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Trip from Thorntown, IN to City of Gary, IN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 21m

Distance

123.6 mi

199 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 12m ★
6 AM
2h 22m
8 AM
2h 41m
10 AM
2h 29m
12 PM
2h 27m
3 PM
2h 30m
5 PM
2h 41m
8 PM
2h 16m

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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Downtown Thorntown, IN, IN

Thorntown, IN

Vladislav Anchuk

Downtown City of Gary, IN, IN

City of Gary, IN

Артем Дворецкий

Trip Overview

This 123.6-mile drive from Thorntown, Indiana, to the City of Gary, Indiana, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 21 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-65, this route is a highway-focused experience, making it ideal for a single-day excursion. With an estimated fuel cost of $19, it's an economical option for getting across the Midwest region of Indiana. You won't need to plan for an overnight stay, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. This journey is designed for efficient travel, getting you to your destination with minimal fuss.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

61.8 miles from Thorntown, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 115.8 mi 2h 7m
IN-47 4.4 mi 7m
East 5th Avenue 1 mi 1m
East 4th Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
Madison Street 0.5 mi 1m
West Main Street 0.4 mi <1m
West 8th Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 115.8 mi, about 2h 7m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Thorntown, IN and City of Gary, IN.

1

Start on SR 47

0.4 mi · 37 sec · West Main Street
2

Continue on SR 47

4.4 mi · 7 min · IN-47
3

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward Chicago
4

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 25 sec · this road
Toward Chicago
5

Merge onto I 65

116 mi · 2 hr 7 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Turn left onto US 12; US 20

1.0 mi · 1 min · East 5th Avenue
7

Continue on US 12; US 20

0.9 mi · 1 min · East 4th Avenue
8

Turn left onto Madison Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Madison Street
9

Turn right onto West 8th Avenue

0.2 mi · 31 sec · West 8th Avenue
10

Turn left

342 ft · 25 sec
11

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour and 21-minute duration, this drive is perfectly suited for a single day trip. You can depart Thorntown any time that suits you, as the relatively short distance and highway nature mean you won't need to worry about extensive rest stops. The longest stretch without a significant road change is over 115 miles on I-65, so plan for fuel before you get on the interstate. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach Gary, to avoid any last-minute detours for gas. The $19 fuel cost is a good estimate for budgeting your trip.

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 61.8 miles from Thorntown, IN, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 115.8 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 27 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61.8 miles or 1h 11m 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 54m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Thorntown, 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 Thorntown, IN

This is one driving day of about 123.6 miles and 2h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Thorntown, IN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 65 for about 115.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

census-designated place in Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Shelby, IN

62 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

West Lafayette, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Shelby, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61.8 miles from Thorntown, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 115.8 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

TC's Restaurant & Tavern

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Battle Ground, Indiana

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 35.3

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17655672838

Visit website

FLUID Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

2.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 105.9

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

2.9 mi

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crown Point, Indiana

3 mi

TC's Restaurant & Tavern

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 35.3

Battle Ground, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17655672838

Visit website

FLUID Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 105.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12192132044

Visit website

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 114.8

Merrillville, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12195001370

Visit website

T's Pizza & Family Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 114.8

Hobart, Indiana

Hours: 4–10:30 pm

+12199422424

Visit website

RedSeven Kitchen + Cocktail

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 35.3

Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+17657427337

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 35.3

Lafayette, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+17654477700

Visit website

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 105.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 105.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12193108078

Visit website

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 105.9

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12193233948

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 5

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.8 and 123.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
4.8 mi into trip | ~8m in

Take the ramp toward Chicago

Navigation decision point

Toward Chicago
5
5.1 mi into trip | ~9m in | I 65

Merge onto I 65

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
122.8 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in | Madison Street

Turn left onto Madison Street

Navigation decision point

4
123.3 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in | West 8th Avenue

Turn right onto West 8th Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
123.5 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.32 one way

$38.65 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.22 $42.43
premium $4.89 $23.79 $47.57
diesel $5.61 $27.29 $54.58

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 43.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 37.1 0 $12.98 $5.93
Efficient EV 30.9 0 $10.82 $4.94
EV Truck/SUV 49.4 0 $17.30 $7.91

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 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

Thorntown, IN

Morning in Thorntown on Sunday

Local time

10:33 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

City of Gary, IN

Morning in City of Gary on Sunday

Local time

9:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

72°F

Shelby, IN

62 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

11 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

2h 21m 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

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...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour $20 near mile 119.3
Park Closure: Partial Closures to Marquette Greenway Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
Park Closure: Mount Baldy Closure
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 97% of your journey on high-speed roads. The character of this route is shaped by its extensive use of I-65, featuring one uninterrupted stretch of 115.8 miles. You'll transition from IN-47 onto I-65, which will carry you most of the way to Gary. The final leg may involve East 5th Avenue as you approach your destination. This driving profile suggests a consistent pace, suitable for those who prefer covering ground efficiently rather than seeking winding scenic byways.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
11 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 115.8 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

1/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and IN-47. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 4.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Thorntown, IN to City of Gary, IN is easy. At 2h 21m with 97% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 4.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 5.1 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 122.8 miles (Madison Street): Navigation decision point.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 21m. Total distance: 123.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 115.8 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 4.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 5.1 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 122.8 miles (Madison Street): Navigation decision point.

Yes — Indiana Dunes National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at City of Gary, IN before heading back.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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