Origin
Lewis, IN
Late night in Lewis on Sunday
Local time
3:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lewis, IN to Carmel, IN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 10m
Distance
98.6 mi
159 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 1m
★
6 AM
2h 10m
8 AM
2h 28m
10 AM
2h 17m
12 PM
2h 15m
3 PM
2h 17m
5 PM
2h 28m
8 PM
2h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lewis, IN
Jonathan Borba
Carmel, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 98.6-mile journey from Lewis, Indiana, to Carmel, Indiana, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $15, it's an economical drive. You'll spend about 7% of your time on highways, with the majority of the drive navigating local roads. This route offers a straightforward, turn-heavy local experience through the Midwest. It's a perfect option if you're looking for a relatively short, uncomplicated drive between two points within Indiana.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
49.3 miles from Lewis, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 4m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dwight D Eisenhower Highway | 46.3 mi | 49m |
| 65 | 14.5 mi | 17m |
| Main Street | 12.6 mi | 17m |
| County Road 850 | 7 mi | 12m |
| I 74 | 5.5 mi | 6m |
| North Meridian Street | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| West Main Street | 1.2 mi | 3m |
| SR 59 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 46.3 mi, about 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lewis, IN and Carmel, IN.
1
Start on 104th Street
313 ft
·
18 sec
·
104th Street
2
Turn left onto SR 159; SR 246
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Franklin Street
3
Continue on SR 159; SR 246
7.0 mi
·
12 min
·
County Road 850
4
Turn left onto SR 59; SR 246
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
SR 59; SR 246
5
Turn left onto SR 59; SR 246
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
SR 59; SR 246
6
Turn right onto SR 59; SR 246
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
West 8th Street
7
Turn left onto SR 59; SR 246
13 mi
·
17 min
·
Main Street
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
9
Merge onto I 70
46 mi
·
49 min
·
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
10
Take the exit
2.3 mi
·
4 min
Exit 69
Toward I 465, I 74
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
1.2 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 465, I 74
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 465 North, I 74 West: Peoria
Use the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto I 74; I 465
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
I 74; I 465
14
Keep slight left at fork onto 65
14 mi
·
17 min
·
65
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 31
Toward US 31 North: Meridian Street South, Westfield, Kokomo
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 31 North: Westfield, Kokomo
17
Keep slight left at fork onto US 31
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 31
Toward US 31 North: Westfield, Kokomo
18
Merge onto US 31
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
North Meridian Street
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 126
Toward Old Meridan Street
Use the slight right lane.
20
Turn straight onto Old Meridian Street
490 ft
·
13 sec
·
Old Meridian Street
21
Enter roundabout onto Old Meridian Street
209 ft
·
12 sec
·
Old Meridian Street
22
Continue on Old Meridian Street
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Old Meridian Street
23
Enter roundabout onto Old Meridian Street
109 ft
·
6 sec
·
Old Meridian Street
24
Continue on Old Meridian Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Old Meridian Street
25
Enter roundabout onto Old Meridian Street
112 ft
·
6 sec
·
Old Meridian Street
26
Continue on Old Meridian Street
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
Old Meridian Street
27
Enter roundabout onto West Main Street
76 ft
·
4 sec
·
West Main Street
28
Continue on West Main Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
West Main Street
29
Enter roundabout onto West Main Street
122 ft
·
6 sec
·
West Main Street
30
Continue on West Main Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
31
Enter roundabout onto West Main Street
70 ft
·
4 sec
·
West Main Street
32
Continue on West Main Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
33
Enter roundabout onto East Main Street
87 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Main Street
34
Continue on East Main Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
East Main Street
35
Enter roundabout
107 ft
·
2 sec
36
Continue
67 ft
·
1 sec
37
Turn straight onto East Main Street
22 ft
·
0 sec
·
East Main Street
38
Arrive at destination
East Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 10 minutes for this 98.6-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility. Consider departing mid-morning to avoid peak rush hour traffic in either Lewis or Carmel. With a fuel cost around $15, you won't need frequent stops for gas, but plan for a brief break around the halfway point to stretch your legs. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests keeping your navigation system handy, as you'll be making frequent turns. Pay close attention to speed limit changes as you transition between different local road sections.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 49.3 miles from Lewis, IN, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.3 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 22 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 49.3 miles or 1h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Carmel, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lewis, 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 Lewis, IN
This is one driving day of about 98.6 miles and 2h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Lewis, IN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway for about 46.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
49 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 49.3 miles from Lewis, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 275 decision points cluster between mile 68.5 and 95.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
68.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
Take the exit toward I 465, I 74
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 69
Toward I 465, I 74
8
70.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 30m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 465, I 74
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 465, I 74
8
72 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 465 North, I 74 West: Peoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 465 North, I 74 West: Peoria
8
92.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 58m in
Take the exit toward US 31 North: Meridian Street South, Westfield, Kokomo
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 31
Toward US 31 North: Meridian Street South, West...
7
95.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 2m in
Take the exit toward Old Meridan Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 126
Toward Old Meridan Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.41 one way
$30.83 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
35 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $16.93 | $33.85 |
| premium | $4.89 | $18.97 | $37.95 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.77 | $43.54 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 34.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29.6 | 0 | $10.35 | $4.73 |
| Efficient EV | 24.7 | 0 | $8.63 | $3.94 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 39.4 | 0 | $13.80 | $6.31 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (65% 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.
Destination
Carmel, IN
Late night in Carmel on Sunday
Local time
3:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°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
4 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
2h 10m 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?
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for most of this 98.6-mile route, with only a 7% highway share. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 46.3 miles on the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. This means you'll be navigating a series of local roads and turns, rather than a continuous interstate cruise. The road character will shift as you move between towns and rural areas, requiring your attention to navigation and speed adjustments. It's a drive that keeps you engaged with the surrounding landscape and local infrastructure.
Only 7% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.3 mi on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 68.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 27 significant decision points across 98.6 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 68.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lewis, IN and Carmel, IN, road signs point toward Westfield and Kokomo.
Westfield
92.9 mi in
|
~1h 58m
Kokomo
92.9 mi in
|
~1h 58m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 10m. Total distance: 98.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 46.3 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Carmel, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 68.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Carmel, IN before heading back.
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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