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Trip from Evansville, IN to Ray, 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

4h 23m

Distance

223.1 mi

359 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 11m ★
6 AM
4h 24m
8 AM
4h 51m
10 AM
4h 33m
12 PM
4h 31m
3 PM
4h 35m
5 PM
4h 49m
8 PM
4h 16m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

county seat of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, United States

Evansville, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Ray, IN, IN

Ray, IN

Dillon Hunt

Trip Overview

Evansville to Ray is 223.1 miles and takes about 4h 23m via I 69 and I 65, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Indiana, taking you through the Midwest region. It's a straightforward, mostly highway trip, ideal if you want to cover ground efficiently. Plan for a single day of travel; it's easily manageable within a few hours.

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

111.5 miles from Evansville, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 69 152.8 mi 2h 46m
I 65 21.5 mi 23m
SR 39 11.5 mi 16m
I 74 9.2 mi 10m
County Road 100 West 5 mi 8m
Delphi Avenue 4.7 mi 8m
East Lloyd Expressway 4.2 mi 4m
65 3.9 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 69 — 152.8 mi, about 2h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Evansville, IN and Ray, IN.

1

Start on this road

123 ft · 13 sec · this road
2

Turn left

332 ft · 26 sec
3

Turn right onto East Walnut Street

127 ft · 6 sec · East Walnut Street
4

Turn right onto South Garvin Street

0.2 mi · 22 sec · South Garvin Street
5

Turn right onto John Street

243 ft · 4 sec · John Street
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
7

Merge onto SR 62

4.2 mi · 4 min · East Lloyd Expressway
8

Turn left onto North Burkhardt Road

1.3 mi · 2 min · North Burkhardt Road
9

Turn right onto SR 62

0.6 mi · 1 min · Morgan Avenue
10

Turn left

0.4 mi · 52 sec
11

Merge onto I 69

153 mi · 2 hr 46 min · I 69
Use the straight lane.
12

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 3 min
Exit 163 Toward I 465 West, I 74 West: Peoria
13

Merge onto I 74; I 465

9.2 mi · 10 min · I 74; I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto 65

3.9 mi · 4 min · 65
Use the straight lane.
15

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 2 min
Exit 20 Toward I 65 North: Chicago Use the slight left lane.
16

Merge onto I 65

18 mi · 19 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit onto US 52

0.2 mi · 15 sec · US 52
Exit 141 Toward US 52 West
18

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 9 sec
19

Merge onto I 65

3.6 mi · 3 min · I 65
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 146 Toward SR 47: Thorntown, Sheridan
21

Turn right onto SR 47

1.8 mi · 3 min · IN-47
22

Turn left onto SR 39

12 mi · 16 min · SR 39
23

Turn left onto US 421; SR 39

0.1 mi · 13 sec · West Kyger Street
24

Turn right onto SR 75

4.7 mi · 8 min · Delphi Avenue
25

Continue on SR 75

0.5 mi · 54 sec · SR 75
26

Turn right onto SR 75

5.0 mi · 8 min · County Road 100 West
27

Continue on SR 75

1.6 mi · 2 min · State Route 75
28

Arrive at destination

SR 75

Trip Plan

For this 4h 23m drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet, allowing ample time to reach your destination without rushing. With only one recommended stop, you can easily manage your breaks. The fuel cost is estimated at $35, so ensure your tank is full before you depart, especially given the longest stretch of 152.8 miles on I 69. Keep an eye on exits as you transition from the interstate to SR 39; this is where local traffic patterns might 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 111.5 miles from Evansville, IN, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 152.8 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 56m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 111.5 miles or 2h 4m 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 26m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Evansville, 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 Evansville, IN

This is one driving day of about 223.1 miles and 4h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Evansville, 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 152.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Owen County, Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Alaska, IN

112 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

Graham, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ellettsville, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111.5 miles from Evansville, 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 152.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 197.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | East Walnut Street

Turn right onto East Walnut Street

Navigation decision point

6
159.9 mi into trip | ~2h 57m in

Take the exit toward I 465 West, I 74 West: Peoria

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

Exit 163 Toward I 465 West, I 74 West: Peoria
6
170.5 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in | 65

Keep slight left at fork onto 65

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
174.4 mi into trip | ~3h 15m in

Take the exit toward I 65 North: Chicago

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 20 Toward I 65 North: Chicago
6
197.4 mi into trip | ~3h 41m in

Take the exit toward SR 47: Thorntown, Sheridan

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

Exit 146 Toward SR 47: Thorntown, Sheridan

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.88 one way

$69.76 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $38.30 $76.59
premium $4.89 $42.93 $85.87
diesel $5.61 $49.26 $98.52

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 78.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 66.9 0 $23.43 $10.71
Efficient EV 55.8 0 $19.52 $8.92
EV Truck/SUV 89.2 1 $31.23 $14.28

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (67% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Evansville, IN

Morning in Evansville on Tuesday

Local time

6:43 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ray, IN

Morning in Ray on Tuesday

Local time

7:43 AM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

69°F

Alaska, IN

112 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

6 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 23m 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.

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park

National Historical Park

The British flag would not be raised above Fort Sackville Feb. 25, 1779. At 10 A.M., the garrison surrendered to American Colonel George Rogers Clark. His American army, aided by French residents of t...

20 mi from route ~50 min detour Free near mile 53.8
View on nps.gov
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

National Memorial

Abraham Lincoln grew from youth to manhood on this southern Indiana soil. Many character and moral traits of one of the world's most respected leaders was formed and nurtured here. Explore Lincoln's b...

26 mi from route ~65 min detour Free near mile 30.8
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is primarily highway driving, with 91% of the 223.1 miles on major roads like I 69 and I 65. You'll experience a long stretch of 152.8 miles on I 69, offering a consistent cruising experience. The transition to SR 39 marks the end of the highway portion, indicating a shift to more local roads as you approach Ray.

91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 152.8 mi on I 69.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near East Walnut Street.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 22 significant decision points across 223.1 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 0.1 miles (East Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 159.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170.5 miles (65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

936 ft 383 ft

Total Climb

749 ft

Total Descent

385 ft

Highest Point

936 ft

~191.2 mi in

Elevation Range

553 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 Evansville, IN to Ray, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Sheridan along the way.

Sheridan

197.4 mi in | ~3h 41m

About the Cities

Starting in Evansville, IN

Full guide →

Evansville is the largest city in Southern Indiana and the third-largest city in the state. It is the county seat of Vanderburgh County and the regional hub for the Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois tri-state area. In 2010, the city had a population of 117,000. In 2008 the Evansville metropolitan area was home to 350,000 people.

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 23m. Total distance: 223.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 152.8 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.

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 Ray, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (East Walnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 159.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170.5 miles (65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Ray, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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