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Trip from South Bend, IN to Pittsboro, 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 22m

Distance

153.6 mi

247 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 11m ★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 31m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 32m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 15m

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 and county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States of America

South Bend, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Pittsboro, IN, IN

Pittsboro, IN

Jay Brand

Trip Overview

This 153.6-mile drive from South Bend, Indiana, to Pittsboro, Indiana, is a straightforward, single-day trip that should take about 3 hours and 22 minutes. It's a highway-focused journey, with 73% of the route on major roads, making it efficient for getting from point A to point B. You'll spend most of your time on US 31 and I-465. With an estimated fuel cost of $24, this is an affordable option for a quick getaway within the Midwest. Given its manageable length and duration, this route is perfectly suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule without needing an overnight stay.

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

76.8 miles from South Bend, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 31 99.1 mi 2h 4m
South Michigan Street 28.2 mi 38m
I 465 12.7 mi 15m
East Main Street 6 mi 9m
Crawfordsville Road 3.3 mi 4m
Dandy Trail 1.1 mi 2m
West 38th Street 1 mi 2m
North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 0.6 mi 2m
Longest stretch: US 31 — 99.1 mi, about 2h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Bend, IN and Pittsboro, IN.

1

Start on East Navarre Street

131 ft · 12 sec · East Navarre Street
2

Turn left onto SR 933; BUS US 31

444 ft · 12 sec · North Michigan Street
3

Enter roundabout onto North Michigan Street

125 ft · 7 sec · North Michigan Street
4

Continue on North Michigan Street

196 ft · 6 sec · North Michigan Street
5

Continue on North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

0.6 mi · 2 min · North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
6

Continue on South Michigan Street

2.5 mi · 6 min · South Michigan Street
7

Enter roundabout onto BUS US 31

125 ft · 7 sec · South Michigan Street
8

Continue on BUS US 31

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Michigan Street
9

Continue on BUS US 31

25 mi · 29 min · South Michigan Street
10

Merge onto US 31

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 31
11

Turn slight right

512 ft · 6 sec
12

Continue on US 31

85 mi · 1 hr 44 min · US 31
13

Turn right onto East 226th Street

270 ft · 10 sec · East 226th Street
14

Turn left

320 ft · 50 sec
15

Continue on this road

320 ft · 25 sec · this road
16

Turn right onto East 226th Street

270 ft · 9 sec · East 226th Street
17

Turn right onto US 31

13 mi · 17 min · US 31
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit onto US 31

0.6 mi · 55 sec · US 31
Exit 123 Toward I 465, US 31 South Use the slight right lane.
19

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 465 West Use the slight right lane.
20

Merge onto I 465

4.8 mi · 5 min · I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight right at fork onto I 465

7.9 mi · 9 min · I 465
Toward I 465 South
22

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Exit 17 Toward 38th Street Use the slight right lane.
23

Keep slight right at fork

280 ft · 8 sec
Use the right lane.
24

Turn straight onto West 38th Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · West 38th Street
Use the left lane.
25

Continue on Dandy Trail

1.1 mi · 2 min · Dandy Trail
26

Turn right onto US 136

3.3 mi · 4 min · Crawfordsville Road
27

Continue on US 136

6.0 mi · 9 min · East Main Street
28

Turn right onto North Maple Street

44 ft · 1 sec · North Maple Street
29

Arrive at destination

North Maple Street

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour and 22-minute drive, planning your departure time can help you avoid the busiest traffic, especially as you approach Indianapolis on I-465. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $24, you have plenty of flexibility. Consider making your stop midway, perhaps after the longest stretch on US 31, to refuel or grab a quick break. Since this is a relatively short, single-day trip, you can easily adjust your timing. A practical tip for this route is to keep an eye on your GPS for any potential construction delays on I-465, which is a common thoroughfare for many travelers.

