Fairfield, IN to Hammond, IN is 238.1 miles and takes about 5h 3m via I 65, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, connecting two points in Indiana. Given the relatively short distance and duration, this is a straightforward drive. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, making it a practical option for a quick relocation or a visit to a nearby city.
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
119 miles from Fairfield, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
129.1 mi
2h 20m
United States Highway 52
17.9 mi
26m
West 3rd Street
16.8 mi
25m
East Main Street
14.4 mi
21m
West Union Street
11.5 mi
17m
I 465
11.1 mi
12m
I 69
9.8 mi
11m
Borman Expressway
8 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 129.1 mi, about 2h 20m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 132 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~5,349 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~893 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 48 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 Fairfield, IN and Hammond, IN.
1
Start on this road
2.5 mi·9 min·this road
2
Turn left onto SR 101
6.4 mi·11 min·Indiana Highway 101
3
Continue on SR 101
0.4 mi·45 sec·South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left onto SR 44
12 mi·17 min·West Union Street
Use the left lane.
5
Turn left onto SR 44
0.2 mi·16 sec·North Eastern Avenue
6
Turn right onto SR 44
16 mi·24 min·West 3rd Street
7
Continue on US 52; SR 44
0.2 mi·21 sec·West 2nd Street
8
Turn slight right onto US 52
0.3 mi·30 sec·West 3rd Street
9
Continue on US 52
18 mi·26 min·United States Highway 52
10
Enter roundabout onto US 52
156 ft·2 sec·East Main Street
11
Continue on US 52
14 mi·21 min·East Main Street
12
Turn left onto US 52
0.4 mi·51 sec·US 52
Toward I 465 North, US 52 WestUse the left lane.
13
Merge onto I 69; I 465
9.8 mi·11 min·I 69; I 465
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 465
0.3 mi·19 sec·I 465
15
Continue on I-465 WB
0.8 mi·56 sec·I-465 WB
16
Continue on I 465
11 mi·12 min·I 465
Use the straight lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 865
5.0 mi·5 min·I 865
Exit 25Toward I 865 West: Chicago
18
Merge onto I 65; US 52
12 mi·13 min·I 65; US 52
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit onto US 52
0.2 mi·15 sec·US 52
Exit 141Toward US 52 West
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·9 sec
21
Merge onto I 65
117 mi·2 hr 7 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
1.4 mi·2 min
Exit 259AToward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
23
Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6
8.0 mi·10 min·Borman Expressway
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 2Toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward SR 152 North: Indianapolis BoulevardUse the slight left lane.
26
Turn straight onto SR 152
0.3 mi·33 sec·Indianapolis Boulevard
27
Turn left onto 173rd Street
1.0 mi·2 min·173rd Street
Use the left lane.
28
Turn right onto Columbia Avenue
0.2 mi·22 sec·Columbia Avenue
29
Arrive at destination
Columbia Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, starting in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to complete the trip. Since it's a single-day route, plan for one stop to break up the 129.1-mile stretch on I 65. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially on the longer interstate segment, as service areas can be spaced out. The total fuel cost is estimated at $39. Given the manageable duration, you have flexibility to depart later if needed, but an earlier start is generally best for avoiding potential traffic.
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 119 miles from Fairfield, IN, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.1 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 52 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119 miles or 2h 48m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hammond, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, IN
This is one driving day of about 238.1 miles and 5h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Fairfield, 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 65 for about 129.1 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 70.3 and 236.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
70.3 mi into trip|~1h 52m in|US 52
Turn left onto US 52 toward I 465 North, US 52 West
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 465 North, US 52 West
6
92.4 mi into trip|~2h 18m in|I 865
Keep slight left at fork onto I 865 toward I 865 West: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 25
Toward I 865 West: Chicago
8
226.8 mi into trip|~4h 45m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago
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 259A
Toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago
8
236.2 mi into trip|~4h 59m in
Take the exit toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis Boulevard
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 2
Toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis...
8
236.4 mi into trip|~4h 59m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 152 North: Indianapolis Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward SR 152 North: Indianapolis Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.34 one way
$64.68 round trip
$3.45/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.85
$36.09
$72.18
premium
$4.15
$38.90
$77.80
diesel
$3.75
$35.15
$70.31
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.3 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.4
0
$25.00
$11.43
Efficient EV
59.5
0
$20.83
$9.52
EV Truck/SUV
95.2
1
$33.33
$15.24
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Fairfield, IN
Morning
in Fairfield on Sunday
Local time
8:31 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Sunny
N 3 to 8 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 6:52AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 1:34AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Destination
Hammond, IN
Morning
in Hammond on Sunday
Local time
7:31 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
SW 0 to 5 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 6:52AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 1:34AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
49°F
Lawrence, IN
119 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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
3 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
5h 3m 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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
$20
near mile 229.9
Park Closure: Partial Trail Closures on Bailly / Chellberg Trail
Park Closure: Partial Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 79% of the trip on interstates. You'll encounter a long stretch of 129.1 miles on I 65 before transitioning to United States Highway 52 and West 3rd Street. Expect frequent exits and merges as you navigate these sections, particularly as you approach your destination. The shift from interstate to surface roads will likely bring a change in traffic patterns and speed.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 129.1 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and United States Highway 52. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 70.3 miles in near US 52.
Driving Effort10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 238.1 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 70.3 miles (US 52): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.4 miles (I 865): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 226.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Hammond is a Chicagoland city of some 76,000 people (2019) in Lake County, Indiana—bordering Chicago's Far Southeast Side. Most visitors will find themselves passing through or on business, but Chicagoans would do well to include it in a close-in Lake County day trip, if for no other reason than to get some good food, perhaps stock up on fireworks, and realize that Chicagoland doesn't stop at the state line!
Top landmarks
•State Street Commercial Historic District — historic district in Indiana, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 3m. Total distance: 238.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 129.1 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 28 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 Hammond, 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 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 70.3 miles (US 52): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 92.4 miles (I 865): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 226.8 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hammond, IN before the return drive.
