Wakarusa to Terre Haute is 219.6 miles and takes about 4h 36m via US 31 and I-465, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Indiana, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. The route offers a mix of highway speeds and surface road cruising, making it a straightforward drive. Given the relatively short duration, this is a solid option for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination with time to spare.
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
109.8 miles from Wakarusa, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 31
110.4 mi
2h 17m
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
63.1 mi
1h 8m
I 465
20.2 mi
24m
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
10.8 mi
14m
South 3rd Street
2.4 mi
5m
Plymouth Goshen Trail
2.4 mi
4m
County Road 3
2.4 mi
5m
County Road 146
2.3 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 31
— 110.4 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-465
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 132 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~5,086 veh/hr typical
· worst 6,110
Quietest
2 AM
~448 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 91 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 Wakarusa, IN and Terre Haute, IN.
1
Start on CR 40
41 ft·8 sec·East Waterford Street
2
Turn left onto CR 3
0.6 mi·1 min·South Elkhart Street
3
Continue on CR 3
0.4 mi·1 min·County Road 3
4
Turn right onto CR 42
195 ft·13 sec·County Road 42
5
Turn left onto CR 3
1.9 mi·4 min·County Road 3
6
Turn right onto CR 46
0.2 mi·41 sec·County Road 46
7
Turn left onto CR 146
2.3 mi·3 min·County Road 146
8
Continue on Plymouth Goshen Trail
2.4 mi·4 min·Plymouth Goshen Trail
9
At end of road, turn right onto US 6
11 mi·14 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
10
Turn left
0.4 mi·46 sec
11
Merge onto US 31
11 mi·13 min·US 31
12
Merge onto US 31
0.9 mi·1 min·US 31
13
Turn slight right
512 ft·6 sec
14
Continue on US 31
85 mi·1 hr 44 min·US 31
15
Turn right onto East 226th Street
270 ft·10 sec·East 226th Street
16
Turn left
320 ft·50 sec
17
Continue on this road
320 ft·25 sec·this road
18
Turn right onto East 226th Street
270 ft·9 sec·East 226th Street
19
Turn right onto US 31
13 mi·17 min·US 31
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit onto US 31
0.6 mi·55 sec·US 31
Exit 123Toward I 465, US 31 SouthUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 465 WestUse the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto I 465
4.8 mi·5 min·I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 465
15 mi·18 min·I 465
Toward I 465 South
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 9A-BToward I 70: Saint Louis, Indianapolis International Airport, IndianapolisUse the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 9BToward I 70 West: Saint Louis, Indianapolis International AirportUse the straight / slight left lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 70 West: Saint LouisUse the slight left lane.
27
Merge onto I 70
63 mi·1 hr 8 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 7Toward US 41, US 150: Terre Haute, Evansville
29
Turn right onto US 41; US 150
2.4 mi·5 min·South 3rd Street
30
Arrive at destination
US 41; US 150
Trip Plan
For this 4.5-hour drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid any potential rush hour traffic around Indianapolis. With only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 110.4-mile stretch on US 31 where services might be more spread out than on the interstate. The estimated fuel cost is around $35, so plan accordingly. Since it's a manageable distance, you have the flexibility to take a brief break whenever you feel the need.
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 109.8 miles from Wakarusa, IN, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.4 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 48 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.8 miles or 2h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 50m
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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, IN
This is one driving day of about 219.6 miles and 4h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Wakarusa, 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 110.4 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 129.2 and 153.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
129.2 mi into trip|~2h 50m in|US 31
Take the exit onto US 31 toward I 465, US 31 South
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 123
Toward I 465, US 31 South
7
129.8 mi into trip|~2h 51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 465 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 465 West
8
150.6 mi into trip|~3h 16m 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 9A-B
Toward I 70: Saint Louis, Indianapolis Internat...
9
150.8 mi into trip|~3h 16m in
Keep slight right 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 straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 9B
Toward I 70 West: Saint Louis, Indianapolis Int...
7
153.5 mi into trip|~3h 21m 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
$36.63 one way
$73.26 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.62
$39.97
$79.94
premium
$5.25
$45.42
$90.83
diesel
$6.28
$54.26
$108.52
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.9
0
$23.06
$10.54
Efficient EV
54.9
0
$19.22
$8.78
EV Truck/SUV
87.8
1
$30.74
$14.05
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 19, 2026
Origin
Wakarusa, IN
Morning
in Wakarusa on Thursday
Local time
7:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Sunny
S 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Terre Haute, IN
Morning
in Terre Haute on Thursday
Local time
7:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Patchy Fog then Sunny
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
63°F
Cicero, IN
110 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
4 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
4h 36m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 59% of this 219.6-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 110.4 miles on US 31, which will likely feel like a more rural cruising experience. Expect the transition to I-465 to bring a noticeable increase in traffic density and exit frequency as you approach the Indianapolis area. The remaining 41% of the drive will be on surface roads, requiring more attention to speed limits and intersections.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 110.4 mi on US 31.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 129.2 miles in near US 31.
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 23 significant decision points across 219.6 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 129.2 miles (US 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
911 ft500 ft
Total Climb
142 ft
Total Descent
486 ft
Highest Point
911 ft
~110.7 mi in
Elevation Range
411 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Wakarusa, IN and Terre Haute, IN, road signs point toward Indianapolis International Airport and Indianapolis.
Terre Haute is a city of 61,000 people (2019) in west-central Indiana, about 180 mi (300 km) south of Chicago and 1 hour southwest of Indianapolis. Terre Haute is one of the largest cities in the Wabash Valley and is known as the "Queen City of the Wabash". The city is home to several higher education institutions, including Indiana State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.
Top landmarks
•Vigo County Courthouse — historical courthouse in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States
•Citizens' Trust Company Building — historic building in Terre Haute, Indiana, USA
•Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church — church building in Terre Haute, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 36m. Total distance: 219.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 110.4 miles on US 31. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Terre Haute, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 129.2 miles (US 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Terre Haute, IN, but most travelers stay overnight.
