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Trip from Hope, IN to South Bend, IN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 54m

Distance

180.7 mi

291 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 41m ★
6 AM
3h 54m
8 AM
4h 20m
10 AM
4h 3m
12 PM
4h 1m
3 PM
4h 5m
5 PM
4h 19m
8 PM
3h 47m

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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town in Indiana, United States

Hope, IN

Wikimedia Commons

city and county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States of America

South Bend, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 180.7-mile drive from Hope to South Bend, Indiana, is a manageable 3-hour and 54-minute journey, making it an excellent candidate for a single-day road trip. The route primarily utilizes North Meridian Street and I-74, with a 30% share of highway driving, offering a mixed but generally efficient travel experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $28, it's an affordable option for exploring more of the Midwest. This trip is best undertaken in one go, allowing you to arrive in South Bend without needing an overnight stop. Plan for one significant stretch of 119.3 miles on North Meridian Street, so consider your first stop after leaving Hope.

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

90.3 miles from Hope, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
North Meridian Street 119.3 mi 2h 28m
I 74 18.8 mi 20m
SR 9 15.7 mi 23m
I 69 10.4 mi 12m
Keystone Parkway 5 mi 7m
I 465 2.9 mi 3m
South Michigan Street 2.5 mi 6m
North Riley Highway 1.6 mi 2m
Longest stretch: North Meridian Street — 119.3 mi, about 2h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hope, IN and South Bend, IN.

1

Start on Jackson Street

36 ft · 3 sec · Jackson Street
2

Turn right onto SR 9

16 mi · 23 min · SR 9
3

Enter roundabout onto SR 9

400 ft · 6 sec · North Harrison Street
4

Continue on SR 9

0.4 mi · 35 sec · North Harrison Street
5

Continue on North Riley Highway

0.1 mi · 11 sec · North Riley Highway
6

Keep slight right at fork onto North Riley Highway

0.6 mi · 52 sec · North Riley Highway
7

Turn slight right onto SR 9

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Riley Highway
8

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward I 74 West, US 421 North: Indianapolis
9

Merge onto I 74; US 421

19 mi · 19 min · I 74; US 421
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit onto I 74; US 421

0.2 mi · 30 sec · I 74; US 421
Toward I 465, I 74 West: Shadeland Avenue
11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 421

0.5 mi · 1 min · US 421
Toward I 465 North: Shadeland Avenue Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto US 421

0.5 mi · 59 sec · US 421
Toward I 465 North Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto I 69; I 465

10 mi · 12 min · I 69; I 465
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 465

0.3 mi · 19 sec · I 465
15

Continue on I-465 WB

0.8 mi · 56 sec · I-465 WB
16

Continue on I 465

2.6 mi · 3 min · I 465
Use the straight lane.
17

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Exit 33 Toward Keystone Avenue Use the slight right lane.
18

Turn right

172 ft · 6 sec
Toward North Keystone Parkway, West 96th Street, West 98th Street, East 96th Street Use the slight right lane.
19

Merge onto North Keystone Avenue

0.3 mi · 44 sec · North Keystone Avenue
Use the right lane.
20

Enter roundabout

113 ft · 6 sec
Toward North Keystone Parkway, East 98th Street
21

Continue

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward North Keystone Parkway, East 98th Street
22

Keep slight left at fork

436 ft · 11 sec
Toward Keystone Parkway
23

Merge onto Keystone Parkway

5.0 mi · 7 min · Keystone Parkway
24

Merge onto US 31

119 mi · 2 hr 28 min · North Meridian Street
25

Enter roundabout onto BUS US 31

128 ft · 6 sec · South Michigan Street
26

Continue on BUS US 31

2.5 mi · 6 min · South Michigan Street
27

Continue on South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

0.7 mi · 2 min · South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
28

Enter roundabout onto SR 933

124 ft · 7 sec · North Michigan Street
29

Continue on SR 933

454 ft · 17 sec · North Michigan Street
30

Turn right onto East Navarre Street

131 ft · 4 sec · East Navarre Street
31

Arrive at destination

East Navarre Street

Trip Plan

For this 180.7-mile trip, departing in the morning is advisable to take full advantage of the 3-hour and 54-minute duration. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $28, you have flexibility in pacing. Consider breaking up the longest stretch of 119.3 miles on North Meridian Street with a brief pause for fuel or a stretch. Since this is a single-day drive, being mindful of traffic patterns, especially as you approach South Bend, can help ensure a smoother arrival. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, particularly before embarking on the 119.3-mile segment.

