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Trip from Pendleton, IN to Fort Wayne, IN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 46m

Distance

94.3 mi

152 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 38m ★
6 AM
1h 46m
8 AM
2h 2m
10 AM
1h 52m
12 PM
1h 50m
3 PM
1h 52m
5 PM
2h 1m
8 PM
1h 41m

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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town in Fall Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana, United States

Pendleton, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 94.3-mile drive from Pendleton, Indiana to Fort Wayne, Indiana takes about 1 hour and 46 minutes, making it a perfect single-day trip. You'll spend 95% of your time on highways, so expect a quick and efficient journey. The estimated fuel cost is around $15, which is quite budget-friendly for this distance. As both locations are within the Midwest region, the scenery will likely reflect the familiar, rolling landscapes of Indiana. This route is ideal for a spontaneous day trip or as a convenient leg of a larger Midwest adventure.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

47.1 miles from Pendleton, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 69 86.1 mi 1h 33m
SR 9 3.6 mi 4m
E 700 S 2.7 mi 4m
East State Street 0.6 mi <1m
South Pendleton Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
East Washington Center Road 0.3 mi <1m
Coldwater Road 0.2 mi <1m
Dartmouth Drive 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 69 — 86.1 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Pendleton, IN and Fort Wayne, IN.

1

Start on West Madison Avenue

50 ft · 5 sec · West Madison Avenue
2

Turn left onto South Pendleton Avenue

0.4 mi · 54 sec · South Pendleton Avenue
3

Turn right onto East State Street

0.6 mi · 58 sec · East State Street
4

Turn left onto US 36; SR 9; SR 38; SR 67

2.7 mi · 4 min · E 700 S
5

Take the ramp onto SR 9; SR 67

3.6 mi · 4 min · SR 9; SR 67
6

Continue on I 69; SR 67

76 mi · 1 hr 21 min · I 69; SR 67
7

Continue on I 69; US 24; US 33

7.2 mi · 8 min · I 69; US 24; US 33
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on I 69; US 24; US 30; US 33

2.8 mi · 3 min · I 69; US 24; US 30; US 33
Use the straight lane.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 36 sec
Exit 312A Toward Coldwater Road South
10

Turn right onto Coldwater Road

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Coldwater Road
Use the right lane.
11

Turn left onto East Washington Center Road

0.3 mi · 40 sec · East Washington Center Road
Use the left lane.
12

Turn right onto Dartmouth Drive

0.2 mi · 38 sec · Dartmouth Drive
13

Arrive at destination

Dartmouth Drive

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of under two hours, this 94.3-mile trip offers a lot of flexibility. You can easily depart in the morning and arrive in Fort Wayne with plenty of time for activities, or head out in the afternoon. With such a short drive and a low fuel cost of approximately $15, extensive planning isn't necessary. However, be aware that your longest stretch is 86.1 miles on I-69, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that segment to avoid any unscheduled stops. There are no designated stops in the data, so plan for personal breaks as needed.

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 47.1 miles from Pendleton, IN, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.1 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 21 miles or 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 47.1 miles or 53m 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 25m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Pendleton, IN so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Pendleton, IN

This is one driving day of about 94.3 miles and 1h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Pendleton, IN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 69 for about 86.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Van Buren, IN, IN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Van Buren, IN

47 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

Daleville, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Warren, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 47.1 miles from Pendleton, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 69 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.1 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

Catello’s Italian Art Cuisine

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pendleton, Indiana

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $30 to $40

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+17652219052

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Anderson, Indiana

1 mi

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fort Wayne, Indiana

1.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Falls Perk Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pendleton, Indiana

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+17657783423

Visit website

Black Forest Cat Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Wayne, Indiana

0.7 mi

Firefly Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Wayne, Indiana

1.7 mi

Catello’s Italian Art Cuisine

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $30 to $40

Pendleton, Indiana

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+17652219052

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.7

Anderson, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17656426424

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.3

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12604891855

Visit website

Food Court

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.3

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

La Cascada Mexican Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 40.4

Gas City, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17655734831

Visit website

China Palace Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.5

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12607470370

Visit website

Falls Perk Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Pendleton, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+17657783423

Visit website

Black Forest Cat Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.3

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 9:30 am–6 pm

+12604982988

Visit website

Firefly Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.3

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+12603730505

Visit website

Old Crown Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.3

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18887627837

Visit website

The Hive Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 80.8

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–5:30 pm

+12602409911

Visit website

Fortezza Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.3

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+12602034103

Visit website

The Light House coffee bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.3

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12604333710

Visit website

Tall Rabbit Cafe + Community

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.3

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12607459164

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 87.5

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 87.5

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 87.5

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 87.5

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 94.3

Fort Wayne, Indiana

+18333994638

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 87.5

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 87.5

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Mississinewa 1812

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 40.4

Marion, Indiana

+17656139248

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 93.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

3
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | South Pendleton Avenue

Turn left onto South Pendleton Avenue

Navigation decision point

3
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | East State Street

Turn right onto East State Street

Navigation decision point

5
93.3 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Take the exit toward Coldwater Road South

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 312A Toward Coldwater Road South
6
93.6 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in | Coldwater Road

Turn right onto Coldwater Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
4
93.7 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in | East Washington Center Road

Turn left onto East Washington Center Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.74 one way

$29.49 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $16.19 $32.37
premium $4.89 $18.15 $36.29
diesel $5.61 $20.82 $41.64

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: 33 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.3 0 $9.90 $4.53
Efficient EV 23.6 0 $8.25 $3.77
EV Truck/SUV 37.7 0 $13.20 $6.04

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Pendleton, IN

Late night in Pendleton on Sunday

Local time

1:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Wayne, IN

Late night in Fort Wayne on Sunday

Local time

1:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Van Buren, IN

47 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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

18 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

1h 46m 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?

The character of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 95% of the 94.3 miles utilizing major roads like I-69 and SR 9. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 86.1 miles on I-69, indicating a consistent and fast-paced journey for the majority of your trip. While the route is primarily highway, the inclusion of SR 9 and E 700 S suggests brief transitions that might offer a slightly different road feel. Overall, anticipate a smooth and direct drive with minimal technicality.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.1 mi on I 69.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and SR 9. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South Pendleton Avenue.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Pendleton, IN to Fort Wayne, IN is easy. At 1h 46m with 95% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (South Pendleton Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (East State Street): Navigation decision point; at 93.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

About the Cities

Arriving in Fort Wayne, IN

Full guide →

Fort Wayne is a city in the northeastern part of Indiana, a state of the United States of America. It is 30 minutes from the western Ohio border and 70 minutes from the southern border of Michigan. With a population of around 260,000 in the city and 615,000 in the metropolitan area, it's Indiana's second largest city. Fort Wayne is a metropolitan city with a small community feel. It provides the rush of urban activity while never losing an intimate personal connection with those who live or visit here. Fort Wayne is the second largest city in the state of Indiana, located in Allen County, the largest county in the state by geography. It is the regional commerce and industry center for Northeast Indiana and also impacts the economies of Southwestern Michigan and Western Ohio. Fort Wayne has been and is a breeding ground for entrepreneurs and high tech industries.

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 1h 46m. Total distance: 94.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 86.1 miles on I 69. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (South Pendleton Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (East State Street): Navigation decision point; at 93.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Fort Wayne, 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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