This 336.4-mile journey from Bristol, Indiana to Evansville, Indiana is a solid day trip, estimated to take about 6 hours and 39 minutes. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 89% of the drive on interstates and major roads like I-69 and US-31. With a fuel cost estimated at $53, it’s an economical way to travel across Indiana. You'll be spending most of your time on the road, so plan for a full day of driving. This trip keeps you within the Midwest region, offering a consistent Hoosier State experience from start to finish.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
168.2 miles from Bristol, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 69
151.7 mi
2h 45m
US 31
99.1 mi
2h 4m
South Michigan Street
24.9 mi
29m
I 465
24.4 mi
28m
Saint Joseph Valley Parkway
19.3 mi
22m
East Lloyd Expressway
3.9 mi
4m
Shore Manor Drive
3.1 mi
4m
North Burkhardt Road
2.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 69
— 151.7 mi, about 2h 45m
Traffic on I-465
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 66 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~4,442 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,164
Quietest
2 AM
~364 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bristol, IN and Evansville, IN.
1
Start on SR 15
18 ft·8 sec·South Division Street
2
Turn left onto SR 120
0.9 mi·1 min·West Vistula Street
3
Continue on SR 120
3.1 mi·4 min·Shore Manor Drive
4
Turn left onto CR 17
2.2 mi·3 min·County Road 17
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·58 sec
7
Merge onto US 20
19 mi·22 min·Saint Joseph Valley Parkway
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward US 31 South: Plymouth, Indianapolis
9
Merge onto BUS US 31
25 mi·29 min·South Michigan Street
10
Merge onto US 31
0.9 mi·1 min·US 31
11
Turn slight right
512 ft·6 sec
12
Continue on US 31
85 mi·1 hr 44 min·US 31
13
Turn right onto East 226th Street
270 ft·10 sec·East 226th Street
14
Turn left
320 ft·50 sec
15
Continue on this road
320 ft·25 sec·this road
16
Turn right onto East 226th Street
270 ft·9 sec·East 226th Street
17
Turn right onto US 31
13 mi·17 min·US 31
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit onto US 31
0.6 mi·55 sec·US 31
Exit 123Toward I 465, US 31 SouthUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 465 WestUse the slight right lane.
20
Merge onto I 465
4.8 mi·5 min·I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 465
20 mi·23 min·I 465
Toward I 465 South
22
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 5Toward I 69 South: EvansvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 69
47 mi·53 min·I 69
Use the straight lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69
104 mi·1 hr 51 min·I 69
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·39 sec
Exit 10Toward Lynch Road
26
Turn slight right
153 ft·4 sec
27
Turn straight onto Lynch Road
498 ft·15 sec·Lynch Road
28
Turn left onto North Burkhardt Road
2.5 mi·4 min·North Burkhardt Road
29
Turn right onto SR 66
3.9 mi·4 min·East Lloyd Expressway
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward US 41 South
31
Merge onto US 41; SR 66
0.3 mi·33 sec·US 41; SR 66
32
Turn right onto East Walnut Street
0.7 mi·1 min·East Walnut Street
33
Turn right
332 ft·25 sec
34
At end of road, turn right
123 ft·9 sec
35
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour and 39-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Bristol, IN, to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With a fuel cost of around $53, it's wise to fill up before you leave. While this route is manageable in a single day, its longest stretch on I-69 is over 150 miles, so plan for at least one stop for fuel and a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially on I-69, as services can be spaced out between exits.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 168.2 miles from Bristol, IN, or about 3h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 151.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 74 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 168.2 miles or 3h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Evansville, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bristol, IN so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bristol, IN
This is one driving day of about 336.4 miles and 6h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Bristol, IN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 69 for about 151.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 26.2 and 175.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
26.2 mi into trip|~33m in
Take the exit toward US 31 South: Plymouth, Indianapolis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 31 South: Plymouth, Indianapolis
6
137.1 mi into trip|~2h 50m in|US 31
Turn right onto US 31
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
150.1 mi into trip|~3h 8m in|US 31
Take the exit onto US 31 toward I 465, US 31 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 123
Toward I 465, US 31 South
7
150.7 mi into trip|~3h 9m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 465 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 465 West
7
175.8 mi into trip|~3h 39m in
Take the exit toward I 69 South: Evansville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.93 one way
$111.86 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg118 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$60.92
$121.85
premium
$5.18
$68.64
$137.29
diesel
$5.35
$70.86
$141.71
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
100.9
1
$35.32
$16.15
Efficient EV
84.1
0
$29.44
$13.46
EV Truck/SUV
134.6
1
$47.10
$21.53
Gas CO2
118 kg
EV CO2
39 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jun 2, 2026
Origin
Bristol, IN
Afternoon
in Bristol on Wednesday
Local time
3:09 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Sunny
NE 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 2 at 12:17PM EDT until June 4 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Destination
Evansville, IN
Afternoon
in Evansville on Wednesday
Local time
2:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
NE 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 2 at 12:17PM EDT until June 4 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
85°F
Clermont, IN
168 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
5 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 39m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
National Historical Park
The British flag would not be raised above Fort Sackville Feb. 25, 1779. At 10 A.M., the garrison surrendered to American Colonel George Rogers Clark. His American army, aided by French residents of t...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 290
Abraham Lincoln grew from youth to manhood on this southern Indiana soil. Many character and moral traits of one of the world's most respected leaders was formed and nurtured here. Explore Lincoln's b...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 301.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, accounting for 89% of the total mileage. You'll be covering significant distances on I-69, including a longest uninterrupted stretch of 151.7 miles. While primarily on fast-paced interstates, the route also incorporates sections of US-31 and local roads like South Michigan Street, offering some variety. The drive is designed for efficient travel, with most of the journey on well-maintained highways.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 151.7 mi on I 69.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and US 31. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 26.2 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 336.4 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 26.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.1 miles (US 31): Lane positioning matters here; at 150.1 miles (US 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
891 ft383 ft
Total Climb
402 ft
Total Descent
792 ft
Highest Point
891 ft
~120.1 mi in
Elevation Range
508 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Bristol, IN to Evansville, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Indianapolis along the way.
Evansville is the largest city in Southern Indiana and the third-largest city in the state. It is the county seat of Vanderburgh County and the regional hub for the Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois tri-state area. In 2010, the city had a population of 117,000. In 2008 the Evansville metropolitan area was home to 350,000 people.
Top landmarks
•University of Evansville — private university in Evansville, Indiana, United States
•USS LST-325 — 1942 LST-1-class tank landing ship, later converted to a museum ship
•Masonic Temple — Masonic temple in Evansville, Indiana, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 39m. Total distance: 336.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 39m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 151.7 miles on I 69. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Evansville, IN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 26.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.1 miles (US 31): Lane positioning matters here; at 150.1 miles (US 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Evansville, IN before the return drive.
