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Trip from Johnson, IN to City of Gary, IN

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

Drive Time

5h 37m

Distance

261.6 mi

421 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 24m ★
6 AM
5h 38m
8 AM
6h 4m
10 AM
5h 47m
12 PM
5h 44m
3 PM
5h 48m
5 PM
6h 3m
8 PM
5h 30m

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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human settlement in Gibson County, Indiana, United States of America

Johnson, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown City of Gary, IN, IN

City of Gary, IN

Артем Дворецкий

Trip Overview

This 261.6-mile drive from Johnson, Indiana, to the City of Gary, Indiana, is a straightforward trip that can be comfortably completed in about 5 hours and 37 minutes. It's a highway-focused journey, with 90% of the route utilizing major roads like US 41, SR 63, and I 65, making it ideal as a single-day excursion. With an estimated fuel cost of around $41, this trip offers a budget-friendly way to travel across Indiana. You'll spend most of your time on efficient highways, so plan for a consistent pace. The drive stays within the Midwest region, offering a familiar landscape throughout.

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

130.8 miles from Johnson, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 41 130.3 mi 2h 46m
SR 63 63.3 mi 1h 20m
I 65 41.1 mi 46m
State Road 14 9.5 mi 13m
State Road 65 5.4 mi 9m
West Broadway Street 4.9 mi 7m
State Road 165 3.1 mi 5m
East 5th Avenue 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 41 — 130.3 mi, about 2h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Johnson, IN and City of Gary, IN.

1

Start on West Creek 970

465 ft · 25 sec · West Creek 970
2

At end of road, turn right onto SR 165

3.1 mi · 5 min · State Road 165
3

Continue on SR 65

0.3 mi · 33 sec · West Brumitt Street
4

Turn left onto SR 65

0.4 mi · 37 sec · North 1st Street
5

Continue on SR 65

5.4 mi · 9 min · State Road 65
6

Turn right onto SR 64; SR 65

4.9 mi · 7 min · West Broadway Street
7

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 33 sec
8

Merge onto US 41

25 mi · 28 min · US 41
9

Take the exit onto US 41; US 150

58 mi · 1 hr 17 min · US 41; US 150
Toward US 41 North, US 150: Terre Haute Use the straight lane.
10

Turn straight onto SR 63

63 mi · 1 hr 20 min · SR 63
Toward Chicago
11

Continue on US 41

47 mi · 59 min · US 41
12

Turn right onto SR 14

9.5 mi · 13 min · State Road 14
13

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
14

Merge onto I 65

41 mi · 46 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn left onto US 12; US 20

1.0 mi · 1 min · East 5th Avenue
16

Continue on US 12; US 20

0.9 mi · 1 min · East 4th Avenue
17

Turn left onto Madison Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Madison Street
18

Turn right onto West 8th Avenue

0.2 mi · 31 sec · West 8th Avenue
19

Turn left

342 ft · 25 sec
20

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 37-minute duration, this trip works well as a single-day adventure. You can start your journey in the morning to arrive in Gary by the afternoon. While there's only one designated stop in the data, remember that you'll be covering 261.6 miles, so factor in personal needs for breaks. The $41 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to check current prices. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 130.3 miles on US 41, to ensure you have enough to reach your next refueling opportunity.

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 130.8 miles from Johnson, IN, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 130.3 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 58 miles or 1h 17m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 130.8 miles or 2h 53m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 40m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Johnson, 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 Johnson, IN

This is one driving day of about 261.6 miles and 5h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Johnson, 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 US 41 for about 130.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Chrisman, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chrisman, IL

131 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

York, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Chrisman, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 130.8 miles from Johnson, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 130.3 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

Carson's Corner Restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Owensville, Indiana

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18127242007

Visit website

Covered Bridge Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cayuga, Indiana

1.7 mi

Cackleberries

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Terre Haute, Indiana

1.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Loose Goose Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Terre Haute, Indiana

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 93.4

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+18129173863

Visit website

Carson's Corner Restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Owensville, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18127242007

Visit website

Covered Bridge Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 130.8

Cayuga, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17654927376

Cackleberries

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+18122320000

Visit website

Bev's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+18122325131

Visit website

Marco's Pizza

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–11 pm

+18122338989

Visit website

Mel's Downtown

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 205.5

Morocco, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12192850689

Visit website

Burger King

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+18122990609

Visit website

Rocky's Cucina Toscana Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 112.1

Clinton, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17652054031

Loose Goose Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+18129173863

Visit website

Kaffa Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 242.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+12192132613

Visit website

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 242.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 242.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12193108078

Visit website

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 242.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12193233948

Visit website

Ionna Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18334662474

Visit website

Ev Connect Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 37.4

Vincennes, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18128825367

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+33172676914

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 37.4

Vincennes, Indiana

+31880109500

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

The Bouncin Barn

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 93.4

Terre Haute, Indiana

Hours: Closed

+18122995867

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 261.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | SR 165 / State Road 165

At end of road, turn right onto SR 165 / State Road 165

Navigation decision point

4
9.2 mi into trip | ~16m in | SR 64; SR 65 / West Broadway Street

Turn right onto SR 64; SR 65 / West Broadway Street

Navigation decision point

7
39.6 mi into trip | ~52m in | US 41; US 150

Take the exit onto US 41; US 150 toward US 41 North, US 150: Terre Haute

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

Use the straight lane. Toward US 41 North, US 150: Terre Haute
5
217.9 mi into trip | ~4h 45m in | I 65

Merge onto I 65

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
261.5 mi into trip | ~5h 37m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$40.90 one way

$81.80 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 92 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $44.90 $89.81
premium $4.89 $50.34 $100.69
diesel $5.61 $57.76 $115.52

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 91.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 78.5 0 $27.47 $12.56
Efficient EV 65.4 0 $22.89 $10.46
EV Truck/SUV 104.6 1 $36.62 $16.74

Gas CO2

92 kg

EV CO2

31 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Johnson, IN

Late night in Johnson on Sunday

Local time

5:17 AM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

City of Gary, IN

Late night in City of Gary on Sunday

Local time

5:17 AM

CDT

Current temp

64°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

9 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

5h 37m 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.

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park

National Historical Park

The British flag would not be raised above Fort Sackville Feb. 25, 1779. At 10 A.M., the garrison surrendered to American Colonel George Rogers Clark. His American army, aided by French residents of t...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 36.1
View on nps.gov
Indiana Dunes National Park

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...

13 mi from route ~33 min detour $20 near mile 261.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience on this route, with 90% of the drive taking place on major roads. You'll encounter stretches on US 41, SR 63, and I 65, designed for steady progress. The longest uninterrupted segment is a substantial 130.3 miles on US 41, allowing for extended periods of consistent driving. This profile suggests a route that prioritizes efficiency over winding scenic byways. The character of the drive is largely about covering ground effectively on well-established highways.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 130.3 mi on US 41.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 41 and SR 63. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near SR 165 / State Road 165.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 37m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (SR 165 / State Road 165): Navigation decision point; at 9.2 miles (SR 64; SR 65 / West Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 39.6 miles (US 41; US 150): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Johnson, IN to City of Gary, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Chicago along the way.

Chicago

97.3 mi in | ~2h 10m | via SR 63

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 37m. Total distance: 261.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 130.3 miles on US 41. 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.

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 0.1 miles (SR 165 / State Road 165): Navigation decision point; at 9.2 miles (SR 64; SR 65 / West Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 39.6 miles (US 41; US 150): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at City of Gary, IN before the return drive.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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