Connecting Portage to Fortville, this 168.8-mile journey across Indiana takes approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes to complete. Because the travel time is manageable, you can easily tackle this as a single-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You should budget roughly $26 for fuel, making it a relatively affordable excursion through the Midwest. The route utilizes the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, I-465, and East 96th Street to navigate toward your destination. Whether you are heading out for business or a change of scenery, this straightforward drive offers a reliable connection between these two Hoosier communities.
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
84.4 miles from Portage, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
130 mi
2h 21m
I 465
10.7 mi
12m
East 96th Street
6.7 mi
12m
I 865
5.1 mi
6m
I 80
3.7 mi
5m
Indiana Toll Road
2.6 mi
3m
Fall Creek Road
2.5 mi
4m
Binford Boulevard
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
— 130 mi, about 2h 21m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 42 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,632 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,183
Quietest
2 AM
~275 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
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 Portage, IN and Fortville, 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 21Toward I 80 West, I 94, US 6: Des MoinesUse 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 EastUse 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 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·51 sec
Exit 12Toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, IndianapolisUse 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: IndianapolisUse 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 right at fork onto I 865
5.1 mi·6 min·I 865
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 465
11 mi·12 min·I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 37AToward Binford Boulevard, IndianapolisUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 37BToward I 69 North: Fort Wayne
18
Merge onto Binford Boulevard
1.1 mi·1 min·Binford Boulevard
19
Merge onto I 69
1.1 mi·1 min·I 69
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Exit 203Toward 96th StreetUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork
161 ft·5 sec
Use the right lane.
22
Turn straight onto East 96th Street
0.7 mi·1 min·East 96th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Enter roundabout onto East 96th Street
112 ft·2 sec·East 96th Street
24
Continue on East 96th Street
0.4 mi·45 sec·East 96th Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
25
Enter roundabout onto East 96th Street
94 ft·1 sec·East 96th Street
26
Continue on East 96th Street
0.6 mi·1 min·East 96th Street
27
Enter roundabout onto East 96th Street
135 ft·2 sec·East 96th Street
28
Continue on East 96th Street
1.0 mi·2 min·East 96th Street
29
Enter roundabout onto Fall Creek Road
233 ft·13 sec·Fall Creek Road
30
Continue on Fall Creek Road
1.7 mi·2 min·Fall Creek Road
Use the left lane.
31
Enter roundabout onto Fall Creek Road
92 ft·5 sec·Fall Creek Road
32
Continue on Fall Creek Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Fall Creek Road
33
Continue on East 96th Street
3.9 mi·7 min·East 96th Street
34
Continue on West 1000 N
0.4 mi·45 sec·West 1000 N
35
Turn left onto US 36; SR 67
0.5 mi·51 sec·West Broadway Street
36
Turn left onto South Main Street
289 ft·12 sec·South Main Street
37
Arrive at destination
Noel Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the total duration of under three and a half hours, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Planning for one scheduled stop is a smart way to break up the 168.8-mile drive and keep your energy levels consistent. Since the final portion of the trip involves turn-heavy local roads, try to arrive during daylight hours to navigate the intersections with greater ease. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the initial 130-mile stretch on the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway so you can refuel efficiently near your stop. Taking advantage of that single planned break will ensure you arrive in Fortville feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.
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 84.4 miles from Portage, IN, or about 1h 36m 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 37 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.4 miles or 1h 36m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fortville, 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 168.8 miles and 3h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 4 and 154.7 — 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
8
154.7 mi into trip|~2h 54m in
Take the exit toward Binford Boulevard, 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 37A
Toward Binford Boulevard, Indianapolis
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.06 one way
$56.13 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$30.57
$61.14
premium
$5.18
$34.44
$68.89
diesel
$5.35
$35.55
$71.11
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
$28
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.6
0
$17.72
$8.10
Efficient EV
42.2
0
$14.77
$6.75
EV Truck/SUV
67.5
0
$23.63
$10.80
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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 May 27, 2026
Origin
Portage, IN
Afternoon
in Portage on Wednesday
Local time
4:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Sunny
N 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 27 at 3:59PM EDT until May 29 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 27 at 2:44PM CDT until May 29 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Destination
Fortville, IN
Evening
in Fortville on Wednesday
Local time
5:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 6 mph33% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 27 at 3:59PM EDT until May 29 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 27 at 2:44PM CDT until May 29 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
85°F
Pike, IN
84 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
1 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 19m 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.
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
$20
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 drive that transitions from high-speed highway travel to a more technical, turn-heavy local experience. You will spend the bulk of your time on the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 130 miles. While highways make up only 12% of the total distance, they provide the necessary momentum before you navigate the slower, winding portions of the trip. By the time you reach East 96th Street, the road's personality shifts significantly, requiring more focused attention than an open interstate grind. This mix keeps the journey engaging as you transition from major thoroughfares into the local road network.
Only 12% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
37 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?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. 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 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 29 significant decision points across 168.8 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
955 ft636 ft
Total Climb
480 ft
Total Descent
259 ft
Highest Point
955 ft
~132.6 mi in
Elevation Range
319 ft
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 Fortville, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Indianapolis along the way.
Indianapolis
154.7 mi in|~2h 54m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 19m. Total distance: 168.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads 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.
Yes — we found about 30 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 Fortville, 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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. 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 Fortville, IN, but most travelers stay overnight.
