Gallahan Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Elkhart, IN to Avon, IN
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 33m
Distance
167 mi
269 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 22m
★
6 AM
3h 34m
8 AM
3h 59m
10 AM
3h 43m
12 PM
3h 40m
3 PM
3h 44m
5 PM
3h 58m
8 PM
3h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Elkhart, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Avon, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Elkhart, IN to Avon, IN is 167 miles and takes about 3h 33m via US 31 and I-465, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Indiana, moving from the Midwest region to the Midwest region. Expect a drive that's largely on highways, making it a fairly straightforward journey. With a recommended single day for travel, this route is ideal for those looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without significant detours. Plan for a fuel cost of around $26, making it a budget-friendly option.
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
83.5 miles from Elkhart, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 31 | 99.1 mi | 2h 4m |
| South Michigan Street | 24.9 mi | 29m |
| I 465 | 16.8 mi | 20m |
| Saint Joseph Valley Parkway | 12.9 mi | 14m |
| Rockville Road | 7 mi | 12m |
| South Nappanee Street | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| West Franklin Street | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| West Marion Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 31
— 99.1 mi, about 2h 4m
Traffic on I-465
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 54 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~4,442 veh/hr typical · worst 5,164
Quietest
2 AM
~364 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 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 Elkhart, IN and Avon, IN.
1
Start on Pletcher Court
124 ft
·
8 sec
·
Pletcher Court
2
Turn right onto West Marion Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Marion Street
3
Turn left onto West Franklin Street
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
West Franklin Street
4
Continue on this road
351 ft
·
14 sec
·
this road
5
Turn left onto SR 19
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
South Nappanee Street
6
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
7
Merge onto US 20
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Saint Joseph Valley Parkway
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward US 31 South: Plymouth, Indianapolis
9
Merge onto BUS US 31
25 mi
·
29 min
·
South Michigan Street
10
Merge onto US 31
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 31
11
Turn slight right
512 ft
·
6 sec
12
Continue on US 31
85 mi
·
1 hr 44 min
·
US 31
13
Turn right onto East 226th Street
270 ft
·
10 sec
·
East 226th Street
14
Turn left
320 ft
·
50 sec
15
Continue on this road
320 ft
·
25 sec
·
this road
16
Turn right onto East 226th Street
270 ft
·
9 sec
·
East 226th Street
17
Turn right onto US 31
13 mi
·
17 min
·
US 31
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit onto US 31
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
US 31
Exit 123
Toward I 465, US 31 South
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 465 West
Use the slight right lane.
20
Merge onto I 465
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 465
12 mi
·
14 min
·
I 465
Toward I 465 South
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 13
Toward US 36 West: Rockville Road
Use the slight right lane.
23
Turn right onto US 36
6.0 mi
·
10 min
·
Rockville Road
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on US 36
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Rockville Road
25
Arrive at destination
US 36
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 33m duration and 167-mile distance, this trip is easily completed in a single day, so leaving in the morning is your best bet. You'll only need one stop, and with the longest stretch being 99.1 miles on US 31, consider fueling up before you hit that segment to ensure a smooth ride. The estimated fuel cost is $26, so factor that into your budget. Since this is a straightforward drive, you have flexibility in your departure time. Keep an eye out for the transition onto I-465 as you approach Avon, as this is a significant highway change.
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 83.5 miles from Elkhart, IN, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.1 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 37 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.5 miles or 1h 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 2h 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Avon, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Elkhart, 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 Elkhart, IN
This is one driving day of about 167 miles and 3h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Elkhart, 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 US 31 for about 99.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
84 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 83.5 miles from Elkhart, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 31 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.1 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.
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.8 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 17.6 and 159.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
17.6 mi into trip
|
~23m in
Take the exit toward US 31 South: Plymouth, Indianapolis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 31 South: Plymouth, Indianapolis
6
128.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m in
|
US 31
Turn right onto US 31
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
141.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 58m in
|
US 31
Take the exit onto US 31 toward I 465, US 31 South
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 123
Toward I 465, US 31 South
7
142.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 59m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 465 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 465 West
7
159.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 20m in
Take the exit toward US 36 West: Rockville Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 13
Toward US 36 West: Rockville Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.77 one way
$55.53 round trip
$4.22/gal
25.4 MPG avg
58 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $30.24 | $60.49 |
| premium | $5.18 | $34.08 | $68.15 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $35.18 | $70.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.1 | 0 | $17.54 | $8.02 |
| Efficient EV | 41.8 | 0 | $14.61 | $6.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 66.8 | 0 | $23.38 | $10.69 |
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Elkhart, IN
Afternoon in Elkhart on Wednesday
Local time
4:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
NE 0 to 5 mph
10% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 2 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 3 at 12:48PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Destination
Avon, IN
Afternoon in Avon on Wednesday
Local time
4:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
ENE 1 to 7 mph
11% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 2 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 3 at 12:48PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
86°F
Galveston, IN
84 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
1 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 33m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 77% of the journey on faster roads. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 99.1 miles primarily on US 31, which offers a consistent pace. While much of the route involves highway driving, the initial part uses South Michigan Street before merging onto major arteries. The overall character is one of steady progress, with the highway share ensuring efficient travel rather than winding backroads. Expect a consistent driving experience for the majority of your time on the road.
77% 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: 99.1 mi on US 31.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 31 and South Michigan Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 17 significant decision points across 167 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 17.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128.5 miles (US 31): Lane positioning matters here; at 141.5 miles (US 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
902 ft
724 ft
Total Climb
337 ft
Total Descent
255 ft
Highest Point
902 ft
~131.2 mi in
Elevation Range
179 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Elkhart, IN to Avon, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Indianapolis along the way.
Indianapolis
17.6 mi in
|
~23m
About the Cities
Starting in Elkhart, IN
Full guide →Elkhart is the third largest city in Northern Indiana, and is just east of South Bend along the Indiana Toll Road.
Top landmarks
- • Dr. Havilah Beardsley House — building in Elkhart, Indiana
- • Elkhart Downtown Commercial Historic District — historic district in Elkhart, Indiana, United States
- • The Lerner Theatre — movie theater in Elkhart, Indiana, United States
Arriving in Avon, IN
Full guide →Avon is a city in the Nine-County Region of Indiana.
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 33m. Total distance: 167 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.1 miles on US 31. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 5 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 Avon, 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 5 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 17.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128.5 miles (US 31): Lane positioning matters here; at 141.5 miles (US 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Avon, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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