Smithfield, IN to Evansville, IN is 234.6 miles and takes about 4h 32m via I 69 and SR 67, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Indiana, traveling from the Midwest to the Midwest. It's a straightforward drive that utilizes major highways for most of its length. Consider this a solid option if you're looking for an efficient way to get between these two Indiana cities without much complication.
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
117.3 miles from Smithfield, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 69
175.5 mi
3h 13m
SR 67
31.9 mi
34m
US 35
14.6 mi
20m
East Lloyd Expressway
3.9 mi
4m
North Burkhardt Road
2.5 mi
4m
East Smithfield Pike
2.1 mi
4m
East Memorial Drive
1.4 mi
2m
East Walnut Street
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 69
— 175.5 mi, about 3h 13m
Traffic on I-465
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 80 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,714 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~472 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 48 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 Smithfield, IN and Evansville, IN.
1
Start on East Market Street
79 ft·8 sec·East Market Street
2
Turn left onto South 625 East
0.2 mi·36 sec·South 625 East
3
Turn left onto East 138 South
0.2 mi·36 sec·East 138 South
4
Continue on East Smithfield Pike
2.1 mi·4 min·East Smithfield Pike
5
At end of road, turn right onto South 400 East
0.3 mi·1 min·South 400 East
6
Turn left onto East Memorial Drive
1.4 mi·2 min·East Memorial Drive
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward US 35 South, SR 3 South, SR 67 South: Indianapolis
8
Merge onto US 35; SR 3; SR 67
15 mi·20 min·US 35; SR 3; SR 67
9
Take the exit onto SR 67
32 mi·34 min·SR 67
Toward Indianapolis
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69
1.0 mi·1 min·I 69
Use the slight right lane.
11
Continue on I 69
22 mi·25 min·I 69
Exit 200Toward I 465 South, I 69 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69
48 mi·54 min·I 69
Exit 5Toward I 69 South: EvansvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69
104 mi·1 hr 51 min·I 69
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·39 sec
Exit 10Toward Lynch Road
15
Turn slight right
153 ft·4 sec
16
Turn straight onto Lynch Road
498 ft·15 sec·Lynch Road
17
Turn left onto North Burkhardt Road
2.5 mi·4 min·North Burkhardt Road
18
Turn right onto SR 66
3.9 mi·4 min·East Lloyd Expressway
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward US 41 South
20
Merge onto US 41; SR 66
0.3 mi·33 sec·US 41; SR 66
21
Turn right onto East Walnut Street
0.7 mi·1 min·East Walnut Street
22
Turn right
332 ft·25 sec
23
At end of road, turn right
123 ft·9 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 32m estimated drive time, leaving Smithfield in the morning should allow you to reach Evansville with plenty of daylight. With only one stop suggested and a relatively short duration, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 175.5 miles on I 69, as services can be spaced out on interstates. The estimated fuel cost is around $37.
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 117.3 miles from Smithfield, IN, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 175.5 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 52 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.3 miles or 2h 21m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Evansville, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Smithfield, 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 Smithfield, IN
This is one driving day of about 234.6 miles and 4h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Smithfield, 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 69 for about 175.5 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 73.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|South 625 East
Turn left onto South 625 East
Navigation decision point
5
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|East 138 South
Turn left onto East 138 South
Navigation decision point
6
19.1 mi into trip|~31m in|SR 67
Take the exit onto SR 67 toward Indianapolis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward Indianapolis
6
51 mi into trip|~1h 6m in|I 69
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
8
73.7 mi into trip|~1h 32m in|I 69
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69 toward I 69 South: Evansville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.37 one way
$72.74 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$39.88
$79.76
premium
$4.93
$45.52
$91.03
diesel
$5.60
$51.71
$103.43
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.4
0
$24.63
$11.26
Efficient EV
58.7
0
$20.53
$9.38
EV Truck/SUV
93.8
1
$32.84
$15.01
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 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 Aug 25, 2026
Origin
Smithfield, IN
Morning
in Smithfield on Friday
Local time
6:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Clear then Patchy Fog
NW 1 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued August 24 at 8:54PM CDT until August 26 at 2:30AM CDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued August 24 at 8:54PM CDT until August 26 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Destination
Evansville, IN
Late night
in Evansville on Friday
Local time
5:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Clear
NE 3 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued August 24 at 8:54PM CDT until August 26 at 2:30AM CDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued August 24 at 8:54PM CDT until August 26 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
90°F
Beech Grove, IN
117 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
8 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 32m 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.
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 186
Abraham Lincoln grew from youth to manhood on this southern Indiana soil. Many character and moral traits of one of the world's most respected leaders was formed and nurtured here. Explore Lincoln's b...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 210.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 96% of the 234.6 miles on major roads like I 69 and SR 67. You'll experience a long stretch of 175.5 miles on I 69, which means a good amount of consistent cruising. Expect frequent exits and merging traffic as you navigate this mostly highway route. The transition to surface roads will happen later in the trip, closer to Evansville.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 175.5 mi on I 69.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and SR 67. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South 625 East.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 234.6 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: near the start (South 625 East): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (East 138 South): Navigation decision point; at 19.1 miles (SR 67): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
982 ft383 ft
Total Climb
290 ft
Total Descent
890 ft
Highest Point
982 ft
Elevation Range
599 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Smithfield, IN to Evansville, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Indianapolis along the way.
Evansville is the largest city in Southern Indiana and the third-largest city in the state. It is the county seat of Vanderburgh County and the regional hub for the Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois tri-state area. In 2010, the city had a population of 117,000. In 2008 the Evansville metropolitan area was home to 350,000 people.
Top landmarks
•University of Evansville — private university in Evansville, Indiana, United States
•USS LST-325 — 1942 LST-1-class tank landing ship, later converted to a museum ship
•Masonic Temple — Masonic temple in Evansville, Indiana, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 32m. Total distance: 234.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 32m 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 175.5 miles on I 69. 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 Evansville, 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: near the start (South 625 East): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (East 138 South): Navigation decision point; at 19.1 miles (SR 67): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Yes — George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 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 Evansville, IN, but most travelers stay overnight.
