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Trip from Dale, IN to Fort Wayne, IN

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

Drive Time

4h 59m

Distance

264.1 mi

425 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 46m ★
6 AM
5h 0m
8 AM
5h 27m
10 AM
5h 9m
12 PM
5h 7m
3 PM
5h 11m
5 PM
5h 26m
8 PM
4h 52m

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 Dale, IN, IN

Dale, IN

David Pickup | Advertising & Marketing 🇬🇧

Trip Overview

This 267.3-mile drive from Dale, Indiana, to Fort Wayne, Indiana, will take approximately 4 hours and 38 minutes of driving time. It's a solid option for a single-day trip, especially with an estimated fuel cost of $41. You'll be navigating a mix of local roads, including West Medcalf Street, County Road 300 East, and Newton Street, with no significant highway stretches. The route feels like a turn-heavy local exploration through the heart of Indiana, a familiar Midwest landscape. Given its manageable length and the single recommended stop, this drive is well-suited for a focused day trip without feeling rushed.

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

132 miles from Dale, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 33m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 69 208.2 mi 3h 49m
Newton Street 20.4 mi 23m
South John F Kennedy Avenue 17 mi 22m
US 231 16.5 mi 19m
East Washington Center Road 0.3 mi <1m
West Medcalf Street 0.3 mi <1m
County Road 300 East 0.2 mi <1m
Coldwater Road 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 69 — 208.2 mi, about 3h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Dale, IN and Fort Wayne, IN.

1

Start on SR 62

51 ft · 6 sec · South Washington Street
2

Turn left onto West Medcalf Street

0.3 mi · 35 sec · West Medcalf Street
3

Continue on County Road 300 East

0.2 mi · 25 sec · County Road 300 East
4

At end of road, turn right onto US 231

16 mi · 19 min · US 231
5

Turn left onto US 231; SR 56

20 mi · 23 min · Newton Street
6

Continue on US 50; US 150; US 231

0.2 mi · 18 sec · West Broadway Street
7

Turn left onto US 231

17 mi · 22 min · South John F Kennedy Avenue
Use the left lane.
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
9

Merge onto I 69

84 mi · 1 hr 33 min · I 69
Use the straight lane.
10

Continue on I 69; I 465

12 mi · 13 min · I 69; I 465
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 69

4.2 mi · 5 min · I 69
Exit 37 Toward I 69 North: Fort Wayne
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 69

108 mi · 1 hr 57 min · I 69
Use the straight lane.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 36 sec
Exit 312A Toward Coldwater Road South
14

Turn right onto Coldwater Road

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Coldwater Road
Use the right lane.
15

Turn left onto East Washington Center Road

0.3 mi · 40 sec · East Washington Center Road
Use the left lane.
16

Turn right onto Dartmouth Drive

0.2 mi · 38 sec · Dartmouth Drive
17

Arrive at destination

Dartmouth Drive

Trip Plan

Since this drive is a manageable 4 hours and 38 minutes and can be completed in one day, you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will allow you to arrive in Fort Wayne with plenty of daylight. Plan for one stop to break up the 267.3 miles, perhaps midway through your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you transition between local roads, and be aware of speed limit changes common on these types of routes. The $41 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but it's always wise to have a little extra budgeted for unexpected detours or variations in fuel prices.

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 132 miles from Dale, IN, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 208.2 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 58 miles or 1h 11m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 132 miles or 2h 33m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 7m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Dale, 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 Dale, IN

This is one driving day of about 264.1 miles and 4h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Dale, 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 208.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

person who operates a mill

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Miller, IN

132 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

Ellettsville, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Indianapolis, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 132 miles from Dale, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 69 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 208.2 miles.

