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Trip from Covington, IN to South Bend, 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

3h 37m

Distance

156.7 mi

252 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 25m ★
6 AM
3h 38m
8 AM
4h 3m
10 AM
3h 46m
12 PM
3h 44m
3 PM
3h 48m
5 PM
4h 1m
8 PM
3h 30m

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

city and county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States of America

South Bend, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 156.7-mile journey from Covington, Indiana, to South Bend, Indiana, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 37 minutes. The route primarily follows SR 25 and US 31, with a significant 75% of the drive on highways, making it a straightforward experience. With an estimated fuel cost of around $25, this drive offers an economical way to travel between two points within the Midwest. You'll find this route to be a practical and efficient way to cover the distance without needing an overnight stay, allowing for a flexible schedule.

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

78.3 miles from Covington, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
SR 25 51.5 mi 1h 7m
US 31 43 mi 53m
Michigan Avenue 21.6 mi 31m
I 74 16.3 mi 17m
North State Road 25 4.3 mi 5m
Old US Highway 231 2.7 mi 4m
Old State Road 25 2.7 mi 4m
South Michigan Street 2.5 mi 6m
Longest stretch: SR 25 — 51.5 mi, about 1h 7m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Covington, IN and South Bend, 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

16 mi · 17 min · I 74
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 43 sec
Exit 25 Toward SR 25: Waynetown, Wingate
9

Turn left onto SR 25

4.3 mi · 5 min · North State Road 25
10

Continue on SR 25

0.4 mi · 43 sec · Garfield Street
11

At end of road, turn right onto SR 25

117 ft · 8 sec · West Wabash Street
12

Turn left onto SR 25

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Vine Street
13

At end of road, turn left onto SR 25

107 ft · 4 sec · East Bascom Street
14

Turn right onto SR 25

20 mi · 28 min · SR 25
15

Continue on US 52

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 52
Use the left lane.
16

Turn left onto US 52

2.7 mi · 4 min · Old US Highway 231
17

Turn left onto Sagamore Parkway South

1.5 mi · 2 min · Sagamore Parkway South
18

Continue on Sagamore Parkway North

2.1 mi · 3 min · Sagamore Parkway North
19

Turn sharp right onto Schuyler Avenue

1.3 mi · 2 min · Schuyler Avenue
20

Continue on SR 25

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Hoosier Heartland Highway
21

Enter roundabout onto SR 25

9 ft · 0 sec · SR 25
22

Continue on SR 25

31 mi · 39 min · SR 25
23

Turn right onto Old State Road 25

2.7 mi · 4 min · Old State Road 25
24

Continue on South Cicott Street

0.5 mi · 55 sec · South Cicott Street
25

Turn right onto BUS US 24

0.5 mi · 54 sec · West Market Street
26

Turn left onto South 2nd Street

0.1 mi · 26 sec · South 2nd Street
27

Turn right onto Eel River Avenue

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Eel River Avenue
28

Continue on High Street

0.3 mi · 34 sec · High Street
29

Turn left onto SR 25

0.1 mi · 27 sec · North 6th Street
30

Turn right onto SR 25

22 mi · 31 min · Michigan Avenue
31

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward South Bend
32

Merge onto US 31

43 mi · 53 min · US 31
33

Enter roundabout onto BUS US 31

128 ft · 6 sec · South Michigan Street
34

Continue on BUS US 31

2.5 mi · 6 min · South Michigan Street
35

Continue on South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

0.7 mi · 2 min · South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
36

Enter roundabout onto SR 933

124 ft · 7 sec · North Michigan Street
37

Continue on SR 933

454 ft · 17 sec · North Michigan Street
38

Turn right onto East Navarre Street

131 ft · 4 sec · East Navarre Street
39

Arrive at destination

East Navarre Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3 hour and 37 minute duration, departing in the morning from Covington allows ample time to reach South Bend without feeling rushed. While only one stop is indicated, you can easily add more breaks as needed, especially during the 51.5-mile stretch on SR 25. Keep an eye on fuel levels; the estimated cost is $25, but it's always wise to top off before embarking on longer highway segments. This is a drive where flexibility is key, so feel free to adjust your pace based on traffic or personal preference.

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 78.3 miles from Covington, IN, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.5 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 34 miles or 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 78.3 miles or 1h 47m 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 57m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Bend, 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.

+

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 Covington, IN

This is one driving day of about 156.7 miles and 3h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Covington, 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 SR 25 for about 51.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Logansport, IN

78 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.

