If you are planning a trip from Southport to Terre Haute, expect a straightforward journey covering 79.4 miles. You can comfortably complete this drive in about 1 hour and 34 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a one-day excursion. Budgeting approximately $12 for fuel should cover your transit across this Midwest stretch. Since the entire route stays within Indiana, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout the trip. This direct connection requires no overnight stops, allowing you to reach your destination quickly without the need for complex planning. It is a practical, efficient route for anyone looking to bridge these two Indiana communities with minimal hassle.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39.7 miles from Southport, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
63.1 mi
1h 8m
I 74
4.3 mi
4m
South 3rd Street
2.4 mi
5m
I 69
2.3 mi
2m
US 31
2.2 mi
3m
East Southport Road
1 mi
2m
North 3rd Street
—
—
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
Longest stretch:
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
— 63.1 mi, about 1h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Southport, IN and Terre Haute, 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
4.3 mi·4 min·I 74; I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 9Toward I 70: Saint Louis, Indianapolis International Airport, IndianapolisUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
2.8 mi·5 min
Toward I 70 West: Saint Louis, Indianapolis International AirportUse the slight left lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 70 West: Saint LouisUse the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 70
63 mi·1 hr 8 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 7Toward US 41, US 150: Terre Haute, Evansville
13
Turn right onto US 41; US 150
2.4 mi·5 min·South 3rd Street
14
Arrive at destination
US 41; US 150
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time to avoid local traffic bottlenecks. Since there are no designated stops required for a journey of this length, you can easily drive the full 79.4 miles in one go without needing to plan for extended breaks. Keep your $12 fuel budget in mind when filling up, as prices can fluctuate depending on where you start your journey. A helpful tip for this specific route is to stay focused during the transition from the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway onto South 3rd Street, where the road character shifts significantly. Pacing yourself for the turn-heavy final segment will ensure you reach Terre Haute feeling refreshed and ready for your day.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 39.7 miles from Southport, IN, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.1 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 17 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.7 miles or 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Terre Haute, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Southport, IN
This is one driving day of about 79.4 miles and 1h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Southport, IN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway for about 63.1 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.2 and 13.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
3.2 mi into trip|~5m in|US 31
Take the ramp onto US 31 toward I 465 West, I 74 West, I 465 East, I 74 East, US 31 North
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 465 West, I 74 West, I 465 East, I 74...
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
8
10.2 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward I 70: Saint Louis, Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis
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 9
Toward I 70: Saint Louis, Indianapolis Internat...
8
10.6 mi into trip|~14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 West: Saint Louis, Indianapolis International Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 70 West: Saint Louis, Indianapolis Int...
7
13.3 mi into trip|~19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 West: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 70 West: Saint Louis
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.41 one way
$24.83 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$13.63
$27.26
premium
$4.89
$15.28
$30.56
diesel
$5.61
$17.53
$35.06
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.8
0
$8.34
$3.81
Efficient EV
19.9
0
$6.95
$3.18
EV Truck/SUV
31.8
0
$11.12
$5.08
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (68% 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
3:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Terre Haute, IN
Late night
in Terre Haute on Sunday
Local time
3:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°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
3 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
1h 34m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip features a turn-heavy local profile that changes pace as you navigate the transition from suburban roads to major highways. You will spend roughly 11% of your time on the highway, with the Dwight D Eisenhower Highway providing the most significant portion of your journey. You can anticipate a longest uninterrupted stretch of 63.1 miles on that highway, which serves as the primary artery for the middle of your drive. As you approach your destination, the route shifts from high-speed interstate travel to navigating South 3rd Street. Prepare for a mix of cruising and more technical local driving as you move between the two cities.
Only 11% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.1 mi on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.2 miles in near US 31.
Driving Effort9/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 79.4 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.2 miles (US 31): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.2 miles: 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.
Between Southport, IN and Terre Haute, IN, road signs point toward Indianapolis International Airport and Indianapolis.
Indianapolis International Airport
10.2 mi in|~13m
Indianapolis
10.2 mi in|~13m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 34m. Total distance: 79.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.1 miles on Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Terre Haute, IN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.2 miles (US 31): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Terre Haute, IN before heading back.
