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Trip from Elkhart, IN to Lebanon, IN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 10m

Distance

135.5 mi

218 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 58m ★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m

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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city in Elkhart County, Indiana, United States

Elkhart, IN

Wikimedia Commons

city in Indiana, United States

Lebanon, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Elkhart to Lebanon, expect a straightforward 135.5-mile journey through the heart of the Midwest. This drive typically takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day excursion. You will primarily navigate via SR 29, South Michigan Street, and SR 25, which offer a practical path between these two Indiana locations. Budget approximately $21 for fuel to cover the distance, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Because the trip is relatively short, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you have a packed itinerary. It is a functional, no-nonsense route that connects two distinct parts of the state with ease.

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

67.8 miles from Elkhart, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
SR 29 27.6 mi 40m
South Michigan Street 24.9 mi 29m
SR 25 21.6 mi 31m
US 31 17.2 mi 21m
North Jackson Street 16.4 mi 25m
Saint Joseph Valley Parkway 12.9 mi 14m
Washington Avenue 6.1 mi 9m
South Nappanee Street 2.5 mi 3m
Longest stretch: SR 29 — 27.6 mi, about 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elkhart, IN and Lebanon, 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

16 mi · 20 min · US 31
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Toward SR 25: Rochester, Logansport, Winamac
14

Turn right onto SR 25

22 mi · 31 min · SR 25
15

Turn right onto High Street

0.3 mi · 27 sec · High Street
16

Turn left onto SR 17

0.6 mi · 1 min · South 3rd Street
17

Continue on SR 25

1.8 mi · 2 min · Burlington Avenue
18

Continue on SR 29

28 mi · 40 min · SR 29
19

Turn right onto West 2nd Street

0.2 mi · 31 sec · West 2nd Street
20

Continue on East County Road 250 North

0.5 mi · 48 sec · East County Road 250 North
21

Continue on Washington Avenue

6.1 mi · 9 min · Washington Avenue
22

Continue on East Washington Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · East Washington Street
23

Turn left onto US 421; SR 39

16 mi · 25 min · North Jackson Street
24

Arrive at destination

SR 39

Trip Plan

For the smoothest experience, plan for at least one stop during your 3-hour and 10-minute transit to stretch your legs and refuel. Since this route is well within the limits of a comfortable day trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $21 estimated cost can fluctuate based on your specific vehicle and driving habits. Because you are navigating a mix of state roads and local streets, stay attentive to changing speed limits, especially when transitioning off the highway sections. Utilizing your single planned stop midway through the drive is a great way to maintain focus until you reach your destination in Lebanon.

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 67.8 miles from Elkhart, IN, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 27.6 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 30 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 67.8 miles or 1h 27m 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 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lebanon, 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 135.5 miles and 3h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 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 SR 29 for about 27.6 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

68 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

Plymouth, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Logansport, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.8 miles from Elkhart, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Baker's Nook Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elkhart, Indiana

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15749707445

Visit website

Jarrety's Place

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rochester, Indiana

1.3 mi

Bandidos Mexican Grill & Cantina

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rochester, Indiana

1.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Steelyard Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elkhart, Indiana

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15743276972

Visit website

Ivy Terra Plant Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plymouth, Indiana

1.7 mi

COCA Craft Coffee & Roasters

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Frankfort, Indiana

3 mi

Baker's Nook Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Elkhart, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15749707445

Visit website

Jarrety's Place

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15742237101

Visit website

Bandidos Mexican Grill & Cantina

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15742231212

Rochester Bagel & Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15742234100

Visit website

Rochester Uncorked

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 4–10 pm

+15742239866

Visit website

Mikey's Pizza Pit Stop

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15742235888

Visit website

Streamliner Family Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15742234656

Dick's Drive-In

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15742233087

Steelyard Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Elkhart, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15743276972

Visit website

Ivy Terra Plant Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 38.7

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

Angjelina Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 38.7

Plymouth, Indiana

The Vintage Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 116.1

Frankfort, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17656014104

COCA Craft Coffee & Roasters

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 116.1

Frankfort, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17652421697

Mimi's Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 38.7

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

One More Cup

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 96.8

Burlington, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+17655604297

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

+18668167584

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

+18333994638

Visit website

McClure Oil - Charley Biggs' Chicken N' Sauce

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 77.4

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+15747222532

Ruthless Bar & Patio

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.1

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15742237884

Visit website

The Breakroom Pub and Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.4

Argos, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+15748926845

Geno's Polsinelli's

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 77.4

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 12 pm–3 am

+15749922327

Visit website

McAlister's Deli

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 77.4

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15747277638

Visit website

Chevi's Bar & Grill

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour Moderately mile 77.4

Logansport, Indiana

+15747538735

Jimmy John's

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 77.4

Logansport, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15749922340

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 112.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
1.7 mi into trip | ~3m in | SR 19 / South Nappanee Street

Turn left onto SR 19 / South Nappanee Street

Navigation decision point

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
5
60 mi into trip | ~1h 15m in

Take the exit toward SR 25: Rochester, Logansport, Winamac

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

Toward SR 25: Rochester, Logansport, Winamac
4
82 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in | High Street

Turn right onto High Street

Navigation decision point

4
112.2 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in | West 2nd Street

Turn right onto West 2nd Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.18 one way

$42.37 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $23.26 $46.52
premium $4.89 $26.08 $52.15
diesel $5.61 $29.92 $59.83

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 47.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40.7 0 $14.23 $6.50
Efficient EV 33.9 0 $11.86 $5.42
EV Truck/SUV 54.2 0 $18.97 $8.67

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Elkhart, IN

Late night in Elkhart on Sunday

Local time

12:24 AM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lebanon, IN

Late night in Lebanon on Sunday

Local time

12:24 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

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 10m 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 mixed driving experience as you transition between various road types throughout your 135.5-mile journey. With a 58% highway share, you will encounter a balance of faster-paced road segments and more localized driving. The longest continuous stretch you will face is 27.6 miles on SR 29, which provides a steady rhythm before the route shifts character. Navigating through the combination of SR 25 and South Michigan Street keeps the drive engaging by breaking up the monotony of pure highway cruising. You will feel the terrain shift as you move through the Indiana landscape, requiring you to stay alert and adapt to changing traffic speeds.

58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 27.6 mi on SR 29.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in near SR 19 / South Nappanee Street.

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 10m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles (SR 19 / South Nappanee Street): Navigation decision point; at 17.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 60 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Elkhart, IN and Lebanon, IN, road signs point toward Indianapolis, Logansport and Winamac.

Indianapolis

17.6 mi in | ~23m

Logansport

60 mi in | ~1h 15m

Winamac

60 mi in | ~1h 15m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 10m. Total distance: 135.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (58%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 27.6 miles on SR 29. 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 1.7 miles (SR 19 / South Nappanee Street): Navigation decision point; at 17.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 60 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Lebanon, 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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