Traveling from Clayton to Hammond covers a 156.9-mile stretch that typically takes about 3 hours and 8 minutes to complete. Because this journey is well within a single day’s driving range, you can easily handle it in one go without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via I-65 and the Borman Expressway, making this a straightforward, efficiency-minded trip across Indiana. With an estimated fuel budget of $21, it remains a budget-friendly option for those crossing the Midwest. Whether you are heading north for business or a change of scenery, the route is designed for those who prefer a direct path over wandering backroads.
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
78.4 miles from Clayton, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
119.3 mi
2h 9m
South Lebanon Street
8.7 mi
13m
Borman Expressway
8 mi
10m
County Road 100 W
4.7 mi
7m
South State Road 39
4.3 mi
6m
North State Street
3.9 mi
5m
County Road 50 West
2.3 mi
3m
173rd Street
1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 119.3 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clayton, IN and Hammond, IN.
1
Start on this road
174 ft·18 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto Michigan Street
171 ft·9 sec·Michigan Street
3
Turn right onto SR 39
2.9 mi·4 min·South State Road 39
4
Turn left onto SR 39
0.2 mi·18 sec·SR 39
5
Turn right onto SR 39
1.4 mi·2 min·South State Road 39
6
Continue on SR 39
0.7 mi·1 min·South Cross Street
7
Turn left onto US 36; SR 39
0.4 mi·57 sec·West Main Street
8
Turn right onto SR 39
0.5 mi·42 sec·Urban Street
9
Continue on SR 39
4.7 mi·7 min·County Road 100 W
10
Continue on SR 39
3.9 mi·5 min·North State Street
11
Continue on SR 39
2.3 mi·3 min·County Road 50 West
12
Continue on SR 39
8.7 mi·13 min·South Lebanon Street
13
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·19 sec
14
Merge onto I 65; US 52
2.5 mi·2 min·I 65; US 52
15
Take the exit onto US 52
0.2 mi·15 sec·US 52
Exit 141Toward US 52 West
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·9 sec
17
Merge onto I 65
117 mi·2 hr 7 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
1.4 mi·2 min
Exit 259AToward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6
8.0 mi·10 min·Borman Expressway
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 2Toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward SR 152 North: Indianapolis BoulevardUse the slight left lane.
22
Turn straight onto SR 152
0.3 mi·33 sec·Indianapolis Boulevard
23
Turn left onto 173rd Street
1.0 mi·2 min·173rd Street
Use the left lane.
24
Turn right onto Columbia Avenue
0.2 mi·22 sec·Columbia Avenue
25
Arrive at destination
Columbia Avenue
Trip Plan
Planning for this 3-hour drive is simple since it only requires one planned stop to keep you refreshed. To avoid the heaviest traffic, try to time your departure to steer clear of peak commuting hours, as the highway-heavy nature of the route can lead to congestion. Because you will be spending the majority of your time on I-65, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting the interstate to keep your $21 estimate accurate. Flexibility is your biggest advantage on a trip this length, so feel free to adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected delays. My best tip is to use your single stop strategically near the midpoint to break up the long 119.3-mile stretch of interstate.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 78.4 miles from Clayton, IN, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.3 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 35 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.4 miles or 1h 37m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hammond, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clayton, 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 Clayton, IN
This is one driving day of about 156.9 miles and 3h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Clayton, 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 65 for about 119.3 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 155.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Michigan Street
Turn left onto Michigan Street
Navigation decision point
8
145.6 mi into trip|~2h 50m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago
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 259A
Toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago
8
155 mi into trip|~3h 3m in
Take the exit toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis Boulevard
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 2
Toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis...
8
155.2 mi into trip|~3h 4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 152 North: Indianapolis Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward SR 152 North: Indianapolis Boulevard
6
155.7 mi into trip|~3h 5m in|173rd Street
Turn left onto 173rd Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.53 one way
$49.06 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$26.93
$53.86
premium
$4.89
$30.19
$60.39
diesel
$5.61
$34.64
$69.28
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: 54.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.1
0
$16.47
$7.53
Efficient EV
39.2
0
$13.73
$6.28
EV Truck/SUV
62.8
0
$21.97
$10.04
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Clayton, IN
Late night
in Clayton on Tuesday
Local time
4:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hammond, IN
Late night
in Hammond on Tuesday
Local time
3:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
7 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
3h 8m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Indiana Dunes National Park
National Park
Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes for millennia. Wind and waves have shaped the land, leaving a rich mosaic of habitats along these 15 miles of Indiana coast. Over 50 miles of trails...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
$20
near mile 146
Park Closure: Partial Closures to Marquette Greenway Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
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 experience, as 81% of your journey is spent on major thoroughfares. You will settle into a steady rhythm quickly, highlighted by a long, uninterrupted 119.3-mile stretch on I-65. While the path begins on local roads like South Lebanon Street, the transition to high-speed interstate driving happens rapidly. This is a practical, utilitarian drive that prioritizes speed and efficiency over winding, scenic detours. Keep in mind that the character of the road remains consistent, offering a predictable environment that allows you to make good time as you head toward the Borman Expressway.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119.3 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and South Lebanon Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Michigan Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 156.9 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: near the start (Michigan Street): Navigation decision point; at 145.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 155 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Hammond is a Chicagoland city of some 76,000 people (2019) in Lake County, Indiana—bordering Chicago's Far Southeast Side. Most visitors will find themselves passing through or on business, but Chicagoans would do well to include it in a close-in Lake County day trip, if for no other reason than to get some good food, perhaps stock up on fireworks, and realize that Chicagoland doesn't stop at the state line!
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 8m. Total distance: 156.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 119.3 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Hammond, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Michigan Street): Navigation decision point; at 145.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 155 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Indiana Dunes National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Hammond, IN, but most travelers stay overnight.
