Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Saint Joseph, IN to Griffith, IN
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 57m
Distance
254.7 mi
410 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 44m
★
6 AM
4h 57m
8 AM
5h 24m
10 AM
5h 7m
12 PM
5h 4m
3 PM
5h 8m
5 PM
5h 23m
8 PM
4h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Saint Joseph, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Griffith, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Saint Joseph, IN to Griffith, IN is 254.7 miles and takes about 4h 57m via I 65 and US 31, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, entirely within Indiana. With 94% highway driving, expect a straightforward and efficient trip. The recommended single day for this drive makes it a good option for a quick transfer between locations or a day trip.
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
127.4 miles from Saint Joseph, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 29m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 236 mi | 4h 20m |
| US 31 | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| Perry Crossing Road | 2.7 mi | 6m |
| West Lincoln Highway | 2.7 mi | 4m |
| Cline Avenue | 2.3 mi | 5m |
| West 81st Avenue | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| State Road 111 | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| South Broad Street | 0.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 236 mi, about 4h 20m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 186 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,041 veh/hr typical · worst 3,747
Quietest
2 AM
~363 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 104 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 Saint Joseph, IN and Griffith, 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
110 mi
·
1 hr 59 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 253
Toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
452 ft
·
14 sec
Toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso, VA Clinic
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Turn left
107 ft
·
3 sec
Toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso
16
Turn left onto US 30
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East 81st Avenue
17
Continue on US 30
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
West 81st Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on US 30
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
West Lincoln Highway
19
Continue on US 30
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
Joliet Street
20
Continue on US 30
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
West Lincoln Highway
21
Turn right onto Cline Avenue
2.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Cline Avenue
22
Continue on West Avenue D
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
West Avenue D
23
Turn left onto South Broad Street
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
South Broad Street
24
Turn right onto East Miller Street
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
East Miller Street
25
Arrive at destination
East Miller Street
Trip Plan
Given the roughly 5-hour duration, leaving in the morning from Saint Joseph, IN, is advisable to ensure you arrive in Griffith, IN, with ample daylight. The majority of the drive is on I 65, so plan your stop around the 236-mile mark or slightly before if you need a break. With a fuel cost estimated at $40, it's wise to top off your tank before departing or at a major exit along I 65. This route is designed for a single day, so you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your needs.
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 127.4 miles from Saint Joseph, IN, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 236 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 56 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.4 miles or 2h 29m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Griffith, 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 254.7 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 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 236 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
127 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 127.4 miles from Saint Joseph, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 236 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
I-65 Rest Stop (northbound)
0.1 mi from route
I-65 Rest Stop (southbound)
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Lebanon Rest Area - I65 SB
0.1 mi from route
Wolcott Rest Area - I-65 NB
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's
0.2 mi from route
Wolcott Rest Area - I-65 SB
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.4 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Horner Industrial Group
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.5 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 8.4 and 245.2 — 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.
8
244.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 37m in
Take the exit toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso
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 253
Toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso
9
245.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso, VA Clinic
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso,...
6
245.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 38m in
Turn left toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.60 one way
$69.19 round trip
$3.45/gal
25.4 MPG avg
89 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.85 | $38.61 | $77.21 |
| premium | $4.15 | $41.61 | $83.23 |
| diesel | $3.75 | $37.60 | $75.21 |
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: 89.1 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76.4 | 0 | $26.74 | $12.23 |
| Efficient EV | 63.7 | 0 | $22.29 | $10.19 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 101.9 | 1 | $35.66 | $16.30 |
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 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.
Origin
Saint Joseph, IN
Night in Saint Joseph on Sunday
Local time
10:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
E 2 to 6 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 4:25AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:57AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Destination
Griffith, IN
Night in Griffith on Sunday
Local time
9:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
SSW 5 to 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 4:25AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:57AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
72°F
Beech Grove, IN
127 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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 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 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...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
$20
near mile 245.9
Caution: Road Blocked to West Beach
Park Closure: Partial Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 94% of the 254.7 miles on high-speed roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 236 miles on I 65, which means you'll encounter frequent exits and opportunities for services. The final miles will transition to surface roads like Perry Crossing Road as you approach Griffith, IN, marking the end of the highway portion.
94% 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: 236 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 31. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.4 miles in near I 65.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 254.7 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 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 244.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
957 ft
561 ft
Total Climb
616 ft
Total Descent
543 ft
Highest Point
957 ft
~127.4 mi in
Elevation Range
396 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Saint Joseph, IN
Full guide →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 57m. Total distance: 254.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 236 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 31 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 Griffith, 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 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 244.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 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 Griffith, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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