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Trip from Gary, IN to Warren, 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 21m

Distance

142.2 mi

229 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 9m ★
6 AM
3h 21m
8 AM
3h 45m
10 AM
3h 30m
12 PM
3h 27m
3 PM
3h 31m
5 PM
3h 44m
8 PM
3h 14m

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 Lake County, State of Indiana, United States

Gary, IN

Wikimedia Commons

town in Huntington County, Indiana, United States of America

Warren, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Planning a trip from Gary, Indiana, to Warren, Indiana? This 142.2-mile journey will take approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. You'll navigate through local roads, covering a substantial portion of the drive on Harrison Boulevard, Harrison Street, and West 5th Avenue, with no highway segments to worry about. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $22. Given its relatively short duration and local road focus, this trip is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, perhaps with a single planned stop. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, so expect familiar Midwestern landscapes throughout.

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

71.1 miles from Gary, IN

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
East Morthland Drive 76.6 mi 1h 39m
SR 5 22.4 mi 39m
Indiana Toll Road 15.5 mi 18m
Warren Road 11.8 mi 17m
SR 49 9 mi 12m
North Jefferson Street 1.7 mi 2m
North Huntington Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
West Old Trail Road 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: East Morthland Drive — 76.6 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Gary, IN and Warren, IN.

1

Start on 10th Place

254 ft · 15 sec · 10th Place
2

Turn right onto Harrison Boulevard

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Harrison Boulevard
3

Continue on Harrison Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Harrison Street
4

Turn right onto US 12; US 20

0.5 mi · 1 min · West 5th Avenue
5

Turn left onto SR 53

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Broadway
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward I 90 East
7

Merge onto I 90

16 mi · 18 min · Indiana Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 31 Toward SR 49: Chesterton, Valparaiso Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Turn right onto SR 49

9.0 mi · 12 min · SR 49
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward US 30 East: Plymouth
11

Merge onto US 30; SR 2

77 mi · 1 hr 39 min · East Morthland Drive
12

Turn right onto North Binkley Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Binkley Road
13

Turn left onto West Old Trail Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Old Trail Road
14

Turn right onto SR 5

6.7 mi · 11 min · SR 5
15

Continue on SR 5; SR 14

16 mi · 27 min · SR 5; SR 14
16

Turn right onto US 224; US 24 Business; SR 5

350 ft · 13 sec · West Park Drive
17

Turn left onto US 224; SR 5

0.3 mi · 26 sec · Cherry Street
18

Turn right onto US 224; SR 5

1.7 mi · 2 min · North Jefferson Street
19

Turn right onto SR 5

12 mi · 17 min · Warren Road
20

Continue on SR 5

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Huntington Avenue
21

Continue on SR 5

0.1 mi · 15 sec · North Wayne Street
22

Turn right onto West 2nd Street

82 ft · 3 sec · West 2nd Street
23

Arrive at destination

West 2nd Street

Trip Plan

For this 142.2-mile trip from Gary to Warren, a 3-hour and 21-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight and enjoy fewer local traffic delays. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $22, you have flexibility in pacing. Since it's a local road drive with a high number of turns, stay alert and double-check your navigation, especially when transitioning between Harrison Boulevard, Harrison Street, and West 5th Avenue. This route is designed for a single-day excursion, so focus on enjoying the journey and the local scenery as you make your way to Warren.

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 71.1 miles from Gary, IN, or about 1h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.6 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 31 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 71.1 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 40m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Gary, 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 Gary, IN

This is one driving day of about 142.2 miles and 3h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Gary, 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 East Morthland Drive for about 76.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Warsaw, IN

71 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

Lansing, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Culver, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.1 miles from Gary, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before East Morthland Drive if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 76.6 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 · home stretch

Wagon Wheel Tavern

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Warren, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+12603759960

Corner Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

South Whitley, Indiana

0.3 mi

Etna Green Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Etna Green, Indiana

0.4 mi

Wagon Wheel Tavern

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0 mi from route $10 to $20

Warren, Indiana

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+12603759960

Corner Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

South Whitley, Indiana

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+12607235841

Etna Green Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Etna Green, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15748589081

Visit website

Ugalde's Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Warren, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12603754510

Visit website

The River Coffeehouse Village at Winona

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Winona Lake, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+15742691000

Visit website

Pesto's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Valparaiso, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12194620993

Visit website

The Country Post

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Huntington, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+12603590508

Visit website

Blue Sky Pancake House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Huntington, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12602001029

Visit website

Mimi's Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

JJ Java

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Huntington, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12602001999

Visit website

Cafe of Hope

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Huntington, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12603550055

Visit website

Coffee Bean Counter

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Huntington, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

The Party Shop

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

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

Huntington, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12603550142

Visit website

Grace’s Roasted Bean

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Huntington, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12603587750

Cornerstone Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Huntington, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

Visit website

Coffee D'Vine

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Huntington, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12603558834

Visit website

Moraine Nature Preserve

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Valparaiso, Indiana

+12199819183

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 127.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Harrison Boulevard

Turn right onto Harrison Boulevard

Navigation decision point

5
1.4 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward I 90 East

Navigation decision point

Toward I 90 East
5
1.8 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 90 / Indiana Toll Road

Merge onto I 90 / Indiana Toll Road

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
17.3 mi into trip | ~22m in

Take the exit toward SR 49: Chesterton, Valparaiso

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 31 Toward SR 49: Chesterton, Valparaiso
5
127.4 mi into trip | ~2h 59m in | US 224; SR 5 / Cherry Street

Turn left onto US 224; SR 5 / Cherry Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.23 one way

$44.46 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.41 $48.82
premium $4.89 $27.37 $54.73
diesel $5.61 $31.40 $62.79

Estimated Tolls: $1.09

Indiana Toll Road (15.5 mi) $1.09

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 49.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 42.7 0 $14.93 $6.83
Efficient EV 35.6 0 $12.44 $5.69
EV Truck/SUV 56.9 0 $19.91 $9.10

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 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 20, 2026

Origin

Gary, IN

Late night in Gary on Tuesday

Local time

4:15 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Warren, IN

Late night in Warren on Tuesday

Local time

5:15 AM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

67°F

Warsaw, IN

71 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

11 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 21m 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?

This drive is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll be making frequent turns and navigating through towns rather than covering long distances on a single highway. With 0% highway share, expect a more engaging driving experience that keeps you connected to the local environment. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the 'turn-heavy' profile suggests you'll be slowing down and maneuvering often. This route offers a steady progression through local byways, providing a consistent feel of community-based travel without the monotony of interstate driving.

Only 22% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 76.6 mi on East Morthland Drive.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Harrison Boulevard.

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 21m drive. You will face about 16 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Harrison Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles (I 90 / Indiana Toll Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Gary, IN to Warren, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Valparaiso along the way.

Valparaiso

17.3 mi in | ~22m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 21m. Total distance: 142.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (22%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 76.6 miles on East Morthland Drive. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.09 in tolls one way, starting with Indiana Toll Road. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

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: near the start (Harrison Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles (I 90 / Indiana Toll Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Warren, 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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