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Trip from Lovett, 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

4h 33m

Distance

227.8 mi

367 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 20m ★
6 AM
4h 34m
8 AM
5h 1m
10 AM
4h 43m
12 PM
4h 41m
3 PM
4h 45m
5 PM
4h 59m
8 PM
4h 26m

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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Downtown Lovett, IN, IN

Lovett, IN

KoolShooters

Downtown City of Gary, IN, IN

City of Gary, IN

Артем Дворецкий

Trip Overview

Embarking on a journey from Lovett, Indiana, to the City of Gary, Indiana, covers 227.8 miles and will take approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes of driving time. This drive is well-suited for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $36, making it an economical option. Primarily utilizing I 65, South State Street, and SR 3, this route offers a straightforward path through the Midwest. The overall feel of the drive is focused on efficient travel, with a significant portion on highways.

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

113.9 miles from Lovett, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 26m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 193.1 mi 3h 37m
South State Street 17.8 mi 27m
SR 3 5.6 mi 8m
State Street 3.9 mi 5m
Jonathan Moore Pike 1.4 mi 1m
3rd Street 1.3 mi 2m
East 5th Avenue 1 mi 1m
East 4th Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 193.1 mi, about 3h 37m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West County Road 500 South

0.6 mi · 2 min · West County Road 500 South
2

Turn left onto SR 3

5.1 mi · 7 min · SR 3
3

At end of road, turn left onto SR 3; SR 7

0.5 mi · 45 sec · SR 3; SR 7
4

Turn right onto SR 3; SR 7

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Poplar Street
5

Continue on SR 3; SR 7

0.5 mi · 1 min · State Roads 3 & 7
6

Continue on SR 3; SR 7

18 mi · 27 min · South State Street
7

Continue on SR 46

3.9 mi · 5 min · State Street
8

Continue on SR 46

1.3 mi · 2 min · 3rd Street
9

Continue on Jonathan Moore Pike

1.4 mi · 1 min · Jonathan Moore Pike
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 65 North: Indianapolis
11

Merge onto I 65

43 mi · 49 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 65

30 mi · 35 min · I 65
Use the slight right lane.
13

Take the exit onto US 52

0.2 mi · 15 sec · US 52
Exit 141 Toward US 52 West
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 9 sec
15

Merge onto I 65

120 mi · 2 hr 11 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Turn left onto US 12; US 20

1.0 mi · 1 min · East 5th Avenue
17

Continue on US 12; US 20

0.9 mi · 1 min · East 4th Avenue
18

Turn left onto Madison Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Madison Street
19

Turn right onto West 8th Avenue

0.2 mi · 31 sec · West 8th Avenue
20

Turn left

342 ft · 25 sec
21

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 33-minute duration, starting your drive from Lovett earlier in the day is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for potential brief stops. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 193.1 miles on I 65, plan your breaks strategically. The fuel cost is estimated at $36, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before departing, especially given the substantial highway mileage. Since this is a manageable one-day trip, you have flexibility in your timing. A practical tip is to be aware of potential traffic as you approach the City of Gary, especially during peak hours.

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 113.9 miles from Lovett, IN, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 193.1 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 50 miles or 1h 11m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 113.9 miles or 2h 26m 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 46m

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 Lovett, 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 Lovett, IN

This is one driving day of about 227.8 miles and 4h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Lovett, 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 I 65 for about 193.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Indianapolis, IN

114 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.

Popular next leg

Indianapolis, IN to City of Gary, IN

152.4 mi · 2h 55m

Pacing Suggestions

Greenwood, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mulberry, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 113.9 miles from Lovett, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 193.1 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

Sushi Club (Sushi All You Can Eat)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 65.1

Hours: 11 am–3:30 pm

+13174978097

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Indianapolis, Indiana

1.2 mi

Lindo Mexico

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Greenwood, Indiana

1.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 211.5

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

2.3 mi

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

2.4 mi

Sushi Club (Sushi All You Can Eat)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 65.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–3:30 pm

+13174978097

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 65.1

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13178070248

Visit website

Lindo Mexico

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 65.1

Greenwood, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13178591336

Visit website

FLUID Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 211.5

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12192132044

Visit website

Five star restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81.3

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+13176025560

Al-Rayan restaurant

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81.3

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+13179867554

Visit website

Le Fernández Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 32.5

Columbus, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18129005551

Visit website

Angottis Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 32.5

Columbus, Indiana

Hours: 4–9 pm

+18123750686

Visit website

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 211.5

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 211.5

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12193233948

Visit website

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 211.5

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12193108078

Visit website

Founders Grounds Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 81.3

Speedway, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+13179815358

Visit website

Georgia Street Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 81.3

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13173719949

Visit website

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81.3

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 8:30 am–7 pm

+14632022117

Visit website

Indy with Kids

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 81.3

Indianapolis, IN

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13174555289

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 31.6 and 105.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
31.6 mi into trip | ~50m in | I 65

Merge onto I 65

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
74.9 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in | I 65

Keep slight right at fork onto I 65

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
5
104.7 mi into trip | ~2h 16m in | US 52

Take the exit onto US 52 toward US 52 West

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 141 Toward US 52 West
5
104.9 mi into trip | ~2h 16m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
105.1 mi into trip | ~2h 16m in | I 65

Merge onto I 65

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.61 one way

$71.23 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 80 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $39.10 $78.21
premium $4.89 $43.84 $87.68
diesel $5.61 $50.30 $100.59

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 79.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 68.3 0 $23.92 $10.93
Efficient EV 57 0 $19.93 $9.11
EV Truck/SUV 91.1 1 $31.89 $14.58

Gas CO2

80 kg

EV CO2

27 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

Lovett, IN

Late night in Lovett on Sunday

Local time

12:45 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

City of Gary, IN

Night in City of Gary on Saturday

Local time

11:45 PM

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

1 hour earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

10 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 33m 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

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 227.8
Park Closure: Partial Closures to Marquette Greenway Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
Park Closure: Mount Baldy Closure
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 87% of the journey taking place on interstates and major roadways. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 193.1 miles on I 65, which forms the backbone of this route. While the majority is highway driving, expect some transitions as you navigate through different Indiana roadways. The character is one of consistent forward momentum, designed for covering distance efficiently rather than for leisurely sightseeing. The road's personality remains largely consistent, emphasizing its role as a connective artery.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 193.1 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and South State Street. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 31.6 miles in near I 65.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 227.8 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 31.6 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.9 miles (I 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.7 miles (US 52): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 227.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 33m 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 193.1 miles on I 65. 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 City of Gary, 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 31.6 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.9 miles (I 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.7 miles (US 52): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

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

Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at City of Gary, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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