Portage to Washington, IN is 263.6 miles and takes about 4h 57m via Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway and I-69, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Indiana, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. With a mixed highway and surface road profile, it offers a blend of faster travel and local cruising. It's a solid option for a single-day trip, especially if you're looking for a straightforward drive through the heart of the state.
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
131.8 miles from Portage, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
130 mi
2h 21m
I 69
99.7 mi
1h 49m
I 465
13.7 mi
15m
I 65
5.9 mi
6m
I 80
3.7 mi
5m
Indiana Toll Road
2.6 mi
3m
East National Highway
2.3 mi
3m
Willowcreek Road
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
— 130 mi, about 2h 21m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,864 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,433
Quietest
2 AM
~258 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.2×
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 Washington, 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 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 123Toward I 465 South
16
Continue on this road
0.6 mi·1 min·this road
Exit 123Toward I 465 South
17
Merge onto I 465
14 mi·15 min·I 465
18
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 5Toward I 69 South: EvansvilleUse 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
52 mi·56 min·I 69
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
21
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 62Toward US 50, US 150: Wasington, Vincennes
22
Turn right onto US 50; US 150
0.4 mi·24 sec·US 50; US 150
23
Turn slight right onto East National Highway
0.3 mi·36 sec·East National Highway
24
Enter roundabout
144 ft·2 sec
25
Continue
119 ft·2 sec
26
Turn straight onto East National Highway
1.9 mi·3 min·East National Highway
27
Turn right onto SR 57
497 ft·8 sec·Southeast 4th Street
28
Turn slight right onto SR 57
193 ft·3 sec·Center Street
29
Turn straight onto SR 57
0.3 mi·33 sec·Southeast 5th Street
30
Turn left onto East Walnut Street
0.1 mi·18 sec·East Walnut Street
31
Turn right onto Northeast 3rd Street
211 ft·9 sec·Northeast 3rd Street
32
Arrive at destination
Northeast 3rd Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 57m duration, starting your drive in the morning from Portage is advisable to ensure you have ample daylight. The route has only one recommended stop, so consider making it a mid-drive break to stretch your legs. With a fuel cost estimate of $41, it’s a relatively budget-friendly trip. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, as services might be less frequent in certain sections. This is a comfortable single-day journey, allowing for a relaxed pace.
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 131.8 miles from Portage, IN, or about 2h 27m 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 58 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.8 miles or 2h 27m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington, 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 263.6 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 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 22
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
$43.83 one way
$87.65 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$47.74
$95.48
premium
$5.18
$53.79
$107.58
diesel
$5.35
$55.52
$111.04
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
$44
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.1
0
$27.68
$12.65
Efficient EV
65.9
0
$23.07
$10.54
EV Truck/SUV
105.4
1
$36.90
$16.87
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Portage, IN
Afternoon
in Portage on Wednesday
Local time
2:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Chance Rain Showers
NNE 5 mph22% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 2 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 3 at 12:48PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Destination
Washington, IN
Afternoon
in Washington on Wednesday
Local time
3:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 1 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 2 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 9:10PM EDT until June 3 at 12:48PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis 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
5 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 57m 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
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
The British flag would not be raised above Fort Sackville Feb. 25, 1779. At 10 A.M., the garrison surrendered to American Colonel George Rogers Clark. His American army, aided by French residents of t...
20 mi from route
~49 min detour
Free
near mile 263.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a 47% highway share, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on faster roads. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 130 miles on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway before transitioning to other roadways. Expect a mix of cruising on interstates and navigating surface streets, particularly as you approach your destination. The change from highway speeds to surface roads will be noticeable as you get closer to Washington.
47% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
32 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 Effort9/10
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 22 significant decision points across 263.6 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
952 ft505 ft
Total Climb
728 ft
Total Descent
858 ft
Highest Point
952 ft
~131.8 mi in
Elevation Range
447 ft
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 4h 57m. Total distance: 263.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m 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.
Yes — we found about 34 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 Washington, 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 34 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 and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Washington, IN, but most travelers stay overnight.
