Sonic Drive-In
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Lafayette, Indiana
Hours: 7 am–1 pm
+17654477700
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 9m
Distance
195.4 mi
314 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hammond, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Redkey, IN
Szabó Viktor
Hammond, IN to Redkey, IN is 195.4 miles and takes about 4h 9m via Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within the Midwest, offering a straightforward drive across Indiana. Given its duration and the fact that it's a single-day route, it's a good option for a quick getaway or a practical way to get from point A to point B without needing an overnight stay. Plan for a steady pace as you make your way across the state.
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
97.7 miles from Hammond, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 52m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway | 100.5 mi | 1h 49m |
| East 600 North | 10 mi | 14m |
| West 200 South | 9.9 mi | 14m |
| Borman Expressway | 8.2 mi | 11m |
| West Walnut Street | 8 mi | 9m |
| County Road 100 South | 7.8 mi | 11m |
| SR 28 | 7.4 mi | 11m |
| Cleveland Street | 7.3 mi | 10m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 50 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~5,896 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~968 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 20 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Hammond, IN and Redkey, 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
Take the exit
Turn left onto SR 28
Turn straight onto SR 28
Turn right onto US 421; SR 28
Turn left onto US 421; SR 28
Continue on US 421; SR 28
Turn right onto US 421; SR 28
Turn left onto SR 28
Continue on SR 28
Enter roundabout onto SR 28
Continue on SR 28
Enter roundabout onto SR 28
Continue on SR 28
Enter roundabout onto West 200 South
Continue on West 200 South
Continue on West Old State Road 28
Continue on West Jefferson Street
Continue on SR 28
Continue on SR 28
Continue on SR 28
Continue on SR 28
Continue on SR 28
Continue on SR 28
Continue on US 35; SR 28
Continue on SR 28
At end of road, turn left onto SR 28; SR 67
Turn straight onto SR 67
Turn right onto SR 1
Arrive at destination
Since this is a 1-day drive covering 195.4 miles and taking just over 4 hours, you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight to complete the trip comfortably. The route includes only one recommended stop, but with the total duration under 5 hours, you might not even need it. Consider the fuel cost of $31 as an estimate for your planning. Keep an eye out for the transition from Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway to East 600 North, as this marks a significant shift to surface roads.
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 43 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97.7 miles or 1h 52m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Redkey, 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 195.4 miles and 4h 9m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
98 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 97.7 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 100.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · around the midpoint
Lafayette, Indiana
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Hours: 7 am–1 pm
+17654477700
Giovanni's Restaurant
Munster, Indiana
Best coffee break · around the midpoint
Lafayette, Indiana
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Hours: 5:30 am–2 pm
+17654481557
Sunshine & Cinnamon Cafe
Alexandria, Indiana
Heartland Cafe at Franciscan Health Lafayette East
Lafayette, Indiana
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Lafayette, Indiana
Hours: 7 am–1 pm
+17654477700
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Munster, Indiana
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+12198366220
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Lansing, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm
+17084748100
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Lansing, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–7:45 pm
+17084741378
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Merrillville, Indiana
Hours: 11 am–12 pm
+12195001370
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Hobart, Indiana
Hours: 4–10:30 pm
+12199422424
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Lafayette, Indiana
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17657674590
Visit websiteNear the start, ~10 min detour
East Chicago, Indiana
Hours: 10 am–9 pm
+12192568232
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Lafayette, Indiana
Hours: 5:30 am–2 pm
+17654481557
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Alexandria, Indiana
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+17657050819
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Lafayette, Indiana
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+17655024000
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Lafayette, Indiana
Hours: 5:30 am–2 pm
+17658383334
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Highland, Indiana
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+12195950314
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Highland, Indiana
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+12198034444
Near the start, short detour
Highland, Indiana
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+12195136134
Around the midpoint, short detour
Lafayette, Indiana
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+17654771873
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Lafayette, Indiana
Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm
+17657427337
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 2 and 111.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6 / Borman Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
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
Merge onto I 65 / Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward SR 28: Frankfort, Attica
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$32.49 one way
$64.97 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $35.39 | $70.77 |
| premium | $5.18 | $39.87 | $79.74 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $41.16 | $82.31 |
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: 68.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.6 | 0 | $20.52 | $9.38 |
| Efficient EV | 48.9 | 0 | $17.10 | $7.82 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78.2 | 0 | $27.36 | $12.51 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Hammond on Wednesday
Local time
3:35 PM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Chance Rain Showers
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 2 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 3 at 12:48PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Destination
Afternoon in Redkey on Wednesday
Local time
4:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 2 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 3 at 12:48PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
85°F
Pike, IN
98 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
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 route features a relatively low highway share at 8%, meaning you'll spend most of your time on surface roads. Your longest continuous stretch on a main highway, Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, covers 100.5 miles. Expect to transition from highway cruising to more local, surface road driving as you progress. The profile is mostly surface roads, so be prepared for a more consistent pace without the frequent acceleration and braking of heavy highway traffic.
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 19 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near I 80; I 94; US 6 / Borman Expressway.
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 195.4 miles you will encounter 19 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 2 miles (I 80; I 94; US 6 / Borman Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; 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.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
550 ft
Total Descent
187 ft
Highest Point
963 ft
~195.4 mi in
Elevation Range
364 ft
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hammond, IN to Redkey, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Attica along the way.
Attica
Founded 1884
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
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 9m. Total distance: 195.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (8%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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