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 90.3 miles from Hope, IN, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.3 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 40 miles or 52m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 90.3 miles or 1h 56m 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 8m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Hope, 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 Hope, IN

This is one driving day of about 180.7 miles and 3h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Hope, 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 North Meridian Street for about 119.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

seat of Hamilton County, Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Noblesville, IN

90 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

Lawrence, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kokomo, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 90.3 miles from Hope, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before North Meridian Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Cafe Navarre

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

South Bend, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10 mile 180.7

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15749688101

Visit website

Harvest Moon Deli & Market

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rochester, Indiana

1 mi

Puccini's Pizza Pasta - Clearwater

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Indianapolis, Indiana

0.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The General Deli & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

South Bend, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 180.7

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15742864193

Visit website

Ivy Terra Plant Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plymouth, Indiana

1.8 mi

F-Bomb Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kokomo, Indiana

2.1 mi

Cafe Navarre

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10 mile 180.7

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15749688101

Visit website

Harvest Moon Deli & Market

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 141.9

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+15742235043

Visit website

Puccini's Pizza Pasta - Clearwater

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 51.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13178424028

Visit website

Bugambilias Mexican Cuisine

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 51.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13175165978

Visit website

The French Press Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 154.9

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15745402940

Visit website

Coffee Lodge and Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 154.9

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–5:30 pm

+15749362102

Visit website

The Skillet Restaurant and Catering

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 180.7

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 3–7 pm

+15742346069

Visit website

Opie's Deli & Office

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.9

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15749353366

Visit website

The General Deli & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 180.7

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15742864193

Visit website

Ivy Terra Plant Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 154.9

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

F-Bomb Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 90.3

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+17652527750

Visit website

Angjelina Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 154.9

Plymouth, Indiana

Cat Cafe - Kokomo Humane Society

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 90.3

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 12–5 pm

+17654526224

Visit website

Doubting Thomas Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 90.3

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+17657803094

Visit website

Radish Market & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 90.3

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17654197958

Visit website

Capstone Cafe & Bookstore

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 51.6

Carmel, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13175669132

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 90.3

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 90.3

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 103.2

Bunker Hill, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 90.3

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 129

Rochester, Indiana

+18668167584

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 129

Rochester, Indiana

+18333994638

Visit website

Unity Gardens Inc.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 180.7

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+15742222266

Visit website

Generations Adventureplex

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 180.7

Mishawaka, Indiana

Hours: 3–9 pm

+15748551095

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 36.8 and 52.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
36.8 mi into trip | ~47m in | US 421

Keep slight right at fork onto US 421 toward I 465 North: Shadeland Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 465 North: Shadeland Avenue
7
37.3 mi into trip | ~49m in | US 421

Keep slight right at fork onto US 421 toward I 465 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 465 North
7
51.9 mi into trip | ~1h 6m in

Take the exit toward Keystone Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 33 Toward Keystone Avenue
7
52.4 mi into trip | ~1h 7m in

Turn right toward North Keystone Parkway, West 96th Street, West 98th Street, East 96th Street

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward North Keystone Parkway, West 96th Street...
7
52.4 mi into trip | ~1h 7m in | North Keystone Avenue

Merge onto North Keystone Avenue

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

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.25 one way

$56.50 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $31.02 $62.04
premium $4.89 $34.77 $69.55
diesel $5.61 $39.90 $79.79

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 63.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 54.2 0 $18.97 $8.67
Efficient EV 45.2 0 $15.81 $7.23
EV Truck/SUV 72.3 0 $25.30 $11.56

Gas CO2

63 kg

EV CO2

21 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 15, 2026

Origin

Hope, IN

Morning in Hope on Sunday

Local time

10:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

South Bend, IN

Morning in South Bend on Sunday

Local time

10:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°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

3 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

3h 54m 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?

The personality of this drive is a "mixed drive," meaning you'll experience a blend of road types. While 30% of the route involves highway travel, you'll also navigate surface streets and potentially some county roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a substantial 119.3 miles along North Meridian Street, suggesting a significant portion of the journey will be on this particular road. This mix means the pace can vary, shifting from potentially faster highway speeds to more deliberate travel on local roads as you progress toward South Bend. Be prepared for this dynamic change in driving conditions.

30% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119.3 mi on North Meridian Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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 36.8 miles in near US 421.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 21 significant decision points across 180.7 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 36.8 miles (US 421): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.3 miles (US 421): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 51.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 54m. Total distance: 180.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 119.3 miles on North Meridian Street. 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.

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 South Bend, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 36.8 miles (US 421): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.3 miles (US 421): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 51.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at South Bend, 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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