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Trip from Covington, IN to Indianapolis, IN

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 34m

Distance

75.7 mi

122 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 28m ★
6 AM
1h 35m
8 AM
1h 49m
10 AM
1h 40m
12 PM
1h 39m
3 PM
1h 41m
5 PM
1h 49m
8 PM
1h 31m

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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Downtown Covington, IN, IN

Covington, IN

Owen.outdoors

Trip Overview

This 75.7-mile drive from Covington, Indiana to Indianapolis, Indiana, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect the trip to take about 1 hour and 34 minutes, making it an ideal option for a quick getaway or a commute. The majority of the route, 88% of it, is on Interstate 74, offering a consistent and efficient path. With a fuel cost estimated at $12, this drive is quite economical for a trip of its length. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, so you'll experience a familiar landscape throughout.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

37.8 miles from Covington, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 74 66.5 mi 1h 12m
Michigan Street 2.4 mi 4m
West 10th Street 1.5 mi 3m
West New York Street 1.1 mi 3m
Cossell Road 0.8 mi 1m
South Stringtown Road 0.7 mi 1m
11th Street 0.6 mi 1m
Liberty St 0.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 74 — 66.5 mi, about 1h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

118 ft · 13 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto 6th Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · 6th Street
3

Turn left onto US 136

0.4 mi · 1 min · Liberty St
4

Turn right onto 11th Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · 11th Street
5

Continue on South Stringtown Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Stringtown Road
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward I 74 East
7

Merge onto I 74

66 mi · 1 hr 12 min · I 74
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Exit 14 Toward 10th Street Use the slight right lane.
9

Turn left onto West 10th Street

1.5 mi · 3 min · West 10th Street
10

Turn right onto Cossell Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Cossell Road
11

Continue on Michigan Street

2.4 mi · 4 min · Michigan Street
12

Turn right onto North White River Parkway West Drive

0.3 mi · 50 sec · North White River Parkway West Drive
13

Turn left onto West New York Street

1.1 mi · 3 min · West New York Street
Use the left lane.
14

Turn right onto North West Street

508 ft · 24 sec · North West Street
Use the right lane.
15

Turn left onto West Ohio Street

0.3 mi · 50 sec · West Ohio Street
Use the left lane.
16

Turn right onto North Capitol Avenue

509 ft · 24 sec · North Capitol Avenue
17

Turn left onto West Market Street

0.2 mi · 35 sec · West Market Street
Use the left lane.
18

At end of road, turn right

257 ft · 28 sec
19

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the short 1 hour and 34 minute duration and 75.7-mile distance, this trip offers a lot of flexibility for when you choose to depart. You can easily make this a morning drive to arrive in Indianapolis by mid-day, or an afternoon trip to reach your destination before evening. Since there are no specific stops recommended, and the longest stretch is 66.5 miles, you'll likely only need one brief fuel or rest break if desired. Keep an eye on the transition from I-74 to Michigan Street and West 10th Street as you approach Indianapolis, as this is where the road character changes from highway to urban streets.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 37.8 miles from Covington, IN, or about 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.5 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 17 miles or 22m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 37.8 miles or 44m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 13m

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 Covington, IN so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Covington, IN

This is one driving day of about 75.7 miles and 1h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Covington, IN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 74 for about 66.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Clermont, IN, IN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Clermont, IN

38 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

Crawfordsville, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jamestown, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 37.8 miles from Covington, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 74 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66.5 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

The Capital Grille

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.1 mi from route Very expen

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

Best coffee break · home stretch

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 8:30 am–7 pm

+14632022117

Visit website

Georgia Street Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

0.3 mi

Founders Grounds Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Speedway, Indiana

0.6 mi

The Capital Grille

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route Very expen

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+13174238790

Visit website

Five Guys

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+13173533422

Visit website

Petra Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+13176023535

Visit website

3 Agaves Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13177572620

Visit website

Siam Square

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

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

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+13176696848

Visit website

Delhi Palace Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm

+13179551700

Visit website

Hongkong Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13179518882

Visit website

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 8:30 am–7 pm

+14632022117

Visit website

Georgia Street Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13173719949

Visit website

Founders Grounds Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Speedway, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+13179815358

Visit website

The Joshua Cup

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Crawfordsville, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+17652305413

Visit website

1832 Brew Espresso Bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Crawfordsville, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+17653616428

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Veedersburg, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Crawfordsville, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Indy with Kids

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Indianapolis, IN

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13174555289

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 2 and 75.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the ramp toward I 74 East

Navigation decision point

Toward I 74 East
7
68.7 mi into trip | ~1h 18m in

Take the exit toward 10th Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 14 Toward 10th Street
6
75 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | North West Street

Turn right onto North West Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
75.1 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | West Ohio Street

Turn left onto West Ohio Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
75.4 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in | West Market Street

Turn left onto West Market Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$11.83 one way

$23.67 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 27 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $12.99 $25.99
premium $4.89 $14.57 $29.14
diesel $5.61 $16.71 $33.43

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 26.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 22.7 0 $7.95 $3.63
Efficient EV 18.9 0 $6.62 $3.03
EV Truck/SUV 30.3 0 $10.60 $4.84

Gas CO2

26 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (65% 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 19, 2026

Origin

Covington, IN

Morning in Covington on Tuesday

Local time

8:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Indianapolis, IN

Morning in Indianapolis on Tuesday

Local time

8:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

51°F

Clermont, IN

38 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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

25 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

1h 34m 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?

Predominantly a highway-focused drive, 88% of this route utilizes I-74, meaning you'll spend most of your time on fast-paced interstate travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 66.5 miles on I-74, allowing for a consistent pace without frequent exits. While primarily interstate, the journey begins and ends with segments on Michigan Street and West 10th Street in Indianapolis, offering a slight shift in scenery as you enter and exit the city. This profile suggests a drive where efficiency and speed are prioritized over winding country roads.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.5 mi on I 74.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 74 and Michigan Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 34m drive. You will face about 14 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 68.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 75 miles (North West Street): Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Covington, IN

Full guide →

Covington is a small town in Central Indiana. It is the seat of government for Fountain County.

Arriving in Indianapolis, IN

Full guide →

Founded 1821

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.

Top landmarks

  • • The Children's Museum of Indianapolis — museum
  • • Indiana Statehouse — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Indiana
  • • Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument — monument in Indianapolis

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 1h 34m. Total distance: 75.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (88%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 66.5 miles on I 74. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 68.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 75 miles (North West Street): Lane positioning matters here.

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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