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Trip from Portage, IN to Ferdinand, IN

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

Drive Time

5h 31m

Distance

285.7 mi

460 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$45

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 18m ★
6 AM
5h 31m
8 AM
5h 58m
10 AM
5h 41m
12 PM
5h 38m
3 PM
5h 42m
5 PM
5h 57m
8 PM
5h 23m

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 Porter County, Indiana, United States

Portage, IN

Wikimedia Commons

town in Indiana, United States

Ferdinand, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Portage to Ferdinand covers 285.7 miles across the heart of Indiana, a journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 31 minutes. Because this route is manageable in a single day, you can easily complete the trip without needing an overnight stay, though you should budget approximately $43 for fuel to cover the distance. You will navigate a mix of major arteries, including the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, I-69, and US-231. Since both your start and end points are located within the Midwest, you can expect a consistent regional feel throughout the drive. This trip is best suited for those looking for a straightforward, practical path between northern and southern Indiana. Overall, it serves as a reliable transit route that balances efficiency with the necessity of managing your time on the road.

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

142.9 miles from Portage, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway 130 mi 2h 21m
I 69 74.4 mi 1h 22m
US 231 23.3 mi 30m
Mill Street 14.3 mi 16m
I 465 13.7 mi 15m
SR 162 10.3 mi 15m
I 65 5.9 mi 6m
I 80 3.7 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway — 130 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Central Avenue

0.4 mi · 53 sec · Central Avenue
2

Turn right onto Willowcreek Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Willowcreek Road
Use the right lane.
3

Take the ramp

434 ft · 11 sec
Toward I 80, I 90
4

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 16 sec
5

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 47 sec · this road
6

Merge onto I 80; I 90

2.6 mi · 3 min · Indiana Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit onto I 80

0.6 mi · 1 min · I 80
Exit 21 Toward I 80 West, I 94, US 6: Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

0.1 mi · 13 sec · I 80
Toward I 94 West, I 80 West, SR 51, US 6 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

2.9 mi · 4 min · I 80
Toward I 94 West, I 80 West Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 51 sec
Exit 12 Toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis Use the slight right lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 9 sec
Toward I 65 South, I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Indianapolis, Chicago
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Toward I 65 South: Indianapolis Use the slight left lane.
13

Merge onto I 65

130 mi · 2 hr 21 min · Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 65

5.9 mi · 6 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 123 Toward I 465 South
16

Continue on this road

0.6 mi · 1 min · this road
Exit 123 Toward I 465 South
17

Merge onto I 465

14 mi · 15 min · I 465
18

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 5 Toward I 69 South: Evansville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on I 69

47 mi · 53 min · I 69
Use the straight lane.
20

Keep slight left at fork onto I 69

27 mi · 28 min · I 69
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
21

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 42 sec
Exit 87 Toward US 231: Bloomfield, Crane
22

Keep slight left at fork

106 ft · 2 sec
23

Turn left onto US 231

17 mi · 23 min · US 231
24

Turn right onto US 50; US 150; US 231

0.2 mi · 11 sec · West Broadway Street
Use the right lane.
25

Continue on US 50; US 150; US 231

14 mi · 16 min · Mill Street
26

Continue on US 231; SR 56

6.2 mi · 7 min · US 231; SR 56
27

Turn left onto SR 164

0.1 mi · 12 sec · West 3rd Street
28

Turn straight onto SR 164

2.6 mi · 3 min · 3rd Avenue
29

Continue on SR 162

10 mi · 15 min · SR 162
30

Arrive at destination

SR 162

Trip Plan

To make the most of this drive, try to depart early in the day to avoid peak traffic congestion when merging onto the major highways. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, as this breaks up the 5-hour and 31-minute duration effectively. Since the longest stretch spans 130 miles, prioritize getting your fuel and snacks squared away before hitting the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted run. Keep in mind that flexibility is a key advantage of this route, allowing you to adjust your pace if weather or road conditions shift. By pacing your travel with that single planned stop, you will arrive in Ferdinand feeling refreshed rather than fatigued by the long duration behind the wheel.

