Hammond, IN to Wilmington, IN is 255 miles and takes about 4h 55m via Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway and US 421, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, specifically Indiana, offering a straightforward drive through familiar terrain. With a recommended single day of travel, it's a practical option for getting between these two points without needing an overnight stay. The route balances highway cruising with surface roads, making it a manageable drive for most vehicles.
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
127.5 miles from Hammond, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
129.3 mi
2h 20m
US 421
62.8 mi
1h 8m
I 465
12.5 mi
14m
SR 101
11.6 mi
18m
West Indian Trail
11.6 mi
16m
I 69
10.5 mi
12m
Borman Expressway
8.2 mi
11m
I 865
5.1 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
— 129.3 mi, about 2h 20m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 110 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~5,771 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~978 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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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 Hammond, IN and Wilmington, IN.
1
Start on Columbia Avenue
0.2 mi·30 sec·Columbia Avenue
2
Turn left onto 173rd Street
0.6 mi·1 min·173rd Street
3
Turn right onto Southeastern Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Southeastern Avenue
4
Turn left onto 175th Street
0.2 mi·32 sec·175th Street
5
Turn right onto SR 152
0.3 mi·22 sec·Indianapolis Boulevard
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Detroit
7
Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6
8.2 mi·11 min·Borman Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·34 sec
Exit 11Toward I 65 South: IndianapolisUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 65
129 mi·2 hr 20 min·Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 865
5.1 mi·6 min·I 865
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 465
13 mi·14 min·I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 69; I 465
11 mi·12 min·I 69; I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto US 421
0.1 mi·15 sec·US 421
Exit 49Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati, Southeastern AvenueUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 421
63 mi·1 hr 8 min·US 421
Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: CincinnatiUse the slight left lane.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 156Toward SR 101: Sunman, Milan
17
Turn right onto SR 101
8.6 mi·14 min·SR 101
18
Turn left onto SR 101
3.0 mi·4 min·SR 101
19
Turn left onto SR 350
12 mi·16 min·West Indian Trail
20
Turn right onto Probst Road
490 ft·21 sec·Probst Road
21
Arrive at destination
Probst Road
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 55m estimated drive time, leaving Hammond, IN in the morning should get you to Wilmington, IN well before evening. There's only one recommended stop, so plan it strategically for a break or fuel. With the fuel cost estimated around $40, it's wise to fill up before you leave or at your planned stop. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; however, be aware of the 129.3-mile stretch on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway and ensure you're comfortable with that duration of driving before needing a break.
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 127.5 miles from Hammond, IN, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.3 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 56 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.5 miles or 2h 24m 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 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wilmington, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
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 255 miles and 4h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Hammond, 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 Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway for about 129.3 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 10.1 and 168.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
10.1 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward I 65 South: Indianapolis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward I 65 South: Indianapolis
6
10.5 mi into trip|~16m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
140.6 mi into trip|~2h 38m in|I 865
Keep slight right at fork onto I 865
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
168.7 mi into trip|~3h 11m in|US 421
Take the exit onto US 421 toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati, Southeastern Avenue
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 49
Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati, Sou...
8
168.8 mi into trip|~3h 11m in|US 421
Keep slight left at fork onto US 421 toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.64 one way
$69.27 round trip
$3.45/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.85
$38.65
$77.30
premium
$4.15
$41.66
$83.33
diesel
$3.75
$37.65
$75.30
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.2 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.5
0
$26.78
$12.24
Efficient EV
63.8
0
$22.31
$10.20
EV Truck/SUV
102
1
$35.70
$16.32
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 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
Hammond, IN
Morning
in Hammond on Sunday
Local time
6:59 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
Destination
Wilmington, IN
Morning
in Wilmington on Sunday
Local time
7:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Sunny
N 6 to 10 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
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
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 55m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is a mixed bag, with 43% of the drive on highways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 129.3 miles on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, which should offer a good opportunity for consistent cruising. Beyond that, expect sections on US 421 and I 465, likely featuring more frequent exits and merging traffic common to interstate travel. The transition from highway to surface roads will be noticeable as you progress.
43% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 129.3 mi on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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.
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 255 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 865): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
999 ft599 ft
Total Climb
672 ft
Total Descent
476 ft
Highest Point
999 ft
~236.8 mi in
Elevation Range
400 ft
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 Hammond, IN to Wilmington, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Milan along the way.
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 4h 55m. Total distance: 255 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 129.3 miles on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 33 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 Wilmington, 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 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 865): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Indiana Dunes National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Wilmington, IN, but most travelers stay overnight.
