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Trip from Mishawaka, IN to Lawrence, 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 2m

Distance

141.6 mi

228 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 51m ★
6 AM
3h 3m
8 AM
3h 26m
10 AM
3h 11m
12 PM
3h 8m
3 PM
3h 12m
5 PM
3h 24m
8 PM
2h 56m

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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city in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States

Mishawaka, IN

Wikimedia Commons

city in Marion County, Indiana, United States

Lawrence, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 141.6-mile drive from Mishawaka, Indiana to Lawrence, Indiana is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 2 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with a substantial 78% of the journey on faster roads, making for an efficient transit between these two Midwest locations. With an estimated fuel cost of $22, this is an economical option for a quick getaway or a necessary relocation. The drive is characterized by its directness, allowing you to cover significant ground without extensive detours, and it's well-suited for those who prefer to reach their destination efficiently.

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

70.8 miles from Mishawaka, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 31 93.5 mi 1h 56m
South Michigan Street 24.9 mi 29m
Keystone Parkway 5.2 mi 7m
I 465 4 mi 4m
Saint Joseph Valley Parkway 3.6 mi 4m
I 69 3.4 mi 3m
Bremen Highway 1.3 mi 2m
Lincoln Way East 1.1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 31 — 93.5 mi, about 1h 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mishawaka, IN and Lawrence, IN.

1

Start on SR 933

1.1 mi · 1 min · Lincoln Way East
2

Turn left onto Church Street

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Church Street
3

Continue on Union Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · Union Street
4

Continue on Bremen Highway

1.3 mi · 2 min · Bremen Highway
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Toward US 20 West
6

Merge onto US 20

3.6 mi · 4 min · Saint Joseph Valley Parkway
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward US 31 South: Plymouth, Indianapolis
8

Merge onto BUS US 31

25 mi · 29 min · South Michigan Street
9

Merge onto US 31

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 31
10

Turn slight right

512 ft · 6 sec
11

Continue on US 31

85 mi · 1 hr 44 min · US 31
12

Turn right onto East 226th Street

270 ft · 10 sec · East 226th Street
13

Turn left

320 ft · 50 sec
14

Continue on this road

320 ft · 25 sec · this road
15

Turn right onto East 226th Street

270 ft · 9 sec · East 226th Street
16

Turn right onto US 31

8.0 mi · 10 min · US 31
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 129B Toward Keystone Parkway, Rangeline Road, Clay Terrace Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto Keystone Parkway

5.2 mi · 7 min · Keystone Parkway
Toward Keystone Parkway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Enter roundabout

137 ft · 7 sec
Toward I 465: South Keystone Avenue
20

Continue

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 465: South Keystone Avenue
21

Keep slight left at fork

430 ft · 10 sec
Toward I 465 East: Keystone Avenue South
22

Keep slight right at fork

0.8 mi · 2 min
Toward I 465 East Use the slight left / right lanes.
23

Merge onto I 465

4.0 mi · 4 min · I 465
24

Merge onto I 69; I 465

3.4 mi · 3 min · I 69; I 465
25

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 42 Toward US 36 East, SR 67 North: Pendleton Pike Use the slight right lane.
26

Keep slight left at fork

181 ft · 6 sec
Toward US 36 East, SR 67 North: Lawrence
27

Turn left onto Pendleton Pike

0.7 mi · 1 min · Pendleton Pike
Use the left / straight lanes.
28

Turn left onto McCoy Street

416 ft · 19 sec · McCoy Street
Use the left lane.
29

Turn left

59 ft · 6 sec
30

Turn right

77 ft · 5 sec
31

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid potential evening traffic congestion. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $22, you won't need extensive planning for refueling or lengthy breaks. The longest stretch on US 31 is nearly 94 miles, so ensure you're comfortable with sustained driving before embarking on that segment. A practical tip is to download offline maps, as cell service can be spotty in certain stretches.

