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Trip from Thorntown, IN to South Bend, 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 59m

Distance

123.1 mi

198 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 49m ★
6 AM
3h 0m
8 AM
3h 23m
10 AM
3h 8m
12 PM
3h 6m
3 PM
3h 9m
5 PM
3h 22m
8 PM
2h 53m

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

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

South Bend, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 123.1-mile drive from Thorntown, IN to South Bend, IN is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes. Primarily using US 31 with portions of SR 29 and Michigan Avenue, this route keeps you on the road for a significant highway portion, with 71% of the journey on faster roads. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest journey is around $19, making it an economical option. You'll encounter one designated stop, offering a good balance for a trip of this length. This straightforward drive is well-suited for a single day's adventure, allowing ample time for exploration upon arrival.

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

61.5 miles from Thorntown, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 34m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 31 43 mi 53m
SR 29 27.6 mi 40m
Michigan Avenue 21.6 mi 31m
SR 39 10.9 mi 16m
IN-47 6.3 mi 11m
Washington Avenue 6.1 mi 9m
South Michigan Street 2.5 mi 6m
Burlington Avenue 1.8 mi 2m
Longest stretch: US 31 — 43 mi, about 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on SR 47

0.4 mi · 37 sec · West Main Street
2

Continue on SR 47

6.3 mi · 11 min · IN-47
3

Turn left onto SR 39

11 mi · 16 min · SR 39
4

Turn right onto East Washington Street

0.1 mi · 20 sec · East Washington Street
5

Turn slight left onto Washington Avenue

6.1 mi · 9 min · Washington Avenue
6

Continue on East County Road 250 North

0.5 mi · 48 sec · East County Road 250 North
7

Continue on West 2nd Street

0.2 mi · 38 sec · West 2nd Street
8

Turn left onto SR 29

28 mi · 40 min · SR 29
9

Turn straight onto SR 329

1.8 mi · 2 min · Burlington Avenue
10

Continue on SR 25

0.6 mi · 1 min · South 3rd Street
11

Turn right onto High Street

0.3 mi · 34 sec · High Street
12

Turn left onto SR 25

0.1 mi · 27 sec · North 6th Street
13

Turn right onto SR 25

22 mi · 31 min · Michigan Avenue
14

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward South Bend
15

Merge onto US 31

43 mi · 53 min · US 31
16

Enter roundabout onto BUS US 31

128 ft · 6 sec · South Michigan Street
17

Continue on BUS US 31

2.5 mi · 6 min · South Michigan Street
18

Continue on South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

0.7 mi · 2 min · South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
19

Enter roundabout onto SR 933

124 ft · 7 sec · North Michigan Street
20

Continue on SR 933

454 ft · 17 sec · North Michigan Street
21

Turn right onto East Navarre Street

131 ft · 4 sec · East Navarre Street
22

Arrive at destination

East Navarre Street

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 2-hour and 59-minute duration, this 123.1-mile trip from Thorntown to South Bend is best tackled in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your time at your destination. With only one stop recommended and a fuel cost of approximately $19, planning is straightforward. The longest stretch without a major road change is 43 miles on US 31, so be sure to have entertainment or audiobooks ready for that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering that longer stretch, to ensure a smooth journey.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 61.5 miles from Thorntown, IN, or about 1h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43 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 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61.5 miles or 1h 34m 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 27m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Bend, 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 123.1 miles and 2h 59m.

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.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 31 for about 43 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Logansport, 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.

Popular next leg

Logansport, IN to South Bend, IN

69 mi · 1h 37m

Pacing Suggestions

Mulberry, IN

Fuel and coffee

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

Logansport, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61.5 miles from Thorntown, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

The Skillet Restaurant and Catering

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

South Bend, Indiana

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.1

Hours: 3–7 pm

+15742346069

Visit website

The Skillet Restaurant and Catering

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.1

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 3–7 pm

+15742346069

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 79.1

Rochester, Indiana

+18668167584

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 79.1

Rochester, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 79.1

Rochester, Indiana

+18333994638

Visit website

Unity Gardens Inc.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 123.1

South Bend, Indiana

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+15742222266

Visit website

Generations Adventureplex

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 123.1

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 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 6.6 and 123.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
6.6 mi into trip | ~11m in | SR 39

Turn left onto SR 39

Navigation decision point

4
24.5 mi into trip | ~39m in | SR 29

Turn left onto SR 29

Navigation decision point

5
54.8 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in | SR 25 / North 6th Street

Turn left onto SR 25 / North 6th Street

Navigation decision point

5
76.5 mi into trip | ~1h 56m in

Take the ramp toward South Bend

Navigation decision point

Toward South Bend
5
123.1 mi into trip | ~2h 59m in | East Navarre Street

Turn right onto East Navarre Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.25 one way

$38.49 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.13 $42.26
premium $4.89 $23.69 $47.38
diesel $5.61 $27.18 $54.36

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: 43.1 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 36.9 0 $12.93 $5.91
Efficient EV 30.8 0 $10.77 $4.92
EV Truck/SUV 49.2 0 $17.23 $7.88

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

10:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

South Bend, IN

Morning in South Bend on Sunday

Local time

10:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°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 cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 59m 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 most of this 123.1-mile excursion. With 71% of the route utilizing higher-speed roads, you'll experience stretches of efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted segment is 43 miles along US 31, providing a consistent pace. While primarily a highway experience, the inclusion of SR 29 and Michigan Avenue suggests a transition to more local or arterial roads as you approach your destination. This mix offers a familiar driving rhythm with a slight shift in environment as you progress.

71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 43 mi on US 31.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 31 and SR 29. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 6.6 miles in near SR 39.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Thorntown, IN to South Bend, IN is easy. At 2h 59m with 71% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 6.6 miles (SR 39): Navigation decision point; at 24.5 miles (SR 29): Navigation decision point; at 54.8 miles (SR 25 / North 6th Street): Navigation decision point.

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

Bend

76.5 mi in | ~1h 56m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 59m. Total distance: 123.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (71%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 43 miles on US 31. 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 6.6 miles (SR 39): Navigation decision point; at 24.5 miles (SR 29): Navigation decision point; at 54.8 miles (SR 25 / North 6th Street): Navigation decision point.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at South Bend, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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