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Trip from Fishers, IN to Elkhart, 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

3h 5m

Distance

145.3 mi

234 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 54m ★
6 AM
3h 6m
8 AM
3h 29m
10 AM
3h 14m
12 PM
3h 12m
3 PM
3h 15m
5 PM
3h 28m
8 PM
2h 59m

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 Hamilton County, Indiana, United States

Fishers, IN

Wikimedia Commons

city in Elkhart County, Indiana, United States

Elkhart, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 145.3-mile drive from Fishers, Indiana, to Elkhart, Indiana, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete. You'll primarily navigate on US 31, with portions of the Saint Joseph Valley Parkway and IN-37 also included in the journey. With about 90% of the route on highways, it offers a straightforward travel experience through the Midwest. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $23, making it an economical choice. This route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing for a relaxed pace without the need for an overnight stay.

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

72.7 miles from Fishers, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 34m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 31 111.7 mi 2h 17m
Saint Joseph Valley Parkway 12.9 mi 14m
IN-37 6.3 mi 8m
Sheridan Avenue 6.3 mi 9m
South Nappanee Street 2.8 mi 4m
West Franklin Street 1.6 mi 2m
East Conner Street 1.5 mi 2m
East 116th Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 31 — 111.7 mi, about 2h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fishers, IN and Elkhart, IN.

1

Start on Lantern Road

494 ft · 21 sec · Lantern Road
2

Turn right onto East 116th Street

0.3 mi · 39 sec · East 116th Street
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 69 North, SR 37 North: Fort Wayne
4

Merge onto SR 37

2.3 mi · 3 min · IN-37
Toward SR 37 North, I 69 North
5

Merge onto SR 37

0.6 mi · 56 sec · IN-37
6

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 37

3.4 mi · 4 min · IN-37
7

Turn left onto SR 32; SR 38

1.5 mi · 2 min · East Conner Street
8

Continue on SR 32; SR 38

0.1 mi · 12 sec · Westfield Road
9

Enter roundabout onto SR 38

36 ft · 0 sec · Sheridan Avenue
10

Continue on SR 38

1.5 mi · 2 min · Sheridan Avenue
11

Enter roundabout onto Sheridan Avenue

154 ft · 2 sec · Sheridan Avenue
12

Continue on Sheridan Avenue

4.7 mi · 6 min · Sheridan Avenue
13

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward US 31 North: Kokomo
14

Merge onto US 31

112 mi · 2 hr 17 min · US 31
15

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Toward US 20 East: Mishawaka, Elkhart
16

Merge onto US 20

13 mi · 14 min · Saint Joseph Valley Parkway
17

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward SR 19 North: Elkhart
18

Turn straight onto SR 19

2.8 mi · 4 min · South Nappanee Street
19

Turn right

523 ft · 10 sec
20

Continue on West Franklin Street

1.6 mi · 2 min · West Franklin Street
21

Turn right onto Pletcher Court

293 ft · 16 sec · Pletcher Court
22

Arrive at destination

Pletcher Court

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour, 145.3-mile drive, leaving in the morning offers ample time to reach your destination without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. The estimated fuel cost is $23, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before setting off. Given the longest stretch is over 111 miles on US 31, plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel the need. Keep an eye on your GPS as you transition between US 31, the Saint Joseph Valley Parkway, and IN-37 to ensure you're on the most efficient path.

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 72.7 miles from Fishers, IN, or about 1h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.7 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 32 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 72.7 miles or 1h 34m 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 Elkhart, IN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fishers, 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 Fishers, IN

This is one driving day of about 145.3 miles and 3h 5m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Fishers, 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 111.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Carroll County, Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Flora, IN

73 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

Indian Heights, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Peru, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 72.7 miles from Fishers, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 31 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.7 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.

Best meal stop

Sahm's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fishers, Indiana

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13178421577

Visit website

Kokomo Fish Chicken & Gyros

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kokomo, Indiana

2.6 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Steelyard Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elkhart, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15743276972

Visit website

McDonald's

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Fishers, Indiana

Hours: 5 am–1 pm

+13178420013

Visit website

Sahm's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Fishers, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13178421577

Visit website

Kokomo Fish Chicken & Gyros

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+17652523919

Visit website

Don Rigo Mexican Cuisine

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Carmel, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13172195251

Visit website

Tacos Toluca

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

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

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+14632445372

Visit website

Bugambilias Mexican Cuisine

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13175165978

Visit website

Super Pollo Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+13175372478

Visit website

Rad's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Carmel, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13178101028

Visit website

Steelyard Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

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

Elkhart, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+15743276972

Visit website

Capstone Cafe & Bookstore

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Carmel, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13175669132

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Rochester, Indiana

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Rochester, Indiana

+18333994638

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Bunker Hill, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

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 0.1 and 10.2 — 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 116th Street

Turn right onto East 116th Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in

Take the ramp toward I 69 North, SR 37 North: Fort Wayne

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 69 North, SR 37 North: Fort Wayne
5
0.7 mi into trip | ~1m in | SR 37 / IN-37

Merge onto SR 37 / IN-37 toward SR 37 North, I 69 North

Merge point - match speed before joining. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward SR 37 North, I 69 North
5
8.6 mi into trip | ~13m in | SR 38 / Sheridan Avenue

Enter roundabout onto SR 38 / Sheridan Avenue

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

5
10.2 mi into trip | ~16m in | Sheridan Avenue

Enter roundabout onto Sheridan Avenue

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.72 one way

$45.43 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.94 $49.88
premium $4.89 $27.96 $55.92
diesel $5.61 $32.08 $64.16

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.6 0 $15.26 $6.97
Efficient EV 36.3 0 $12.71 $5.81
EV Truck/SUV 58.1 0 $20.34 $9.30

Gas CO2

51 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (67% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Fishers, IN

Morning in Fishers on Tuesday

Local time

8:59 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Elkhart, IN

Morning in Elkhart on Tuesday

Local time

8:59 AM

EDT

Current temp

64°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

12 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 5m 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 highway-focused drive for most of this trip, with 90% of the 145.3 miles being on higher-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 111.7 miles on US 31, providing a continuous flow for much of the journey. While predominantly highway, the inclusion of roads like IN-37 might offer slight variations in the driving experience. This route generally offers a consistent feel, minimizing the need for frequent adjustments as you progress northward.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.7 mi on US 31.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 31 and Saint Joseph Valley Parkway. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near East 116th Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 145.3 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (East 116th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.7 miles (SR 37 / IN-37): Merge point - match speed before joining. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 5m. Total distance: 145.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 111.7 miles on US 31. 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 0.1 miles (East 116th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.7 miles (SR 37 / IN-37): Merge point - match speed before joining. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Elkhart, 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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