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

Super Pollo Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.9

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+13175372478

Visit website

Loving Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Wayne, Indiana

1.4 mi

Golden’s Fish & Chicken LLC

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

1.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Black Forest Cat Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 264.1

Hours: 9:30 am–6 pm

+12604982988

Visit website

A Divine Encounter Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Wayne, Indiana

0.9 mi

Falls Perk Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pendleton, Indiana

1.4 mi

Super Pollo Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.9

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+13175372478

Visit website

Loving Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 264.1

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+12604898686

Visit website

Golden’s Fish & Chicken LLC

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.9

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+13174368186

Visit website

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.9

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13175772689

Visit website

Catello’s Italian Art Cuisine

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $30 to $40 mile 169.7

Pendleton, Indiana

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+17652219052

Visit website

Denny's Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.9

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13178494867

Visit website

Honest Indianapolis Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 150.9

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13178272137

Visit website

Bugambilias Mexican Cuisine

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.9

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13175165978

Visit website

Black Forest Cat Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 264.1

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 9:30 am–6 pm

+12604982988

Visit website

A Divine Encounter Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 264.1

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+12604832233

Visit website

Falls Perk Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 169.7

Pendleton, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+17657783423

Visit website

Firefly Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 264.1

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+12603730505

Visit website

Old Crown Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 264.1

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18887627837

Visit website

Fortezza Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 264.1

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+12602034103

Visit website

The Light House coffee bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 264.1

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12604333710

Visit website

Georgia Street Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 132

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13173719949

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 264.1

Fort Wayne, Indiana

+18333994638

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 37.7 and 263.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
37.7 mi into trip | ~44m in | US 231 / South John F Kennedy Avenue

Turn left onto US 231 / South John F Kennedy Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
54.9 mi into trip | ~1h 7m in | I 69

Merge onto I 69

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
150.8 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in | I 69

Keep slight right at fork onto I 69 toward I 69 North: Fort Wayne

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 37 Toward I 69 North: Fort Wayne
6
155 mi into trip | ~3h in | I 69

Keep slight left at fork onto I 69

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
263.4 mi into trip | ~4h 58m in | Coldwater Road

Turn right onto Coldwater Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.29 one way

$82.58 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 92 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $45.33 $90.67
premium $4.89 $50.82 $101.65
diesel $5.61 $58.31 $116.62

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 92.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 79.2 0 $27.73 $12.68
Efficient EV 66 0 $23.11 $10.56
EV Truck/SUV 105.6 1 $36.97 $16.90

Gas CO2

92 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Dale, IN

Night in Dale on Saturday

Local time

11:16 PM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Wayne, IN

Late night in Fort Wayne on Sunday

Local time

12:16 AM

EDT

Current temp

71°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

16 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

4h 59m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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 entirety of this 267.3-mile journey. With 0% highway share, you won't encounter any high-speed interstate sections. The route is characterized by frequent turns and navigating through local roads and streets, rather than long, uninterrupted stretches. This means you'll be actively engaged with the driving, making it feel more like a series of connected local explorations than a typical highway cruise. The character remains consistent, so you'll be managing local traffic and intersections for the full 4 hours and 38 minutes.

85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 208.2 mi on I 69.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and Newton Street. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 37.7 miles in near US 231 / South John F Kennedy Avenue.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 264.1 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 37.7 miles (US 231 / South John F Kennedy Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 54.9 miles (I 69): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.8 miles (I 69): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

About the Cities

Arriving in Fort Wayne, IN

Full guide →

Fort Wayne is a city in the northeastern part of Indiana, a state of the United States of America. It is 30 minutes from the western Ohio border and 70 minutes from the southern border of Michigan. With a population of around 260,000 in the city and 615,000 in the metropolitan area, it's Indiana's second largest city. Fort Wayne is a metropolitan city with a small community feel. It provides the rush of urban activity while never losing an intimate personal connection with those who live or visit here. Fort Wayne is the second largest city in the state of Indiana, located in Allen County, the largest county in the state by geography. It is the regional commerce and industry center for Northeast Indiana and also impacts the economies of Southwestern Michigan and Western Ohio. Fort Wayne has been and is a breeding ground for entrepreneurs and high tech industries.

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 4h 59m. Total distance: 264.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 208.2 miles on I 69. 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 37.7 miles (US 231 / South John F Kennedy Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 54.9 miles (I 69): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.8 miles (I 69): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 10.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Wayne, 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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