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 70.8 miles from Mishawaka, IN, or about 1h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.5 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 31 miles or 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 70.8 miles or 1h 28m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 25m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Mishawaka, 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 Mishawaka, IN

This is one driving day of about 141.6 miles and 3h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Mishawaka, 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 93.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Carroll County, Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Flora, IN

71 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

Culver, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Flora, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 70.8 miles from Mishawaka, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 31 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.5 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

Wings Etc.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Rochester, Indiana

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 50.6

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+15742239464

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rochester, Indiana

0.4 mi

El Cielito Lindo

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Rochester, Indiana

0.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Doubting Thomas Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kokomo, Indiana

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 91

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+17657803094

Visit website

F-Bomb Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kokomo, Indiana

1.4 mi

Ivy Terra Plant Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plymouth, Indiana

2.2 mi

Wings Etc.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 50.6

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+15742239464

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 50.6

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+15747582043

Visit website

El Cielito Lindo

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 50.6

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15742233501

Visit website

Kristin's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Mishawaka, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–1 pm

+15742551941

Visit website

Burger King

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 50.6

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 5:30 am–12 pm

+15742238470

Visit website

Chicory Cafe Mishawaka

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Mishawaka, Indiana

Hours: 7:30 am–8 pm

+15742042025

Visit website

Velly Pizza

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 50.6

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+15742244545

Visit website

Rochester Bagel & Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 50.6

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15742234100

Visit website

Doubting Thomas Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 91

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+17657803094

Visit website

F-Bomb Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 91

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+17652527750

Visit website

Ivy Terra Plant Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 30.3

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

Radish Market & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 91

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17654197958

Visit website

Angjelina Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 30.3

Plymouth, Indiana

Cat Cafe - Kokomo Humane Society

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 91

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 12–5 pm

+17654526224

Visit website

Capstone Cafe & Bookstore

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 131.5

Carmel, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13175669132

Visit website

The General Deli & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15742864193

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 91

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 50.6

Rochester, Indiana

+18668167584

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 91

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 80.9

Bunker Hill, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 50.6

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 91

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 50.6

Rochester, Indiana

+18333994638

Visit website

Ruthless Bar & Patio

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 50.6

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15742237884

Visit website

Generations Adventureplex

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Mishawaka, Indiana

Hours: 3–9 pm

+15748551095

Visit website

The Breakroom Pub and Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 40.5

Argos, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+15748926845

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 25

5 decision points cluster between mile 126.4 and 140.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
126.4 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in

Take the exit toward Keystone Parkway, Rangeline Road, Clay Terrace Boulevard

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 129B Toward Keystone Parkway, Rangeline Road, Clay T...
7
126.7 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in | Keystone Parkway

Keep slight left at fork onto Keystone Parkway toward Keystone Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Keystone Parkway
7
132.3 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 465 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / right lanes. Toward I 465 East
8
140.5 mi into trip | ~2h 59m in

Take the exit toward US 36 East, SR 67 North: Pendleton Pike

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 42 Toward US 36 East, SR 67 North: Pendleton Pike
7
140.7 mi into trip | ~3h in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 36 East, SR 67 North: Lawrence

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 36 East, SR 67 North: Lawrence

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.14 one way

$44.28 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.31 $48.61
premium $4.89 $27.25 $54.50
diesel $5.61 $31.26 $62.53

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 49.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 42.5 0 $14.87 $6.80
Efficient EV 35.4 0 $12.39 $5.66
EV Truck/SUV 56.6 0 $19.82 $9.06

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% 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 14, 2026

Origin

Mishawaka, IN

Late night in Mishawaka on Sunday

Local time

12:22 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lawrence, IN

Late night in Lawrence on Sunday

Local time

12:22 AM

EDT

Current temp

83°F

Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 15 mph 34% chance 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

32 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

3h 2m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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 drive for the majority of this 141.6-mile journey. With 78% of the route on highways, you'll experience a steady pace for extended periods. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 93.5 miles, primarily on US 31, which provides a consistent driving experience. While largely on main roads like US 31 and Keystone Parkway, the initial and final segments may involve navigating local streets such as South Michigan Street. This blend means you'll have periods of flowing traffic followed by more urban navigation as you approach your destination.

78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93.5 mi on US 31.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 31 and South Michigan Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 126.4 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 25 significant decision points across 141.6 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 126.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.7 miles (Keystone Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 132.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Mishawaka, IN to Lawrence, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Indianapolis along the way.

Indianapolis

7.5 mi in | ~11m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 2m. Total distance: 141.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 93.5 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 Lawrence, 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 126.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.7 miles (Keystone Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 132.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Lawrence, 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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