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 142.9 miles from Portage, IN, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 130 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 63 miles or 1h 12m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 142.9 miles or 2h 40m 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 23m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Portage, 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 Portage, IN

This is one driving day of about 285.7 miles and 5h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Portage, 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 Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway for about 130 miles.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Owen County, Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Alaska, IN

143 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

Orland Park, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Indianapolis, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 142.9 miles from Portage, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 130 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

Cascade Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ferdinand, Indiana

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 285.7

Hours: 7–11:30 am

+13527452883

Visit website

Cloverleaf Family Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Bloomington, Indiana

0.6 mi

FLUID Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

1.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Kaffa Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 20.4

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+12192132613

Visit website

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

2.5 mi

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

2.5 mi

Cascade Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 285.7

Ferdinand, Indiana

Hours: 7–11:30 am

+13527452883

Visit website

Cloverleaf Family Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 204.1

Bloomington, Indiana

Hours: 5 am–3 pm

+18123341077

Visit website

FLUID Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 20.4

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12192132044

Visit website

Trish's Red Bird Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 102

Dayton, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm

+17652966964

Visit website

King Gyros Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 204.1

Bloomington, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+18123344144

Visit website

Cloverleaf South Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 204.1

Bloomington, Indiana

Hours: 5 am–3 pm

+18126501017

Visit website

Noodles and Company

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 142.9

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+13174718100

Visit website

Village Inn Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 204.1

Bloomington, IN

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18128762121

Visit website

Kaffa Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 20.4

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+12192132613

Visit website

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.4

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 20.4

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12193108078

Visit website

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 20.4

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12193233948

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 204.1

Bloomington, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EVBOLT Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 204.1

Bloomington, Indiana

+18665212658

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 204.1

Bloomington, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 204.1

Bloomington, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 4 and 8.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
4 mi into trip | ~6m in | I 80

Take the exit onto I 80 toward I 80 West, I 94, US 6: Des Moines

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 21 Toward I 80 West, I 94, US 6: Des Moines
8
4.6 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 94 West, I 80 West, SR 51, US 6 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 94 West, I 80 West, SR 51, US 6 East
8
4.7 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 80

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 toward I 94 West, I 80 West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 94 West, I 80 West
8
7.7 mi into trip | ~12m in

Take the exit toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis

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 12 Toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis
7
8.4 mi into trip | ~13m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Indianapolis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 65 South: Indianapolis

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$44.67 one way

$89.33 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $49.04 $98.08
premium $4.89 $54.98 $109.96
diesel $5.61 $63.08 $126.16

Estimated Tolls: $0.18

Indiana Toll Road (2.6 mi) $0.18

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$45

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$70–$95

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 100 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 85.7 1 $30.00 $13.71
Efficient EV 71.4 0 $25.00 $11.43
EV Truck/SUV 114.3 1 $40.00 $18.28

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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

Portage, IN

Evening in Portage on Saturday

Local time

8:08 PM

CDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ferdinand, IN

Night in Ferdinand on Saturday

Local time

9:08 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

73°F

Alaska, IN

143 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 later

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

Temperature spread

3 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

5h 31m 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...

6 mi from route ~15 min detour $20
Park Closure: Partial Closures to Marquette Greenway Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
Park Closure: Mount Baldy Closure
View on nps.gov
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

National Memorial

Abraham Lincoln grew from youth to manhood on this southern Indiana soil. Many character and moral traits of one of the world's most respected leaders was formed and nurtured here. Explore Lincoln's b...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 285.7
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed driving experience that transitions from high-speed corridors to more localized travel. With a highway share of 46%, you will spend a significant portion of your time on larger roads, including a substantial 130-mile stretch along the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. This section serves as your longest uninterrupted push, allowing you to cover ground quickly before the route shifts in character. As you transition onto US-231 and other segments, the pace naturally adjusts, offering a change of scenery from the interstate grind. You will find that the road’s personality evolves as you move through these different road types, requiring you to stay alert to shifting speed limits and traffic patterns throughout the 285.7-mile trek.

46% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 130 mi on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4 miles in near I 80.

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 20 significant decision points across 285.7 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 4 miles (I 80): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.6 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Portage, IN to Ferdinand, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Crane along the way.

Crane

234.6 mi in | ~4h 23m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 31m. Total distance: 285.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 130 miles on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.18 in tolls one way, starting with Indiana Toll Road. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

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 Ferdinand, 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 4 miles (I 80): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.6 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ferdinand, IN before the return drive.

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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