C-5 arylated 2/9-substituted pyrimido[5,4-b]indolizines were synthesized via palladium-catalyzed direct arylation. A variety of substituents on both pyrimido[5,4-b]indolizines and aryl/heteroaryl bromides are tolerated, providing rapid access to substituted pyrimido[5,4-b]indolizines in good to excellent yields.