Trip from Burns Harbor, IN to Indianapolis, IN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 40m

Distance

160.1 mi

258 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min

4 AM

2h 30m ★

6 AM

2h 40m

8 AM

3h 1m

10 AM

2h 48m

12 PM

2h 45m

3 PM

2h 49m

5 PM

3h 0m

8 PM

2h 34m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Burns Harbor, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 160.1-mile drive from Burns Harbor, Indiana, to Indianapolis, Indiana, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $24, it's an economical journey. The route primarily utilizes local roads like 10th Street, W Street, and South Boundary Road, indicating a more involved, turn-heavy experience rather than a straightforward interstate cruise. You'll spend 0% of your time on highways, making this a true local exploration. Given its relatively short duration and dedicated local road profile, this trip is ideal for a single-day excursion within the Midwest region.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

80.1 miles from Burns Harbor, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
10th Street	—	—
W Street	—	—
South Boundary Road	—	—
North Loop Drive	—	—
George Nelson Drive	—	—
I 94 West	—	—
I 65	—	—
I 65 South	—	—

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: 10th Street — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Burns Harbor, IN and Indianapolis, IN.

Start on R Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · R Street

Turn left onto 10th Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · 10th Street

At the end of the road, turn right onto W Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · W Street

Continue on South Boundary Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Boundary Road

Turn right onto North Loop Drive

0.2 mi · 42 sec · North Loop Drive

Turn left onto George Nelson Drive

0.5 mi · 1 min · George Nelson Drive

Continue straight

1.6 mi · 2 min

Take the ramp slight right toward I 94 West: Chicago

0.4 mi · 51 sec · I 94 West: Chicago

Merge slight left

5.9 mi · 7 min

Take the exit slight right toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis

0.6 mi · 52 sec · I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis

Keep slight left to continue on I 65 South, I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Indianapolis, Chicago

0.1 mi · 10 sec · I 65 South, I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Indianapolis, Chicago

Keep slight left to continue on I 65 South: Indianapolis

0.5 mi · 1 min · I 65 South: Indianapolis

Merge slight left onto Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway

130 mi · 2 hr 21 min · Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway

Keep slight left

15 mi · 19 min

Take the exit slight right toward Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street

0.4 mi · 45 sec · Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street

Continue on North West Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · North West Street

Turn slight left onto Indiana Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Indiana Avenue

Turn right onto North Capitol Avenue

0.2 mi · 44 sec · North Capitol Avenue

Turn left onto West Market Street

0.2 mi · 36 sec · West Market Street

At the end of the road, turn right

256 ft · 28 sec

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

For this 160.1-mile journey, consider an early morning departure from Burns Harbor to maximize your daylight and minimize potential local traffic. With a duration of about 2 hours and 40 minutes and a $24 fuel cost, it's a straightforward trip without the need for overnight stops. The route's "turn-heavy local drive" profile means keeping your navigation active is key, so ensure your GPS is set before you leave. Plan for one stop, perhaps midway, to stretch your legs or grab a quick bite, but don't feel rushed given the manageable distance.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 80.1 miles from Burns Harbor, IN, or about 1h 20m into the drive.

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 35 miles or 35m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 80.1 miles or 1h 20m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 11m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Indianapolis, IN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Burns Harbor, 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 Burns Harbor, IN

This is one driving day of about 160.1 miles and 2h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Burns Harbor, 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.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

West Lafayette, IN

80 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Chicago, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

West Lafayette, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 80.1 miles from Burns Harbor, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

The Capital Grille

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Very expen mile 160.1

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+13174238790

Visit website

Five Guys

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Indianapolis, Indiana

0.1 mi

Petra Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

0.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 160.1

Hours: 8:30 am–7 pm

+14632022117

Visit website

Georgia Street Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

0.3 mi

Kaffa Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

1.5 mi

The Capital Grille

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Very expen mile 160.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+13174238790

Visit website

Five Guys

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 160.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+13173533422

Visit website

Petra Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 160.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+13176023535

Visit website

Trish's Red Bird Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 102.9

Dayton, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm

+17652966964

Visit website

Siam Square

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 160.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13176368424

Visit website

Namaste Biryani Indian Restaurant (Takeout/Delivery)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 160.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+13176696848

Visit website

Delhi Palace Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 160.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm

+13179551700

Visit website

Hongkong Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 160.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13179518882

Visit website

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 160.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 8:30 am–7 pm

+14632022117

Visit website

Georgia Street Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13173719949

Visit website

Kaffa Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 22.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+12192132613

Visit website

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 22.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 22.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12193108078

Visit website

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 22.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12193233948

Visit website

Wanderlust Coffee Roasters

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 91.5

West Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+17657753377

Visit website

Founders Grounds Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 160.1

Speedway, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+13179815358

Visit website

Indy with Kids

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 160.1

Indianapolis, IN

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13174555289

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.03 one way

$50.06 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$27.48	$54.96
premium	$4.89	$30.81	$61.62
diesel	$5.61	$35.35	$70.70

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 56 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	48	$16.81	$7.68
Efficient EV	40	$14.01	$6.40
EV Truck/SUV	64	$22.41	$10.25

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Burns Harbor, IN

Night in Burns Harbor on Saturday

Local time

9:48 PM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indianapolis, IN

Night in Indianapolis on Saturday

Local time

10:48 PM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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 later

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

11 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

2h 40m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a "turn-heavy local drive" for the entire 160.1 miles, as this route has a 0% highway share. There isn't a "longest stretch" specified, suggesting frequent intersections and changes in direction. This means you'll be navigating through towns and various local road segments rather than cruising on a high-speed highway. The character of the drive will likely involve a steady pace with frequent adjustments, offering a close-up view of the Indiana landscape as you make your way south.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Main road: 10th Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

1/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Burns Harbor, IN to Indianapolis, IN is easy. At 2h 40m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Burns Harbor, IN to Indianapolis, IN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

About the Cities

Arriving in Indianapolis, IN

Full guide →

Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and also the state’s largest city. Efforts to beautify and modernize the city have brought Indianapolis into the 21st century as a world-class destination for everything from business meetings and trade conventions to backpackers making their way across the States. Indianapolis is widely hailed as the "Racing Capital of the World" because of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400 at the Brickyard, and as the "Amateur Sports Capital of America" for hosting the NCAA Hall of Champions. The city has several attractions outside of sports, including museums, a large zoo, over 100 ethnic restaurants, several arts and historic districts, and a revitalized downtown. Although Indy has been mocked with the epithet "India-noplace", visitors will encounter a mix of a large metropolitan city and a simple Midwestern community.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 40m. Total distance: 160.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Burns Harbor, IN to Indianapolis, IN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Indianapolis, IN before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Burns Harbor, IN or browse trips ending in Indianapolis, IN.

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Trip from Burns Harbor, IN to Indianapolis, IN

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

The Capital Grille

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

The Capital Grille

Five Guys

Petra Cafe

Trish's Red Bird Cafe

Siam Square

Namaste Biryani Indian Restaurant (Takeout/Delivery)

Delhi Palace Restaurant

Hongkong Chinese Restaurant

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

Georgia Street Grind

Kaffa Cafe

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

Cafe Fresco

Smalltown Coffee Company

Wanderlust Coffee Roasters

Founders Grounds Coffee Company

Indy with Kids

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Burns Harbor, IN

Indianapolis, IN

1 hour later

11 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 40m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Indianapolis, IN

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Indianapolis, IN

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