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Trip from Richmond, IN to Gary, IN

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

Drive Time

4h 13m

Distance

222.6 mi

358 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
4h 0m ★
6 AM
4h 13m
8 AM
4h 39m
10 AM
4h 22m
12 PM
4h 20m
3 PM
4h 24m
5 PM
4h 38m
8 PM
4h 5m

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 Indiana, United States

Richmond, IN

Wikimedia Commons

city in Lake County, State of Indiana, United States

Gary, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 222.6-mile drive from Richmond, Indiana, to Gary, Indiana, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 13 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-65 and I-70, with a portion on I-465, making it a highway-focused journey through the heart of the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $35, this route is efficient for a quick trip. Given its relatively short duration, it's perfectly manageable as a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. You'll experience a consistent driving environment for most of the 4 hours.

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

111.3 miles from Richmond, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 8m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 129.1 mi 2h 20m
I 70 60.8 mi 1h 9m
I 465 11.1 mi 12m
I 69 6.1 mi 7m
I 865 5 mi 5m
Chester Boulevard 2.7 mi 3m
Borman Expressway 1.4 mi 1m
Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard 1.2 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 129.1 mi, about 2h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Richmond, IN and Gary, IN.

1

Start on East Main Street

29 ft · 2 sec · East Main Street
2

Turn right onto US 27; SR 227

0.3 mi · 44 sec · North 9th Street
3

Continue on US 27; SR 227

2.7 mi · 3 min · Chester Boulevard
4

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
5

Merge onto I 70; US 35

61 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 70; US 35
Use the straight lane.
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 25 sec
Exit 90 Toward I 465 South, I 465 North Use the slight right lane.
7

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 53 sec
Toward I 465 North Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 69; I 465

6.1 mi · 7 min · I 69; I 465
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 465

0.3 mi · 19 sec · I 465
10

Continue on I-465 WB

0.8 mi · 56 sec · I-465 WB
11

Continue on I 465

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

Keep slight left at fork onto I 865

5.0 mi · 5 min · I 865
Exit 25 Toward I 865 West: Chicago
13

Merge onto I 65; US 52

12 mi · 13 min · I 65; US 52
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit onto US 52

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

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 9 sec
16

Merge onto I 65

117 mi · 2 hr 7 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 2 min
Exit 259A Toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago Use the slight right lane.
18

Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6

1.4 mi · 1 min · Borman Expressway
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Exit 9 Toward Grant Street Use the slight right lane.
20

Keep slight right at fork

336 ft · 9 sec
Use the right lane.
21

Turn straight onto Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard

1.2 mi · 1 min · Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard
22

Turn right onto West 15th Avenue

0.5 mi · 56 sec · West 15th Avenue
23

Turn left onto Harrison Boulevard

0.4 mi · 1 min · Harrison Boulevard
24

Turn right onto 10th Place

254 ft · 11 sec · 10th Place
25

Arrive at destination

10th Place

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour, 13-minute drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic, especially around the Indianapolis area on I-465. With only one recommended stop for this 222.6-mile journey, you have ample flexibility to decide when and where to take a break. The estimated fuel cost is $35, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before departing Richmond. A practical tip for this route: be mindful of the transition onto I-465 as it encircles Indianapolis; having your GPS ready will help you navigate this section smoothly and efficiently.

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 111.3 miles from Richmond, IN, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.1 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 49 miles or 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 111.3 miles or 2h 8m 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 25m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Richmond, 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 Richmond, IN

This is one driving day of about 222.6 miles and 4h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Richmond, 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 129.1 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

111 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

Knox, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mulberry, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111.3 miles from Richmond, 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 129.1 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

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Indianapolis, Indiana

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.6

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+13178971042

Visit website

3 in 1 Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

1 mi

Domino's Pizza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Richmond, Indiana

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 206.7

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

2.5 mi

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

2.4 mi

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+13178971042

Visit website

3 in 1 Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.5

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13179855091

Visit website

Domino's Pizza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Richmond, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–2 pm

+17659668351

Visit website

Somos Familia Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.5

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13176692057

Visit website

FLUID Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 206.7

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12192132044

Visit website

Cul De Sac Kitchen

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

+13177449622

Visit website

Papa Murphy's | Take 'N' Bake Pizza

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 47.7

Greenfield, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13177327567

Visit website

Carnitas El Tarasco

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.6

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13175919233

Visit website

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 206.7

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 206.7

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12193108078

Visit website

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 206.7

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 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 64.1 and 220.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
64.1 mi into trip | ~1h 14m in

Take the exit toward I 465 South, I 465 North

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 90 Toward I 465 South, I 465 North
7
64.4 mi into trip | ~1h 14m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 465 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 465 North
6
82.9 mi into trip | ~1h 36m 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
217.3 mi into trip | ~4h 3m in

Take the exit toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago

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 259A Toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago
7
220.1 mi into trip | ~4h 8m in

Take the exit toward Grant Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 9 Toward Grant Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.80 one way

$69.60 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $38.21 $76.42
premium $4.89 $42.84 $85.67
diesel $5.61 $49.15 $98.29

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 77.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 66.8 0 $23.37 $10.68
Efficient EV 55.7 0 $19.48 $8.90
EV Truck/SUV 89 1 $31.16 $14.25

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 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 18, 2026

Origin

Richmond, IN

Late night in Richmond on Sunday

Local time

3:33 AM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gary, IN

Late night in Gary on Sunday

Local time

2:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 15 mph 100% chance 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

20 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

4h 13m 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...

13 mi from route ~33 min detour $20 near mile 222.6
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?

Expect a highway-focused experience for 96% of this 222.6-mile trip, predominantly utilizing I-65 and I-70. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 129.1 miles on I-65, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. The character of the drive remains largely consistent, offering a predictable interstate journey. While there are no significant changes in road type, the transition between major interstates like I-70 and the I-465 bypass around Indianapolis is a key point to note in your navigation.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 129.1 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 70. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 64.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 19 significant decision points across 222.6 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 64.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 64.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.9 miles (I 865): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

About the Cities

Starting in Richmond, IN

Full guide →

Richmond is a city in Central Indiana. It was founded by Carolina Quakers in 1806. Known as the "cradle of recorded jazz" or formerly as the Rose City for its rose cultivation, it has the honor of having had the first complete high school orchestra in the country and of being the recording center of such greats as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, not to mention a major producer of lawnmowers and school buses. It has also been home to some historical intrigues like Jim Jones and The Wright Brothers.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 13m. Total distance: 222.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 129.1 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 Gary, 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 64.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 64.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.9 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 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Gary, 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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