Uniontown, IN to Gary, IN is 284.5 miles and takes about 5h 40m via I 65 and I 69, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Indiana, traversing the Midwest region. Most of the drive is on the interstate, making it a straightforward trip. With a recommended one-day duration, it's a solid option if you're looking for a direct connection between these two points without extensive planning.
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
142.2 miles from Uniontown, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
134.7 mi
2h 26m
I 69
47.6 mi
53m
North Gospel Street
41.5 mi
51m
SR 145
16.2 mi
24m
I 74
9.2 mi
10m
State Road 56
8.9 mi
12m
SR 37
7.4 mi
10m
South Indian Lake Road
4 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 134.7 mi, about 2h 26m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 98 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,173 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,837
Quietest
2 AM
~307 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Uniontown, IN and Gary, IN.
1
Start on County Rd S Indian Lake
42 ft·8 sec·County Rd S Indian Lake
2
Turn left onto SR 62
4.0 mi·7 min·South Indian Lake Road
3
Turn left onto SR 37
7.4 mi·10 min·SR 37
4
Turn straight onto SR 64
1.1 mi·1 min·SR 64
5
Continue on SR 145
16 mi·24 min·SR 145
6
Turn right onto SR 56
1.7 mi·2 min·North Main Street
Use the right lane.
7
Continue on SR 56
8.9 mi·12 min·State Road 56
8
Continue on US 150; SR 37; SR 56
259 ft·4 sec·West Main Street
9
Enter roundabout onto SR 37
0.1 mi·8 sec·North Gospel Street
10
Continue on SR 37
41 mi·51 min·North Gospel Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 69
48 mi·53 min·I 69
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
1.4 mi·3 min
Exit 163Toward I 465 West, I 74 West: Peoria
13
Merge onto I 74; I 465
9.2 mi·10 min·I 74; I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto 65
3.9 mi·4 min·65
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
1.1 mi·2 min
Exit 20Toward I 65 North: ChicagoUse the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 65
18 mi·19 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit onto US 52
0.2 mi·15 sec·US 52
Exit 141Toward US 52 West
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·9 sec
19
Merge onto I 65
117 mi·2 hr 7 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
1.4 mi·2 min
Exit 259AToward I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
21
Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6
1.4 mi·1 min·Borman Expressway
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Exit 9Toward Grant StreetUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork
336 ft·9 sec
Use the right lane.
24
Turn straight onto Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard
1.2 mi·1 min·Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard
25
Turn right onto West 15th Avenue
0.5 mi·56 sec·West 15th Avenue
26
Turn left onto Harrison Boulevard
0.4 mi·1 min·Harrison Boulevard
27
Turn right onto 10th Place
254 ft·11 sec·10th Place
28
Arrive at destination
10th Place
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5h 40m drive, consider leaving Uniontown in the morning to ensure you have ample daylight. The 284.5-mile trip is easily manageable in a single day, but the longest stretch on I 65 is over 130 miles, so plan for your first substantial break after that point. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially before entering longer stretches of highway, as the estimated cost is $44. While there's only one recommended stop, you might want to take a short break sooner if needed, given the nearly six-hour duration.
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 142.2 miles from Uniontown, IN, or about 3h 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 63 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.2 miles or 3h in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gary, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Uniontown, 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 Uniontown, IN
This is one driving day of about 284.5 miles and 5h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Uniontown, 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 28.7 and 282 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
28.7 mi into trip|~43m in|SR 56 / North Main Street
Turn right onto SR 56 / North Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
39.4 mi into trip|~58m in|SR 37 / North Gospel Street
Enter roundabout onto SR 37 / North Gospel Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
7
143 mi into trip|~3h 1m 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
279.2 mi into trip|~5h 31m 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
7
282 mi into trip|~5h 35m in
Take the exit toward Grant Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 9
Toward Grant Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.46 one way
$94.92 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.62
$51.78
$103.56
premium
$5.25
$58.84
$117.68
diesel
$6.28
$70.30
$140.59
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.4
1
$29.87
$13.66
Efficient EV
71.1
0
$24.89
$11.38
EV Truck/SUV
113.8
1
$39.83
$18.21
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Oct 20, 2026
Origin
Uniontown, IN
Late night
in Uniontown on Thursday
Local time
5:31 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Sunny
NE 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 20 at 3:21PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
Destination
Gary, IN
Late night
in Gary on Thursday
Local time
5:31 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Sunny
NE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 20 at 3:21PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
63°F
Bloomington, IN
142 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
5 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
5h 40m 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.
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
~33 min detour
$20
near mile 284.5
Park Closure: Partial Trail Closures on Bailly / Chellberg Trail
Park Closure: Partial Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace
Abraham Lincoln grew from youth to manhood on this southern Indiana soil. Many character and moral traits of one of the world's most respected leaders was formed and nurtured here. Explore Lincoln's b...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features a high proportion of highway travel, with 77% of the route on interstates. You'll encounter a substantial stretch of 134.7 miles on I 65 without needing to exit. The highway portion concludes, transitioning to North Gospel Street for the remainder of the trip. Expect a segment with frequent exits and entry ramps as you navigate through more populated areas.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 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 69. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 28.7 miles in near SR 56 / North Main Street.
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 21 significant decision points across 284.5 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 28.7 miles (SR 56 / North Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 39.4 miles (SR 37 / North Gospel Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 143 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Gary is a city in Lake County, Indiana. It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the legendary pop star Michael Jackson.
Founded in 1906 as a company town for U.S. Steel, it thrived in the 1950s and early 60s and earned the nickname "The Magic City". In 2007, it was described by writer Jessica Hopper as "the Pompeii of the Midwest, a city of ruins where life can seem to have just suddenly stopped".
Top landmarks
•Van Buren Terrace Historic District — historic district in Indiana, United States
•Gary City Center Historic District — historic district in Gary, Indiana
•Union Station — former railroad station in Gary, Indiana, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 40m. Total distance: 284.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). 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.
Yes — we found about 28 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Gary, 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. There are 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 28.7 miles (SR 56 / North Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 39.4 miles (SR 37 / North Gospel Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 143 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Indiana Dunes National Park and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Gary, IN before the return drive.
