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Trip from Cedar Lake, IN to Decatur, IN

Drive Time

3h 40m

Distance

159.1 mi

256 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 28m ★
6 AM
3h 40m
8 AM
4h 5m
10 AM
3h 49m
12 PM
3h 47m
3 PM
3h 50m
5 PM
4h 4m
8 PM
3h 33m

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 Cedar Lake, IN, IN

Cedar Lake, IN

Chris Flaten

Downtown Decatur, IN, IN

Decatur, IN

Google DeepMind

Trip Overview

The drive from Cedar Lake, IN to Decatur, IN covers 159.1 miles and takes about 3h 40m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on West Morthland Drive, Lafayette Street, US Route 30 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 105.6 miles on West Morthland Drive. At current regular gas prices, budget about $24.17 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

79.5 miles from Cedar Lake, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a 3h 40m drive with frequent turns across 159.1 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
West Morthland Drive is the longest continuous segment at about 105.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 8.5 miles in near US 231; SR 55 / West Joliet Street.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 159.1 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 8.5 miles (US 231; SR 55 / West Joliet Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 10.1 miles (SR 53 / Broadway): Lane positioning matters here; at 14.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
8.5 mi into trip | ~20m in | US 231; SR 55 / West Joliet Street

Turn left onto US 231; SR 55 / West Joliet Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.
6
10.1 mi into trip | ~23m in | SR 53 / Broadway

Turn left onto SR 53 / Broadway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
14.6 mi into trip | ~30m in

Take the exit toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 253 Toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso
8
14.9 mi into trip | ~30m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Valparaiso University

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward Valparaiso University
7
134.5 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in | US 27 / Lima Road

Keep slight right at fork onto US 27 / Lima Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between Cedar Lake, IN and Decatur, IN, road signs point toward Hobart, Valparaiso and Valparaiso University.

Hobart

14.6 mi in | ~30m

Valparaiso

14.6 mi in | ~30m

Valparaiso University

14.9 mi in | ~30m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
West Morthland Drive 105.6 mi 2h 19m
Lafayette Street 18.9 mi 22m
US Route 30 6.6 mi 9m
East 81st Avenue 5.3 mi 7m
West 109th Avenue 3.4 mi 5m
N Clinton Street 3 mi 4m
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway 2.8 mi 2m
Cline Avenue 2.5 mi 6m
Longest stretch: West Morthland Drive — 105.6 mi, about 2h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Lake, IN and Decatur, IN.

1

Start on Lauerman Street

0.1 mi · 33 sec · Lauerman Street
2

Turn left onto Birch Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · Birch Street
3

Turn left onto West 137th Avenue

0.2 mi · 54 sec · West 137th Avenue
4

Turn right onto Doffin Street

0.2 mi · 48 sec · Doffin Street
5

Continue on West 135th Place

0.2 mi · 44 sec · West 135th Place
6

Turn right onto Parrish Avenue

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Parrish Avenue
7

Turn right onto West 133rd Avenue

0.2 mi · 25 sec · West 133rd Avenue
8

Continue on West Lakeshore Drive

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Lakeshore Drive
9

Enter roundabout onto Cline Avenue

155 ft · 4 sec · Cline Avenue
10

Continue on Cline Avenue

2.5 mi · 6 min · Cline Avenue
11

Turn right onto US 231

3.4 mi · 5 min · West 109th Avenue
12

At end of road, turn right onto US 231; SR 55

139 ft · 7 sec · South Court Street
13

Turn left onto US 231; SR 55

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Joliet Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
14

Turn left onto West 113th Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · West 113th Avenue
15

Turn left onto SR 53

0.5 mi · 53 sec · Broadway
Use the left lane.
16

Turn right onto East 109th Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · East 109th Avenue
17

Continue on East 109th Avenue

131 ft · 4 sec · East 109th Avenue
18

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward I 65 North: Chicago
19

Merge onto I 65

2.8 mi · 2 min · Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 253 Toward US 30: Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Toward Valparaiso University Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
22

Merge onto US 30

5.3 mi · 7 min · East 81st Avenue
23

Continue on US 30

6.6 mi · 9 min · US Route 30
24

Continue on US 30

106 mi · 2 hr 19 min · West Morthland Drive
Use the straight lane.
25

Continue on SR 930

0.4 mi · 30 sec · SR 930
26

Turn left onto SR 930

1.7 mi · 2 min · West Coliseum Boulevard
Use the left lane.
27

Keep slight right at fork onto US 27

1.1 mi · 1 min · Lima Road
Use the right lane.
28

Continue on US 27

1.2 mi · 1 min · North Clinton Street
29

Continue on US 27

3.0 mi · 4 min · N Clinton Street
Use the straight lane.
30

Merge onto US 27

19 mi · 22 min · Lafayette Street
Use the left lane.
31

Turn left onto US 224

0.5 mi · 41 sec · West Monroe Street
32

Arrive at destination

US 224

Trip Plan

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 79.5 miles from Cedar Lake, IN, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.6 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 80 miles or 1h 58m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 79.5 miles or 1h 57m 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 4m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cedar Lake, 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 Cedar Lake, IN

This is one driving day of about 159.1 miles and 3h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Cedar Lake, 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 West Morthland Drive for about 105.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 79.5 mi from Cedar Lake, IN · 1h 57m into the drive

Downtown chicago-il

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chicago, IL

80 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

Chicago, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Chicago, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79.5 miles from Cedar Lake, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before West Morthland Drive if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 105.6 miles.

Arriving in Decatur, IN

The final approach into Decatur, IN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Decatur, IN.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

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...

12 mi from route ~31 min detour $20 near mile 27.4
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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.17 one way

$48.33 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $26.64 $53.28
premium $4.80 $30.03 $60.07
diesel $5.64 $35.35 $70.69

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$24

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$49–$74

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.7 0 $16.71 $7.64
Efficient EV 39.8 0 $13.92 $6.36
EV Truck/SUV 63.6 0 $22.27 $10.18

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Cedar Lake, IN

Morning in Cedar Lake on Monday

Local time

6:27 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Decatur, IN

Morning in Decatur on Monday

Local time

7:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°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

1 hour later

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 40m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Cedar Lake, IN to Decatur, IN covers 159.1 miles and takes about 3h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are West Morthland Drive, Lafayette Street, US Route 30. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 79.5 miles from Cedar Lake, IN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.17 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 159.1 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.5 miles (US 231; SR 55 / West Joliet Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 10.1 miles (SR 53 / Broadway): Lane positioning matters here; at 14.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Cedar Lake, IN and Decatur, IN, road signs point toward Hobart, Valparaiso and Valparaiso University.

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