, booking a night here as a birthday surprise will absolutely blow them away. It’s also a fantastic option for a family staycation, since you can enjoy the feeling of being on vacation without ever really leaving town. When grandparents come to visit, this is a unique and memorable place for them to stay, and for couples, the train cars offer a quirky, cozy setting that makes for a romantic getaway unlike any other.

Tips From a Mom Who’s Been There

Pack snacks. Kids always want a bedtime treat, and the novelty of eating in a train car makes it even more fun.

• Bring entertainment. The train cars are cool, but after the excitement wears off, you may want a deck of cards or a family board game.
• Take photos. The architecture inside Union Station is stunning—get those family shots while you’re there.
• Plan nearby fun. Combine your stay with a trip to the zoo, museum, or ballgame for a full weekend adventure.

Our stay at the Union Station Train Hotel in Indianapolis was one for the books. My kids can’t stop talking about it, and honestly, I’m glad we finally checked it off our family bucket list. It’s not just a hotel room—it’s a little slice of history, an interactive experience, and the kind of memory you’ll laugh about for years to come.

If you’re looking for unique places to stay in Indianapolis, want a kid-friendly hotel with a twist, or just love the idea of sleeping inside a real train, put Union Station Train Hotel at the top of your list. Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that don’t even leave the station