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Trip from Pendleton, IN to Portage, 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 19m

Distance

173.9 mi

280 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 7m ★
6 AM
3h 19m
8 AM
3h 43m
10 AM
3h 28m
12 PM
3h 25m
3 PM
3h 29m
5 PM
3h 42m
8 PM
3h 12m

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

city in Porter County, Indiana, United States

Portage, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 173.9-mile drive from Pendleton, Indiana, to Portage, Indiana, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 19 minutes on the road, primarily utilizing I-69, I-465, and I-65. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, this trip through the Midwest is budget-friendly and efficient. Given its relatively short duration and highway-centric profile, it's an ideal day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. The route is designed for steady progress rather than scenic detours.

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

87 miles from Pendleton, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 129.8 mi 2h 21m
I 69 18 mi 20m
I 465 10.9 mi 12m
Central Avenue 5.7 mi 11m
I 865 5 mi 5m
West State Street 1 mi 1m
South Pendleton Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
State Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 129.8 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Madison Avenue

50 ft · 5 sec · West Madison Avenue
2

Turn left onto South Pendleton Avenue

0.4 mi · 58 sec · South Pendleton Avenue
3

Turn left onto West State Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · West State Street
4

Enter roundabout onto State Street

95 ft · 1 sec · State Street
5

Continue on State Street

0.3 mi · 27 sec · State Street
6

Enter roundabout

309 ft · 5 sec
7

Continue

358 ft · 6 sec
8

Enter roundabout

391 ft · 6 sec
9

Continue

0.3 mi · 29 sec
10

Merge onto I 69

17 mi · 18 min · I 69
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 69

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 69
Use the slight right lane.
12

Continue on I 69

0.2 mi · 22 sec · I 69
Exit 200 Toward I 465 South, I 69 South
13

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 465 West
14

Continue on I 465

11 mi · 12 min · I 465
Use the straight lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 865

5.0 mi · 5 min · I 865
Exit 25 Toward I 865 West: Chicago
16

Merge onto I 65; US 52

12 mi · 13 min · I 65; US 52
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit onto US 52

0.2 mi · 15 sec · US 52
Exit 141 Toward US 52 West
18

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 9 sec
19

Merge onto I 65

118 mi · 2 hr 8 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 259B Toward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Toledo, Detroit Use the slight right lane.
21

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Exit 13 Toward Central Avenue Use the slight right lane.
22

Turn right onto Central Avenue

4.3 mi · 8 min · Central Avenue
23

Continue on Central Avenue

1.4 mi · 3 min · Central Avenue
24

Arrive at destination

Central Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour and 19-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to make the most of your day and avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $27, planning is minimal, but it's wise to fill up before you leave Pendleton to ensure you have a full tank. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 129.8-mile stretch on I-65, as services might be less frequent. This route's highway-focused nature means you can easily adjust your timing, but being prepared with snacks and drinks will make the steady driving more comfortable.

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 87 miles from Pendleton, IN, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.8 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 38 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 87 miles or 1h 38m 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 38m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portage, 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.

+

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 Pendleton, IN

This is one driving day of about 173.9 miles and 3h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Pendleton, 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 129.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Indiana, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

West Lafayette, IN

87 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

Speedway, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

West Lafayette, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 87 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 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 129.8 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

City Barbeque

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Whitestown, Indiana

0.4 mi

Food King Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Indianapolis, Indiana

0.9 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

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

City Barbeque

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.3

Whitestown, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+13179730430

Visit website

Food King Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.8

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:15 am–9 pm

+13178431066

Visit website

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 161.5

Merrillville, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12195001370

Visit website

Puccini's Pizza Pasta - Clearwater

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.8

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13178424028

Visit website

TC's Restaurant & Tavern

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87

Battle Ground, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17655672838

Visit website

Flight Burger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.8

Carmel, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+13176692256

Visit website

Bugambilias Mexican Cuisine

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.8

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13175165978

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

Capstone Cafe & Bookstore

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.8

Carmel, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13175669132

Visit website

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 161.5

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12193233948

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.9 and 167.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1.9 mi into trip | ~3m in

Enter roundabout

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

6
19 mi into trip | ~22m in | I 69

Keep slight right at fork onto I 69

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
6
31.9 mi into trip | ~37m in | I 865

Keep slight left at fork onto I 865 toward I 865 West: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 25 Toward I 865 West: Chicago
8
167 mi into trip | ~3h 5m in

Take the exit toward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Toledo, Detroit

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 259B Toward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Toledo,...
8
167.9 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Central Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 13 Toward Central Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.19 one way

$54.37 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $29.85 $59.70
premium $4.89 $33.47 $66.93
diesel $5.61 $38.39 $76.79

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 60.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 52.2 0 $18.26 $8.35
Efficient EV 43.5 0 $15.22 $6.96
EV Truck/SUV 69.6 0 $24.35 $11.13

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

20 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

3:42 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Portage, IN

Late night in Portage on Sunday

Local time

2:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

50°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

3 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 19m 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.

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...

6 mi from route ~15 min detour $20 near mile 173.9
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?

You'll be on highways for 94% of this 173.9-mile trip, so anticipate a drive primarily focused on covering ground efficiently. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 129.8 miles on I-65, which means extended periods of consistent highway driving. This profile suggests a route where speed and directness are prioritized over winding country roads or frequent city navigation. The journey is largely defined by the flow of interstate travel, making it a predictable and consistent driving experience.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 129.8 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 69. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 16 significant decision points across 173.9 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 1.9 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 19 miles (I 69): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 31.9 miles (I 865): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 19m. Total distance: 173.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 129.8 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 Portage, 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 1.9 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 19 miles (I 69): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 31.9 miles (I 865): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Portage, 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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