Connecting Southport to Hammond, this 168.1-mile journey is a straightforward trek across Indiana that typically takes about 3 hours and 13 minutes. Because the route is compact and efficient, it works perfectly as a single-day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $26 on fuel, making it a budget-friendly option for your travel needs. Since both the origin and destination are located in the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout the drive. It is an ideal path for travelers who value time efficiency over leisurely detours.
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
84 miles from Southport, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
134.7 mi
2h 26m
I 74
10.8 mi
12m
Borman Expressway
8 mi
10m
65
3.9 mi
4m
I 69
2.3 mi
2m
US 31
2.2 mi
3m
East Southport Road
1 mi
2m
173rd Street
1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 134.7 mi, about 2h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Southport, IN and Hammond, IN.
1
Start on this road
51 ft·4 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto East Southport Road
1.0 mi·2 min·East Southport Road
3
Turn right onto US 31
2.1 mi·3 min·US 31
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Take the ramp onto US 31
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 31
Toward I 465 West, I 74 West, I 465 East, I 74 East, US 31 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 465 West, I 74 WestUse the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto I 69; I 74; I 465
2.3 mi·2 min·I 69; I 74; I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 74; I 465
11 mi·12 min·I 74; I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto 65
3.9 mi·4 min·65
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
1.1 mi·2 min
Exit 20Toward I 65 North: ChicagoUse the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 65
18 mi·19 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit onto US 52
0.2 mi·15 sec·US 52
Exit 141Toward US 52 West
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·9 sec
13
Merge onto I 65
117 mi·2 hr 7 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
1.4 mi·2 min
Exit 259AToward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6
8.0 mi·10 min·Borman Expressway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 2Toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward SR 152 North: Indianapolis BoulevardUse the slight left lane.
18
Turn straight onto SR 152
0.3 mi·33 sec·Indianapolis Boulevard
19
Turn left onto 173rd Street
1.0 mi·2 min·173rd Street
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto Columbia Avenue
0.2 mi·22 sec·Columbia Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
Columbia Avenue
Trip Plan
To keep your travel stress-free, plan for at least one dedicated stop along the way to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the total transit time is just over three hours, you have plenty of flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before starting the 134.7-mile stretch on I-65 to ensure you don't need an unplanned pit stop in the middle of a heavy traffic flow. Because the route relies so heavily on major interstates, check local traffic reports for the Borman Expressway before you leave to avoid potential congestion near your destination. This direct path allows you to reach Hammond quickly, leaving you with more time to settle in once you arrive.
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 84 miles from Southport, IN, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 134.7 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 37 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84 miles or 1h 36m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hammond, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Southport, 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 Southport, IN
This is one driving day of about 168.1 miles and 3h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Southport, 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 134.7 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.3 and 166.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
3.3 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 465 West, I 74 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 465 West, I 74 West
7
20.7 mi into trip|~26m in
Take the exit toward I 65 North: Chicago
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 20
Toward I 65 North: Chicago
8
156.8 mi into trip|~2h 55m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago
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 259A
Toward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Chicago
8
166.2 mi into trip|~3h 9m in
Take the exit toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis 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 2
Toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis...
8
166.5 mi into trip|~3h 9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 152 North: Indianapolis Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward SR 152 North: Indianapolis Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.28 one way
$52.56 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$28.85
$57.71
premium
$4.89
$32.35
$64.70
diesel
$5.61
$37.11
$74.23
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.4
0
$17.65
$8.07
Efficient EV
42
0
$14.71
$6.72
EV Truck/SUV
67.2
0
$23.53
$10.76
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Southport, IN
Late night
in Southport on Sunday
Local time
3:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hammond, IN
Late night
in Hammond on Sunday
Local time
2:35 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
73°F
Lafayette, IN
84 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
6 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 13m 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.
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...
13 mi from route
~31 min detour
$20
near mile 156.5
Park Closure: Partial Closures to Marquette Greenway Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly efficient, highway-focused experience, as 94% of your time will be spent on major interstates. You will primarily navigate via I-65 and I-74, eventually transitioning onto the Borman Expressway as you approach Hammond. A significant portion of your time behind the wheel involves a long, uninterrupted 134.7-mile stretch on I-65. This is a practical, utilitarian drive rather than a winding scenic byway, designed for steady cruising. While the road personality is consistent, be prepared for the shift in traffic patterns as you move from the central part of the state toward the busier northern industrial corridors.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 134.7 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 74. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 168.1 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 3.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 156.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 13m. Total distance: 168.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 13m 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 134.7 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 Hammond, 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 3.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 156.8 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 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Hammond, IN, but most travelers stay overnight.
