Origin
Locke, IN
Late night in Locke on Sunday
Local time
3:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Locke, IN to Bloomington, IN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 12m
Distance
198 mi
319 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 59m
★
6 AM
4h 13m
8 AM
4h 39m
10 AM
4h 22m
12 PM
4h 19m
3 PM
4h 23m
5 PM
4h 38m
8 PM
4h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Locke, IN
Nathan Thomas
Bloomington, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 198-mile drive from Locke to Bloomington, Indiana, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 12 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 31 and I-69, with a brief stint on I-465, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $31, it's an economical option for exploring Indiana. The highway-focused profile means you'll spend most of your time on faster roads, making for an efficient transit. This drive is ideal if you're looking for a direct and uncomplicated way to get from point A to point B within 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
99 miles from Locke, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 8m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 31 | 110.4 mi | 2h 17m |
| I 69 | 38.3 mi | 42m |
| I 465 | 24.4 mi | 28m |
| Grand Army of the Republic Highway | 13.8 mi | 18m |
| North Walnut Street | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| County Road 3 | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| North College Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
| West Market Street | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 31
— 110.4 mi, about 2h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Locke, IN and Bloomington, IN.
1
Start on CR 50
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road 50
2
Turn left onto CR 3
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
County Road 3
3
Continue on North Arnott Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Arnott Street
4
At end of road, turn right onto US 6
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West Market Street
5
Continue on US 6
14 mi
·
18 min
·
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
6
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
7
Merge onto US 31
11 mi
·
13 min
·
US 31
8
Merge onto US 31
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 31
9
Turn slight right
512 ft
·
6 sec
10
Continue on US 31
85 mi
·
1 hr 44 min
·
US 31
11
Turn right onto East 226th Street
270 ft
·
10 sec
·
East 226th Street
12
Turn left
320 ft
·
50 sec
13
Continue on this road
320 ft
·
25 sec
·
this road
14
Turn right onto East 226th Street
270 ft
·
9 sec
·
East 226th Street
15
Turn right onto US 31
13 mi
·
17 min
·
US 31
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit onto US 31
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
US 31
Exit 123
Toward I 465, US 31 South
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 465 West
Use the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto I 465
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 465
20 mi
·
23 min
·
I 465
Toward I 465 South
20
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 5
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 69
38 mi
·
42 min
·
I 69
22
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Toward College Avenue, Walnut Street
23
Turn straight onto North Walnut Street
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Walnut Street
24
Continue on North College Avenue
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North College Avenue
25
Turn left onto West 10th Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
West 10th Street
26
Turn right onto North Dunn Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
North Dunn Street
27
Turn left onto East 4th Street
379 ft
·
15 sec
·
East 4th Street
28
Turn straight
99 ft
·
7 sec
29
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a duration of just over 4 hours, this trip is best tackled in one day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize daylight and potentially avoid afternoon traffic, especially around the I-465 interchange near Indianapolis. You'll be covering 198 miles, with the longest stretch on US 31 being over 110 miles, so plan for a fuel stop before you depart or midway through if needed. The estimated fuel cost is $31, so factor that into your budget. Given the highway-centric nature, rest stops will be readily available at regular intervals.
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 99 miles from Locke, IN, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.4 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 44 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99 miles or 2h 8m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bloomington, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Locke, 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 Locke, IN
This is one driving day of about 198 miles and 4h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Locke, 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 31 for about 110.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
99 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 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 99 miles from Locke, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 31 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 110.4 miles.
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 195 decision points cluster between mile 2.5 and 153.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.5 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
US 6 / West Market Street
At end of road, turn right onto US 6 / West Market Street
Navigation decision point
6
114.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
|
US 31
Turn right onto US 31
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
127.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 46m in
|
US 31
Take the exit onto US 31 toward I 465, US 31 South
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 123
Toward I 465, US 31 South
7
128.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 47m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 465 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 465 West
7
153.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 17m in
Take the exit toward I 69 South: Evansville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.96 one way
$61.91 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
69 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $33.99 | $67.97 |
| premium | $4.89 | $38.10 | $76.21 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $43.72 | $87.43 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 59.4 | 0 | $20.79 | $9.50 |
| Efficient EV | 49.5 | 0 | $17.33 | $7.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 79.2 | 0 | $27.72 | $12.67 |
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Destination
Bloomington, IN
Late night in Bloomington on Sunday
Local time
3:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°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
4h 12m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 198-mile trip, with 87% of the route on interstates and major highways. You'll encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch at 110.4 miles, primarily on US 31, which allows for consistent progress. While largely a high-speed drive, the transition between US 31, I-465, and I-69 means you'll experience different road personalities. This route prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways, so settle in for a drive where getting there is the main event.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 110.4 mi on US 31.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 31 and I 69. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.5 miles in near US 6 / West Market Street.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 198 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 2.5 miles (US 6 / West Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 114.7 miles (US 31): Lane positioning matters here; at 127.7 miles (US 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Arriving in Bloomington, IN
Full guide →Bloomington is a city of 86,000 people (2019) in Southern Indiana. Bloomington is home to the flagship campus of Indiana University (IU) and therefore also the IU Hoosiers sports teams. As it is the largest city in the region, it serves as the de facto employment, service, and shopping center for several adjacent counties.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 12m. Total distance: 198 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 110.4 miles on US 31. 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 Bloomington, 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 2.5 miles (US 6 / West Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 114.7 miles (US 31): Lane positioning matters here; at 127.7 miles (US 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Bloomington, 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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