This 267.2-mile drive from New Albany to Gary, Indiana, is a solid day trip, estimated to take around 5 hours and 2 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-65, I-265, and the Borman Expressway, this route is heavily highway-focused, making it an efficient way to travel across the Hoosier State. With a fuel cost estimated at $42, it's an economical option for a single-day adventure. The journey remains within the Midwest region, offering a straightforward transit through Indiana. You'll find this is a practical choice if you're looking for a direct and uncomplicated trip.
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
133.6 miles from New Albany, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
252.3 mi
4h 39m
I 265
6 mi
6m
Borman Expressway
1.4 mi
1m
Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard
1.2 mi
1m
I 64
1.2 mi
1m
West 15th Avenue
0.5 mi
<1m
Harrison Boulevard
0.4 mi
1m
US 52
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 252.3 mi, about 4h 39m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 120 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,947 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,538
Quietest
1 AM
~328 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Albany, IN and Gary, IN.
1
Start on State Street
25 ft·8 sec·State Street
2
Turn left onto West Spring Street
0.2 mi·18 sec·West Spring Street
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·45 sec
4
Merge onto I 64; US 150
1.2 mi·1 min·I 64; US 150
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 121Toward I 265 East, SR 62 East
6
Continue on I 265; SR 62
6.0 mi·6 min·I 265; SR 62
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 7Toward I 65 North, I 65 South: Indianapolis, Louisville
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 65 North: Indianapolis
9
Merge onto I 65
106 mi·1 hr 56 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 65
30 mi·35 min·I 65
Use the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit onto US 52
0.2 mi·15 sec·US 52
Exit 141Toward US 52 West
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·9 sec
13
Merge onto I 65
117 mi·2 hr 7 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
1.4 mi·2 min
Exit 259AToward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6
1.4 mi·1 min·Borman Expressway
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Exit 9Toward Grant StreetUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
336 ft·9 sec
Use the right lane.
18
Turn straight onto Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard
1.2 mi·1 min·Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard
19
Turn right onto West 15th Avenue
0.5 mi·56 sec·West 15th Avenue
20
Turn left onto Harrison Boulevard
0.4 mi·1 min·Harrison Boulevard
21
Turn right onto 10th Place
254 ft·11 sec·10th Place
22
Arrive at destination
10th Place
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, departing New Albany in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow ample time for the drive. With only one suggested stop, consider planning your break strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you need to refuel. The fuel cost is estimated at $42, so budget accordingly. A key tip for this route: be aware of potential traffic congestion as you approach and navigate the Borman Expressway, especially during peak commuting hours. Since this is a manageable 267.2-mile trip, you have flexibility with your departure time.
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 133.6 miles from New Albany, IN, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 252.3 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 59 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.6 miles or 2h 31m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gary, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Albany, 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 New Albany, IN
This is one driving day of about 267.2 miles and 5h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from New Albany, 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 252.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 264.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.7 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the exit toward I 265 East, SR 62 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 121
Toward I 265 East, SR 62 East
6
8.1 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 65 North, I 65 South: Indianapolis, Louisville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 7
Toward I 65 North, I 65 South: Indianapolis, Lo...
6
114.9 mi into trip|~2h 9m 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.
8
261.9 mi into trip|~4h 52m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago
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 259A
Toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago
7
264.7 mi into trip|~4h 57m in
Take the exit toward Grant Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 9
Toward Grant Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.46 one way
$78.92 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$43.56
$87.12
premium
$4.72
$49.61
$99.22
diesel
$4.80
$50.45
$100.90
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.2
0
$28.06
$12.83
Efficient EV
66.8
0
$23.38
$10.69
EV Truck/SUV
106.9
1
$37.41
$17.10
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
New Albany, IN
Late night
in New Albany on Sunday
Local time
5:08 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 3 mph20% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 10:41PM EDT until July 19 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Destination
Gary, IN
Late night
in Gary on Sunday
Local time
4:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 5 to 10 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 10:41PM EDT until July 19 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
82°F
Beech Grove, IN
134 mi in
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 2m 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
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 267.2
Park Closure: Partial Closures to Marquette Greenway Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 267.2-mile journey, with 98% of the drive on interstates. The main arteries include I-65, I-265, and the Borman Expressway, ensuring a consistent flow of traffic and high speeds for most of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 252.3 miles on I-65, meaning extended periods of steady driving. This route offers a straightforward, high-speed transit across Indiana, characterized by its efficiency rather than winding scenic byways.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 252.3 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 265. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 17 significant decision points across 267.2 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 1.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.9 miles (I 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
New Albany is a city in Southern Indiana along the Ohio River, directly across from Louisville, Kentucky. It serves as the county seat of Floyd County and has a population of around 38,000. Part of the Louisville metropolitan area, New Albany offers a more relaxed, small-town vibe compared to its larger neighbor across the river, with a revitalized historic downtown known for its architecture, local dining, shops, and cultural spots.
New Albany was founded in 1813 and grew as a river port and manufacturing center in the 19th century. Today, it features a walkable downtown with Victorian-era buildings, independent restaurants and breweries, and events like the large Harvest Homecoming festival in early-to-mid October.
Top landmarks
•Town Clock Church — church building in New Albany, United States of America
•Cedar Bough Place Historic District — historic district in Indiana, United States
•Culbertson Mansion — mansion in New Albany, Indiana
Gary is a city in Lake County, Indiana. It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the legendary pop star Michael Jackson.
Founded in 1906 as a company town for U.S. Steel, it thrived in the 1950s and early 60s and earned the nickname "The Magic City". In 2007, it was described by writer Jessica Hopper as "the Pompeii of the Midwest, a city of ruins where life can seem to have just suddenly stopped".
Top landmarks
•Van Buren Terrace Historic District — historic district in Indiana, United States
•Gary City Center Historic District — historic district in Gary, Indiana
•Union Station — former railroad station in Gary, Indiana, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 2m. Total distance: 267.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 252.3 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 33 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 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. There are 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.9 miles (I 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Indiana Dunes National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Gary, IN before the return drive.
