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Trip from South Bend, IN to Richland, IN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 4m

Distance

185.7 mi

299 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
3h 51m ★
6 AM
4h 4m
8 AM
4h 31m
10 AM
4h 14m
12 PM
4h 11m
3 PM
4h 15m
5 PM
4h 29m
8 PM
3h 57m

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 Richland, IN, IN

Richland, IN

Mats Van Lishout

Trip Overview

This 185.7-mile drive from South Bend, IN to Richland, IN is a straightforward, single-day excursion, estimated to take around 4 hours and 4 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 31 and US 421, the route focuses on highway travel, making it an efficient journey within the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of approximately $29 and only one recommended stop, this trip is designed for minimal disruption. It's a practical choice for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. The journey offers a consistent driving experience without significant regional shifts.

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

92.9 miles from South Bend, IN

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 31 93.5 mi 1h 56m
South Michigan Street 28.2 mi 38m
US 421 25.5 mi 28m
East 200 South 16.1 mi 28m
I 69 10.5 mi 12m
Keystone Parkway 5.2 mi 7m
I 465 4 mi 4m
North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 0.6 mi 2m
Longest stretch: US 31 — 93.5 mi, about 1h 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

8.0 mi · 10 min · US 31
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 129B Toward Keystone Parkway, Rangeline Road, Clay Terrace Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto Keystone Parkway

5.2 mi · 7 min · Keystone Parkway
Toward Keystone Parkway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Enter roundabout

137 ft · 7 sec
Toward I 465: South Keystone Avenue
21

Continue

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 465: South Keystone Avenue
22

Keep slight left at fork

430 ft · 10 sec
Toward I 465 East: Keystone Avenue South
23

Keep slight right at fork

0.8 mi · 2 min
Toward I 465 East Use the slight left / right lanes.
24

Merge onto I 465

4.0 mi · 4 min · I 465
25

Merge onto I 69; I 465

11 mi · 12 min · I 69; I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Take the exit onto US 421

0.1 mi · 15 sec · US 421
Exit 49 Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati, Southeastern Avenue Use the slight right lane.
27

Keep slight left at fork onto US 421

25 mi · 28 min · US 421
Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati Use the slight left lane.
28

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Exit 119 Toward SR 244 East: Milroy, Andersonville Use the slight right lane.
29

Turn left onto SR 244

16 mi · 28 min · East 200 South
30

Arrive at destination

SR 244

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour duration, starting your drive in South Bend early in the morning is advisable to maximize your day. With only one stop suggested, plan for a break around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch. The fuel cost estimate of $29 is based on current averages, so it's wise to check local gas prices before you depart. The longest uninterrupted stretch of 93.5 miles on US 31 means you'll have ample time to settle in, but also be mindful of planning your fuel stops accordingly before entering this longer segment.

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 92.9 miles from South Bend, IN, or about 2h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.5 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 41 miles or 55m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 92.9 miles or 2h 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 16m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richland, 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 185.7 miles and 4h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 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 93.5 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

93 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

Flora, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Indian Heights, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 92.9 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 93.5 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

Grindstone on the Monon

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Westfield, Indiana

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 119.4

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13177631100

Visit website

Super Pollo Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

0.7 mi

Golden’s Fish & Chicken LLC

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

1.1 mi

Grindstone on the Monon

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 119.4

Westfield, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13177631100

Visit website

Super Pollo Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 132.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+13175372478

Visit website

Golden’s Fish & Chicken LLC

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 132.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+13174368186

Visit website

Denny's Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 132.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13178494867

Visit website

Honest Indianapolis Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 132.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13178272137

Visit website

Bugambilias Mexican Cuisine

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 132.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13175165978

Visit website

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 132.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13175772689

Visit website

The Skillet Restaurant and Catering

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 3–7 pm

+15742346069

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 92.9

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 92.9

Kokomo, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 79.6

Bunker Hill, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

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 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 122.8 and 169.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
122.8 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in

Take the exit toward Keystone Parkway, Rangeline Road, Clay Terrace Boulevard

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 129B Toward Keystone Parkway, Rangeline Road, Clay T...
7
123 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in | Keystone Parkway

Keep slight left at fork onto Keystone Parkway toward Keystone Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Keystone Parkway
8
144 mi into trip | ~3h 7m in | US 421

Take the exit onto US 421 toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati, Southeastern Avenue

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 49 Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati, Sou...
8
144.1 mi into trip | ~3h 7m in | US 421

Keep slight left at fork onto US 421 toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati
8
169.5 mi into trip | ~3h 35m in

Take the exit toward SR 244 East: Milroy, Andersonville

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 119 Toward SR 244 East: Milroy, Andersonville

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.03 one way

$58.06 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $31.88 $63.75
premium $4.89 $35.74 $71.47
diesel $5.61 $41.00 $82.00

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 65 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 55.7 0 $19.50 $8.91
Efficient EV 46.4 0 $16.25 $7.43
EV Truck/SUV 74.3 0 $26.00 $11.88

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 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 15, 2026

Origin

South Bend, IN

Night in South Bend on Saturday

Local time

10:47 PM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Richland, IN

Night in Richland on Saturday

Local time

10:47 PM

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

4h 4m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for about 75% of this trip, offering a relatively quick pace. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on US 31, including a continuous stretch of 93.5 miles. This suggests a consistent road type for a large part of the journey, likely involving well-maintained state and U.S. highways. While the profile indicates a highway focus, keep in mind that transitions between these main roads, particularly onto South Michigan Street and US 421, might offer slight variations in scenery or speed.

75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93.5 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 122.8 miles in.

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 21 significant decision points across 185.7 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 122.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123 miles (Keystone Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 144 miles (US 421): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 South Bend, IN to Richland, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Andersonville along the way.

Andersonville

169.5 mi in | ~3h 35m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 4m. Total distance: 185.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 93.5 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 Richland, 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 122.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123 miles (Keystone Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 144 miles (US 421): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Richland, 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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