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 76.8 miles from South Bend, IN, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.1 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 34 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 76.8 miles or 1h 40m 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 43m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving South Bend, 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 South Bend, IN

This is one driving day of about 153.6 miles and 3h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from South Bend, 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 US 31 for about 99.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Indian Heights, IN, IN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Indian Heights, IN

77 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

Culver, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Flora, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 76.8 miles from South Bend, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 31 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.1 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

Cafe Navarre

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

South Bend, Indiana

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15749688101

Visit website

Grindstone on the Monon

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Westfield, Indiana

0.7 mi

Log House Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Argos, Indiana

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The General Deli & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

South Bend, Indiana

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15742864193

Visit website

F-Bomb Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kokomo, Indiana

1.1 mi

Doubting Thomas Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kokomo, Indiana

1.1 mi

Cafe Navarre

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15749688101

Visit website

Grindstone on the Monon

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 120.7

Westfield, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13177631100

Visit website

Log House Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 32.9

Argos, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+15748926080

Visit website

The Border

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 32.9

Argos, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+15742816743

Jarrety's Place

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.9

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15742237101

Visit website

Bandidos Mexican Grill & Cantina

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.9

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15742231212

Rochester Bagel & Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.9

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15742234100

Visit website

Dick's Drive-In

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.9

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15742233087

The General Deli & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15742864193

Visit website

F-Bomb Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 87.8

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+17652527750

Visit website

Doubting Thomas Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 87.8

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+17657803094

Visit website

Radish Market & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.8

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17654197958

Visit website

Cat Cafe - Kokomo Humane Society

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 87.8

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: 12–5 pm

+17654526224

Visit website

Founders Grounds Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 142.6

Speedway, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+13179815358

Visit website

Ivy Terra Plant Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 21.9

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

Mimi's Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 21.9

Plymouth, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 87.8

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 87.8

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 76.8

Bunker Hill, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 43.9

Rochester, Indiana

+18668167584

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 43.9

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 87.8

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 43.9

Rochester, Indiana

+18333994638

Visit website

The Breakroom Pub and Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 32.9

Argos, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+15748926845

Ruthless Bar & Patio

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.9

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+15742237884

Visit website

Unity Gardens Inc.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+15742222266

Visit website

Generations Adventureplex

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Mishawaka, Indiana

Hours: 3–9 pm

+15748551095

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 114.8 and 142.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
114.8 mi into trip | ~2h 28m in | US 31

Turn right onto US 31

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
127.8 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in | US 31

Take the exit onto US 31 toward I 465, US 31 South

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 123 Toward I 465, US 31 South
7
128.4 mi into trip | ~2h 47m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 465 West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 465 West
7
141.7 mi into trip | ~3h 3m in

Take the exit toward 38th Street

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 17 Toward 38th Street
6
142.1 mi into trip | ~3h 4m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.01 one way

$48.03 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 54 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $26.37 $52.73
premium $4.89 $29.56 $59.12
diesel $5.61 $33.91 $67.83

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$24

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$49–$74

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 53.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 46.1 0 $16.13 $7.37
Efficient EV 38.4 0 $13.44 $6.14
EV Truck/SUV 61.4 0 $21.50 $9.83

Gas CO2

54 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (67% 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 15, 2026

Origin

South Bend, IN

Late night in South Bend on Sunday

Local time

3:52 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Pittsboro, IN

Late night in Pittsboro on Sunday

Local time

3:52 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°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

2 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

3h 22m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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 drive for the majority of this 153.6-mile trip. With 73% of the route on major highways like US 31 and I-465, you'll experience a consistent pace for much of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 99.1 miles on US 31, offering a substantial period of steady driving. While primarily highway, the initial leg on South Michigan Street will transition you from city to highway speeds. This route prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways.

73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.1 mi on US 31.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 31 and South Michigan Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 114.8 miles in near US 31.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 18 significant decision points across 153.6 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 114.8 miles (US 31): Lane positioning matters here; at 127.8 miles (US 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 22m. Total distance: 153.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 99.1 miles on US 31. 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 Pittsboro, 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 114.8 miles (US 31): Lane positioning matters here; at 127.8 miles (US 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Pittsboro, 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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