Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Portage, IN to Scottsburg, IN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 33m

Distance

240.4 mi

387 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 20m ★
6 AM
4h 33m
8 AM
5h 0m
10 AM
4h 43m
12 PM
4h 40m
3 PM
4h 44m
5 PM
4h 59m
8 PM
4h 25m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city in Porter County, Indiana, United States

Portage, IN

Wikimedia Commons

county seat in Indiana

Scottsburg, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 240-mile journey from Portage, Indiana to Scottsburg, Indiana is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes to complete. You'll primarily navigate via the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, I-80, and I-65, with about 43% of your drive on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest route is around $38, making it an economical option. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience, so plan for a single day of travel rather than splitting it. Overall, it's a straightforward drive through Indiana that won't break the bank.

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

120.2 miles from Portage, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 15m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway 130 mi 2h 21m
I 65 100.1 mi 1h 54m
I 80 3.7 mi 5m
Indiana Toll Road 2.6 mi 3m
West McClain Avenue 0.9 mi 2m
Willowcreek Road 0.6 mi 1m
Central Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
East Railroad Street <0.1 mi <1m
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 Scottsburg, 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

17 mi · 22 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on I 65

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 65
Exit 112A Toward I 70 East: Dayton
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 65

81 mi · 1 hr 29 min · I 65
Use the slight left lane.
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 40 sec
Exit 29A Toward SR 56 East: Scottsburg
18

Turn straight onto SR 56

0.9 mi · 2 min · West McClain Avenue
Use the straight lane.
19

Turn right onto East Railroad Street

353 ft · 20 sec · East Railroad Street
20

Turn left onto West Wardell Street

263 ft · 17 sec · West Wardell Street
21

Turn left onto South Main Street

300 ft · 13 sec · South Main Street
22

Arrive at destination

South Main Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4.5-hour duration, starting your drive in Portage, IN, early in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility; consider a mid-drive break around the 130-mile mark on the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. The fuel cost of $38 is reasonable, but it's always wise to top off your tank before departing Portage. Keep an eye on your GPS for transitions between I-80, I-65, and local roads to ensure a smooth continuation of your journey toward Scottsburg.

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 120.2 miles from Portage, IN, or about 2h 15m 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 53 miles or 1h 1m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 120.2 miles or 2h 15m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Scottsburg, 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 240.4 miles and 4h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 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.

town in Wayne Township, Marion County, Indiana

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Speedway, IN

120 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 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mulberry, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 120.2 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

Delhi Palace Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Indianapolis, Indiana

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.6

Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm

+13179551700

Visit website

City Barbeque

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Whitestown, Indiana

0.8 mi

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Scottsburg, Indiana

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.6

Hours: 8:30 am–7 pm

+14632022117

Visit website

Georgia Street Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

1.5 mi

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

2.7 mi

Delhi Palace Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm

+13179551700

Visit website

City Barbeque

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 137.4

Whitestown, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+13179730430

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 240.4

Scottsburg, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18127529346

Visit website

Namaste Biryani Indian Restaurant (Takeout/Delivery)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+13176696848

Visit website

The Capital Grille

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Very expen mile 154.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+13174238790

Visit website

Five Guys

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+13173533422

Visit website

Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 240.4

Scottsburg, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18122000041

Visit website

FLUID Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 17.2

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12192132044

Visit website

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 8:30 am–7 pm

+14632022117

Visit website

Georgia Street Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 154.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13173719949

Visit website

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 17.2

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12193233948

Visit website

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 17.2

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 17.2

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12193108078

Visit website

Founders Grounds Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 154.6

Speedway, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+13179815358

Visit website

Indy with Kids

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 154.6

Indianapolis, IN

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13174555289

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

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

$37.58 one way

$75.17 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 84 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $41.27 $82.53
premium $4.89 $46.26 $92.53
diesel $5.61 $53.08 $106.15

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

$38

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 84.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 72.1 0 $25.24 $11.54
Efficient EV 60.1 0 $21.04 $9.62
EV Truck/SUV 96.2 1 $33.66 $15.39

Gas CO2

84 kg

EV CO2

28 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Portage, IN

Night in Portage on Saturday

Local time

9:53 PM

CDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Scottsburg, IN

Night in Scottsburg on Saturday

Local time

10:53 PM

EDT

Current temp

54°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 later

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

Temperature spread

4 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

4h 33m 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

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

What kind of drive is this?

The character of this drive is largely defined by its highway share, with 43% of the route on interstates, offering efficient travel. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 130 miles on the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, allowing for sustained progress. The profile is described as a 'mixed drive,' indicating a blend of faster highway segments and potentially some local road navigation as you transition between major routes. Expect a dynamic driving experience that shifts between open-road cruising and more varied road conditions.

43% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
22 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 18 significant decision points across 240.4 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.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 240.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 33m 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 Scottsburg, 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. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Scottsburg, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Scottsburg, IN

South Bend, IN 285.3 mi · 5h 57m Evansville, IN 40.9 mi · 1h 4m

More from Portage, IN

Boonville, IN 322.1 mi · 6h 3m Santa Claus, IN 295.7 mi · 5h 42m Ferdinand, IN 285.7 mi · 5h 31m Clarksville, IN 266.5 mi · 5h Brookville, IN 228.6 mi · 4h 40m Bedford, IN 228.4 mi · 4h 22m

More trips to Scottsburg, IN

Utah, IN 184.2 mi
Escape planner: Portage, IN Scenic drives in IN

Explore more options from Portage, IN or browse trips ending in Scottsburg, IN.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IN road trips.