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Trip from Saint Joseph, IN to Brookston, IN

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

Drive Time

3h 31m

Distance

178.1 mi

287 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 19m ★
6 AM
3h 31m
8 AM
3h 56m
10 AM
3h 40m
12 PM
3h 37m
3 PM
3h 41m
5 PM
3h 55m
8 PM
3h 24m

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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Christian saint; husband of Mary and father of Jesus

Saint Joseph, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Brookston, IN, IN

Brookston, IN

david hou

Trip Overview

This 178.1-mile drive from Saint Joseph, Indiana, to Brookston, Indiana, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes. The route is heavily focused on interstate travel, with 93% of the journey on highways, primarily I-65. With an estimated fuel cost of $28, it’s an economical option for a quick getaway within the Midwest. Consider this a straightforward, efficient drive connecting two points in Indiana, perfect if you're looking for a direct and uncomplicated journey.

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

89.1 miles from Saint Joseph, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 161.7 mi 3h 1m
North River Road 7.2 mi 12m
US 31 2.9 mi 4m
Perry Crossing Road 2.7 mi 6m
State Road 111 1.8 mi 3m
Memphis-Blue Lick Road 0.6 mi 1m
US 52 0.2 mi <1m
State Road 60 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 161.7 mi, about 3h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Saint Joseph, IN and Brookston, IN.

1

Start on Grant Line Road

233 ft · 4 sec · Grant Line Road
2

Continue on State Road 111

1.8 mi · 3 min · State Road 111
3

Turn right onto SR 60

0.2 mi · 24 sec · State Road 60
4

Turn left onto Perry Crossing Road

2.7 mi · 6 min · Perry Crossing Road
5

Turn left onto US 31

2.9 mi · 4 min · US 31
6

Turn left onto Memphis-Blue Lick Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Memphis-Blue Lick Road
7

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec
8

Merge onto I 65

96 mi · 1 hr 45 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 65

30 mi · 35 min · I 65
Use the slight right lane.
10

Take the exit onto US 52

0.2 mi · 15 sec · US 52
Exit 141 Toward US 52 West
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 9 sec
12

Merge onto I 65

36 mi · 39 min · I 65
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Exit 178 Toward SR 43: West Lafayette, Brookston
14

Keep slight right at fork

234 ft · 5 sec
Toward SR 43: Battle Ground, Lake Shafer, Lake Freeman
15

Turn straight onto SR 43

7.2 mi · 12 min · North River Road
16

Turn right onto SR 18

361 ft · 12 sec · West 3rd Street
17

Turn left onto South Railroad Street

41 ft · 1 sec · South Railroad Street
18

Arrive at destination

South Railroad Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 31-minute duration, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion from Saint Joseph to Brookston. You'll want to depart early to make the most of your day, especially since the longest continuous stretch on I-65 is over 160 miles, meaning significant time will be spent on this main highway. Factor in the $28 fuel cost and plan for one stop, perhaps midway, to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before entering the longest stretch on I-65, as services can be spread out.

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 89.1 miles from Saint Joseph, IN, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 161.7 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 39 miles or 49m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 89.1 miles or 1h 44m 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 50m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, IN

This is one driving day of about 178.1 miles and 3h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Saint Joseph, 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 161.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Indianapolis, IN

89 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

Seymour, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Indianapolis, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 89.1 miles from Saint Joseph, 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 161.7 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

Chapati

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Indianapolis, Indiana

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 114.5

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13174059874

Visit website

Siam Square

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Indianapolis, Indiana

1 mi

Goodfella's Pizza

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Henryville, Indiana

1.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Georgia Street Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 101.8

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13173719949

Visit website

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

2.1 mi

Coffee Crossing

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sellersburg, Indiana

2.4 mi

Chapati

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 114.5

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13174059874

Visit website

Siam Square

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 101.8

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13176368424

Visit website

Goodfella's Pizza

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.7

Henryville, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18122943343

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 165.4

Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+17654477700

Visit website

Hongkong Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101.8

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13179518882

Visit website

The Capital Grille

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour Very expen mile 101.8

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+13174238790

Visit website

Mr Gyro's

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 114.5

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+13173889788

Visit website

Five Guys

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101.8

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+13173533422

Visit website

Georgia Street Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 101.8

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13173719949

Visit website

Good Vibes Cafe Indy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101.8

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 8:30 am–7 pm

+14632022117

Visit website

Coffee Crossing

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Sellersburg, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18129138177

Visit website

Coffee Crossing

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

New Albany, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm

+18129812633

Visit website

Starlight Coffee Co. & Roastery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Sellersburg, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+18127487000

Visit website

Coffee Crossing

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

New Albany, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm

+18125576899

Visit website

Founders Grounds Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 114.5

Speedway, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+13179815358

Visit website

Reed’s Place: Steak and Chop Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 38.2

Seymour, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18122711298

Visit website

Indy with Kids

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 101.8

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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.4 and 170.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
8.4 mi into trip | ~15m in | I 65

Merge onto I 65

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
104.2 mi into trip | ~2h 1m in | I 65

Keep slight right at fork onto I 65

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
5
134 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in | US 52

Take the exit onto US 52 toward US 52 West

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 141 Toward US 52 West
6
170.5 mi into trip | ~3h 17m in

Take the exit toward SR 43: West Lafayette, Brookston

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

Exit 178 Toward SR 43: West Lafayette, Brookston
6
170.8 mi into trip | ~3h 18m in

Keep slight right at fork toward SR 43: Battle Ground, Lake Shafer, Lake Freeman

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward SR 43: Battle Ground, Lake Shafer, Lake...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.84 one way

$55.69 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 62 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.57 $61.14
premium $4.89 $34.27 $68.55
diesel $5.61 $39.32 $78.64

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53.4 0 $18.70 $8.55
Efficient EV 44.5 0 $15.58 $7.12
EV Truck/SUV 71.2 0 $24.93 $11.40

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 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 Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Saint Joseph, IN

Morning in Saint Joseph on Sunday

Local time

6:26 AM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

W 9 to 13 mph 9% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 3:01PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 16 at 12:24PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Destination

Brookston, IN

Morning in Brookston on Sunday

Local time

6:26 AM

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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

24 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

3h 31m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience on this 178.1-mile route, with a significant 93% of the drive utilizing major roadways like I-65 and US 31. The majority of your travel will be on the interstate, including one substantial stretch of 161.7 miles on I-65, minimizing the need for frequent turns. While much of the drive is on high-speed highways, brief sections on North River Road offer a slight variation before returning to the main thoroughfares. This profile suggests a journey where efficient travel is the priority.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 161.7 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and North River Road. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 8.4 miles in near I 65.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 178.1 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 8.4 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.2 miles (I 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 134 miles (US 52): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 31m. Total distance: 178.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 161.7 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 Brookston, 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 8.4 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.2 miles (I 65): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 134 miles (US 52): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Brookston, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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