Dyer, IN to Richmond, IN is 221.4 miles and takes about 4h 16m via Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway and Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Indiana, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a drive that primarily uses surface roads, offering a more local feel compared to a pure interstate trip. With a recommended one-day duration, this trip is well-suited for a straightforward journey with minimal overnight planning.
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
110.7 miles from Dyer, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
122.9 mi
2h 12m
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
59.2 mi
1h 7m
I 465
12.5 mi
14m
I 69
5.7 mi
6m
I 865
5.1 mi
6m
West Lincoln Highway
4.9 mi
8m
Joliet Street
3.1 mi
5m
West 81st Avenue
1.9 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
— 122.9 mi, about 2h 12m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 62 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,632 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,183
Quietest
2 AM
~275 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dyer, IN and Richmond, IN.
1
Start on Hart Street
233 ft·33 sec·Hart Street
2
Continue on Hart Street
264 ft·9 sec·Hart Street
3
Turn left onto US 30
2.5 mi·5 min·Joliet Street
4
Continue on US 30
3.9 mi·6 min·West Lincoln Highway
5
Continue on US 30
0.5 mi·49 sec·Joliet Street
6
Continue on US 30
1.1 mi·1 min·West Lincoln Highway
7
Continue on US 30
1.9 mi·3 min·West 81st Avenue
8
Continue on US 30
0.3 mi·34 sec·East 81st Avenue
9
Take the ramp
401 ft·9 sec
Toward I 65: Indianapolis, Chicago
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 65 South: IndianapolisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 65
123 mi·2 hr 12 min·Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 865
5.1 mi·6 min·I 865
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 465
13 mi·14 min·I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 69; I 465
5.7 mi·6 min·I 69; I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Exit 44Toward I 70: Dayton, IndianapolisUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
143 ft·2 sec
Toward I 70: Dayton, Indianapolis
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 70 East: DaytonUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 70
59 mi·1 hr 7 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi·44 sec
Exit 149AToward Williamsburg Pike, Tom Raper Way
20
Turn straight onto Williamsburg Pike
1.3 mi·2 min·Williamsburg Pike
21
Continue on Northwest 5th Street
1.0 mi·1 min·Northwest 5th Street
22
Turn left onto Richmond Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Richmond Avenue
23
Continue on North D Street
0.4 mi·58 sec·North D Street
24
Turn right onto US 27; SR 227
150 ft·1 sec·Chester Boulevard
25
Continue on US 27; SR 227
0.3 mi·29 sec·North 8th Street
26
Turn left onto East Main Street
372 ft·10 sec·East Main Street
27
Arrive at destination
East Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the total duration of 4 hours and 16 minutes, this is a comfortable one-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of daylight and avoid potential rush hour traffic, especially as you approach more populated areas. The longest stretch on a highway is over 120 miles, so plan your fuel stops accordingly, considering the estimated $34 fuel cost. While the drive is manageable in one day, the significant portion on surface roads means you might want to stop more frequently than on a pure interstate route, perhaps for a quick break in one of the towns you pass through.
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 110.7 miles from Dyer, IN, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 122.9 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 49 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 110.7 miles or 2h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richmond, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dyer, 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 Dyer, IN
This is one driving day of about 221.4 miles and 4h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Dyer, 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 Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway for about 122.9 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.4 and 157.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
10.4 mi into trip|~18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 65 South: Indianapolis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 65 South: Indianapolis
6
133.8 mi into trip|~2h 32m in|I 865
Keep slight right at fork onto I 865
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
157.1 mi into trip|~2h 59m in
Take the exit toward I 70: Dayton, Indianapolis
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 44
Toward I 70: Dayton, Indianapolis
7
157.3 mi into trip|~2h 59m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70: Dayton, Indianapolis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 70: Dayton, Indianapolis
7
157.4 mi into trip|~3h in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 East: Dayton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 70 East: Dayton
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.70 one way
$65.39 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$36.10
$72.19
premium
$4.72
$41.11
$82.21
diesel
$4.80
$41.80
$83.61
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.4
0
$23.25
$10.63
Efficient EV
55.4
0
$19.37
$8.86
EV Truck/SUV
88.6
1
$31.00
$14.17
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Dyer, IN
Late night
in Dyer on Monday
Local time
3:26 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
N 10 to 15 mph75% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 4:37PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 4:32PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Destination
Richmond, IN
Late night
in Richmond on Monday
Local time
4:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 12 mph38% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 4:37PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 4:32PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
83°F
Pittsboro, IN
111 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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 16m 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.
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...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
$20
near mile 7.6
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?
You'll spend most of your time on surface roads, with only about 11% of the 221.4 miles on highways like the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 122.9 miles along the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. After the highway segments, you'll transition to surface roads, which often means more frequent intersections and a slower pace through towns. Be prepared for a mix of cruising and navigating through more built-up areas.
Only 11% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 122.9 mi on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.4 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 221.4 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: at 10.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 133.8 miles (I 865): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 157.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,012 ft641 ft
Total Climb
595 ft
Total Descent
258 ft
Highest Point
1,012 ft
~189.7 mi in
Elevation Range
372 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Dyer, IN to Richmond, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Indianapolis along the way.
Richmond is a city in Central Indiana. It was founded by Carolina Quakers in 1806. Known as the "cradle of recorded jazz" or formerly as the Rose City for its rose cultivation, it has the honor of having had the first complete high school orchestra in the country and of being the recording center of such greats as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, not to mention a major producer of lawnmowers and school buses. It has also been home to some historical intrigues like Jim Jones and The Wright Brothers.
Top landmarks
•Madonna of the Trail — series of 12 monuments dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United St...
•Starr Historic District — historic district in Richmond, Indiana
•Earlham College Observatory — historic observatory in Richmond, Indiana, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 16m. Total distance: 221.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 122.9 miles on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 29 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Richmond, 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. There are 29 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 133.8 miles (I 865): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 157.1 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 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Richmond, IN, but most travelers stay overnight.
