Trish's Red Bird Cafe
Around the midpoint, short detour
Dayton, Indiana
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+17652966964
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 36m
Distance
240.3 mi
387 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Albion, IN
Magda Ehlers
Hammond, IN to Albion, IN is 240.3 miles and takes about 4h 36m via Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway and I-65, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, beginning and ending in Indiana. It's a straightforward drive that offers a mixed experience, blending efficient highway travel with more localized road segments. With a recommended single day for completion, this route is ideal for a quick journey without feeling rushed, allowing for a relaxed pace. You'll find the journey manageable with just one recommended stop, making it easy to plan and execute.
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
120.2 miles from Hammond, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway | 129.3 mi | 2h 20m |
| I 65 | 92.5 mi | 1h 46m |
| Borman Expressway | 8.2 mi | 11m |
| US 31 | 3 mi | 4m |
| State Road 256 | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| East Main Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| 173rd Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Southeastern Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Hammond, IN and Albion, IN.
Start on Columbia Avenue
Turn left onto 173rd Street
Turn right onto Southeastern Avenue
Turn left onto 175th Street
Turn right onto SR 152
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 65
Keep slight left at fork onto I 65
Continue on I 65
Keep slight left at fork onto I 65
Take the exit
At end of road, turn left onto US 31
Turn left onto SR 256
Continue on SR 256
Arrive at destination
Given the 4h 36m duration, departing Hammond, IN in the morning is a good strategy, allowing you to arrive in Albion, IN with ample daylight. Plan for your single recommended stop to break up the 240.3-mile journey, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel. The estimated fuel cost of $38 is a helpful budget guide, but always check current prices. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially when merging onto or exiting I-65 and the Borman Expressway, as these can be busy arteries. The longest stretch on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway is over 129 miles, so ensure you're comfortable with that duration before setting out.
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.
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 53 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.2 miles or 2h 16m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Albion, IN than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Hammond, 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 Hammond, IN
This is one driving day of about 240.3 miles and 4h 36m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
120 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.
A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 120.2 miles from Hammond, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 129.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Dayton, Indiana
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+17652966964
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Merrillville, Indiana
Oaken Barrel Brewing Company
Greenwood, Indiana
Top Coffee Stop
Merrillville, Indiana
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 11 am–7 pm
Good Vibes Cafe Indy
Indianapolis, Indiana
Around the midpoint, short detour
Dayton, Indiana
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+17652966964
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Merrillville, Indiana
Hours: 11 am–12 pm
+12195001370
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Greenwood, Indiana
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+13178872287
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Merrillville, Indiana
Hours: 10 am–7:30 pm
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Munster, Indiana
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+12198366220
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Seymour, IN
Hours: Closed
+18125224955
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Indianapolis, Indiana
Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm
+13179551700
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Indianapolis, Indiana
Hours: 11 am–3 pm
+13176696848
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Merrillville, Indiana
Hours: 11 am–7 pm
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Indianapolis, Indiana
Hours: 8:30 am–7 pm
+14632022117
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Indianapolis, Indiana
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+13173719949
Visit websiteNear the start, ~10 min detour
Crown Point, Indiana
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+12193233948
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Crown Point, Indiana
Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm
+12192132613
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Speedway, Indiana
Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm
+13179815358
Visit websiteNear the start, ~11 min detour
Crown Point, Indiana
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+12196629165
Visit websiteNear the start, ~11 min detour
Crown Point, Indiana
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+12193108078
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Indianapolis, IN
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13174555289
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Seymour, Indiana
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+18122711298
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.1 and 233.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Take the exit toward I 65 South: Indianapolis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork onto I 65
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork onto I 65
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward US 31: Austin, Crothersville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$37.57 one way
$75.14 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $41.25 | $82.50 |
| premium | $4.89 | $46.24 | $92.49 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $53.06 | $106.11 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 72.1 | 0 | $25.23 | $11.53 |
| Efficient EV | 60.1 | 0 | $21.03 | $9.61 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 96.1 | 1 | $33.64 | $15.38 |
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Hammond on Saturday
Local time
11:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in Albion on Sunday
Local time
12:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
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
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
This drive presents a mixed profile, with 43% of the journey on highways. You'll spend a significant portion on the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch at 129.3 miles, offering a consistent pace. The route also incorporates I-65 and the Borman Expressway, providing periods of faster, more direct travel. Expect the road to transition between these highway segments and potentially some more local road driving as you approach your destination. The overall character is one of efficient progress punctuated by varied road types.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 240.3 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 10.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 140.6 miles (I 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 36m. Total distance: 240.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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