Popular next leg

Logansport, IN to South Bend, IN

69 mi · 1h 37m

Pacing Suggestions

Shadeland, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Logansport, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78.3 miles from Covington, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

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

Best meal stop · around the midpoint

Charbetts

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Logansport, Indiana

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset · 2h 5m in / 1h 33m to go 0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15747532642

Cafe Navarre

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

South Bend, Indiana

0.5 mi

Michael's Pizza

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Logansport, Indiana

0.5 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

The General Deli & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

South Bend, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15742864193

Visit website

Sacred Grounds

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lafayette, Indiana

1.5 mi

The Eleventh House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lafayette, Indiana

2 mi

Charbetts

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15747532642

Cafe Navarre

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15749688101

Visit website

Michael's Pizza

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 4–10 pm

+15747356600

La Fiesta

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15747224264

Visit website

Jarrety's Place

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15742237101

Visit website

Rochester Bagel & Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15742234100

Visit website

Shellie's Cafe Dnv

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17654712734

Visit website

Bruno's Pizza

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 4–10 pm

+15747532861

Visit website

The General Deli & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

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

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15742864193

Visit website

Sacred Grounds

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+17654298452

Visit website

The Eleventh House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm

Visit website

Wanderlust Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

Jump Start Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17654763454

Visit website

Fuel West

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

West Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

North End Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+17654771873

Visit website

Ivy Terra Plant Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

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

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Veedersburg, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Rochester, Indiana

+18668167584

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Rochester, Indiana

+18333994638

Visit website

McClure Oil - Charley Biggs' Chicken N' Sauce

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+15747222532

The Breakroom Pub and Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Argos, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+15748926845

Ruthless Bar & Patio

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15742237884

Visit website

Geno's Polsinelli's

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 12 pm–3 am

+15749922327

Visit website

Unity Gardens Inc.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+15742222266

Visit website

Generations Adventureplex

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Mishawaka, Indiana

Hours: 3–9 pm

+15748551095

Visit website

McAlister's Deli

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15747277638

Visit website

Jimmy John's

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15749922340

Visit website

Chevi's Bar & Grill

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Logansport, Indiana

+15747538735

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 24

5 decision points cluster between mile 2 and 156.7 — 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
6
18.5 mi into trip | ~23m in

Take the exit toward SR 25: Waynetown, Wingate

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 25 Toward SR 25: Waynetown, Wingate
5
88.3 mi into trip | ~2h 2m in | SR 25 / North 6th Street

Turn left onto SR 25 / North 6th Street

Navigation decision point

5
110.1 mi into trip | ~2h 34m in

Take the ramp toward South Bend

Navigation decision point

Toward South Bend
5
156.7 mi into trip | ~3h 37m in | East Navarre Street

Turn right onto East Navarre Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.50 one way

$49.00 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $26.90 $53.80
premium $4.89 $30.16 $60.31
diesel $5.61 $34.60 $69.19

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: 54.8 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 0 $16.45 $7.52
Efficient EV 39.2 0 $13.71 $6.27
EV Truck/SUV 62.7 0 $21.94 $10.03

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 19, 2026

Origin

Covington, IN

Morning in Covington on Tuesday

Local time

8:02 AM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

South Bend, IN

Morning in South Bend on Tuesday

Local time

8:02 AM

EDT

Current temp

66°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

Same local time

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

Temperature spread

21 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 37m 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 highway-focused drive for most of this trip, with 75% of the 156.7 miles utilizing faster roads. SR 25 will present the longest uninterrupted stretch at 51.5 miles, offering a consistent pace. As you transition to US 31 and then Michigan Avenue, the character remains largely highway-oriented, facilitating a smooth and direct journey. This route prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways, making it ideal for reaching your destination promptly.

75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.5 mi on SR 25.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on SR 25 and US 31. 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 3h 37m drive. You will face about 24 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 18.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.3 miles (SR 25 / North 6th Street): Navigation decision point.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Covington, IN and South Bend, IN, road signs point toward Wingate and Bend.

Wingate

18.5 mi in | ~23m

Bend

110.1 mi in | ~2h 34m

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 South Bend, IN

Full guide →

South Bend is in Northern Indiana. The city's name is drawn from the fact that it's situated on the southernmost bend in the St. Joseph River. Together with neighboring Mishawaka they form a continuous urban area of about 325,000 (2020). South Bend is the home of the University of Notre Dame, but is also the former home of many large companies such as Studebaker, Oliver Chilled Plow, and Singer. The area is now home to Crowe-Chizek, AM General (which makes military vehicles.), Bosch, Honeywell, and Woodwind & Brasswind. The city hopes to grow with the undertaking of a new nano-technology campus near the city, which has already brought new contracts for factories and businesses around the city of Southbend.

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 3h 37m. Total distance: 156.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (75%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 51.5 miles on SR 25. 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.

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.

The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 18.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.3 miles (SR 25 / North 6th Street): Navigation decision point.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at South Bend, IN, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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