Origin
Columbia, IN
Morning in Columbia on Wednesday
Local time
6:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Columbia, IN to Evansville, IN
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
4h 26m
Distance
209.1 mi
337 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 13m
★
6 AM
4h 27m
8 AM
4h 53m
10 AM
4h 36m
12 PM
4h 33m
3 PM
4h 37m
5 PM
4h 52m
8 PM
4h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Columbia, IN
Jess Londoño
Evansville, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 209.1-mile drive from Columbia to Evansville, Indiana, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 26 minutes. Covering 68% of its length on highways, the route offers a focused driving experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $33, it's an economical option for traversing the Midwest. The journey is primarily on I-69, with segments on East 1st Street and State Road 44, making it a practical choice for those looking for an efficient way to travel within Indiana. Given its manageable duration, this route is well-suited as a day trip, allowing for flexibility in departure times.
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
104.6 miles from Columbia, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 30m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 209.1-mile journey, with 68% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-69. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 129.2 miles on I-69, providing a consistent pace. While the bulk of the drive involves higher speeds and less varied scenery, the inclusion of State Road 44 and East 1st Street offers brief detours from the interstate. This mix suggests a driving experience that is predominantly efficient, with short interludes on more localized roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 69 is the longest continuous segment at about 129.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and East 1st Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 50.3 miles in near East Jefferson Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 209.1 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 50.3 miles (East Jefferson Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 71.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 71.9 miles (I 69): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
50.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 20m in
|
East Jefferson Street
Turn right onto East Jefferson Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
71.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 52m in
Take the ramp toward I 69 South: Evansville
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
5
71.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 54m in
|
I 69
Merge onto I 69
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
96.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m in
|
I 69
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69 toward I 69 South: Evansville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
5
201.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 13m in
Take the exit toward Lynch Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 10
Toward Lynch Road
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 69 | 129.2 mi | 2h 19m |
| East 1st Street | 18.7 mi | 27m |
| State Road 44 | 18.6 mi | 28m |
| West McKay Road | 12.7 mi | 18m |
| SR 44 | 9.8 mi | 14m |
| East Lloyd Expressway | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| West Columbia Road | 3.7 mi | 8m |
| North Burkhardt Road | 2.5 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 69
— 129.2 mi, about 2h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, IN and Evansville, IN.
1
Start on South County Road 375 West
7 ft
·
5 sec
·
South County Road 375 West
2
Turn left onto West Columbia Road
3.7 mi
·
8 min
·
West Columbia Road
3
Continue on South 650 W
2.1 mi
·
5 min
·
South 650 W
4
Turn left onto SR 44
9.8 mi
·
14 min
·
SR 44
5
Turn left onto SR 44 Truck
226 ft
·
5 sec
·
North Perkins Street
6
Turn right onto SR 44 Truck
19 mi
·
27 min
·
East 1st Street
7
Continue on SR 44
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
·
East Broadway Street
8
Turn left onto SR 9; SR 44
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
South Harrison Street
9
Turn right onto SR 44
0.6 mi
·
54 sec
·
Colescott Street
10
Turn left onto SR 44
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Miller Avenue
11
Turn right onto SR 44
13 mi
·
18 min
·
West McKay Road
12
Enter roundabout onto East King Street
102 ft
·
1 sec
·
East King Street
13
Continue on East King Street
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
East King Street
14
Turn left onto North Forsythe Street
491 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Forsythe Street
15
Turn right onto East Jefferson Street
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
East Jefferson Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Enter roundabout onto SR 44
224 ft
·
3 sec
·
State Road 44
17
Continue on SR 44
19 mi
·
28 min
·
State Road 44
18
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
Use the left lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto SR 252
103 ft
·
1 sec
·
SR 252
20
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
21
Merge onto I 69
25 mi
·
27 min
·
I 69
Use the straight lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69
104 mi
·
1 hr 51 min
·
I 69
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 10
Toward Lynch Road
24
Turn slight right
153 ft
·
4 sec
25
Turn straight onto Lynch Road
498 ft
·
15 sec
·
Lynch Road
26
Turn left onto North Burkhardt Road
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
North Burkhardt Road
27
Turn right onto SR 66
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
East Lloyd Expressway
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
Toward US 41 South
29
Merge onto US 41; SR 66
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
US 41; SR 66
30
Turn right onto East Walnut Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Walnut Street
31
Turn right
332 ft
·
25 sec
32
At end of road, turn right
123 ft
·
9 sec
33
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour and 26-minute drive, starting early is a good strategy to maximize your day. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 129.2 miles on I-69, you can plan your breaks strategically. Consider stopping around the halfway point to refuel and stretch your legs, particularly before embarking on the longest segment of the drive. The estimated fuel cost of $33 makes budgeting straightforward. Since this is a relatively short, single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience, but be mindful of potential traffic as you approach Evansville.
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 104.6 miles from Columbia, IN, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.2 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 2h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 104.6 miles or 2h 30m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Evansville, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Columbia, 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 Columbia, IN
This is one driving day of about 209.1 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Columbia, 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 69 for about 129.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 104.6 mi from Columbia, IN · 2h 30m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
105 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 104.6 miles from Columbia, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 69 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 129.2 miles.
Arriving in Evansville, IN
The final approach into Evansville, 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 Evansville, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.69 one way
$65.38 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
73 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $35.89 | $71.79 |
| premium | $4.89 | $40.24 | $80.48 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $46.17 | $92.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 62.7 | 0 | $21.96 | $10.04 |
| Efficient EV | 52.3 | 0 | $18.30 | $8.36 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 83.6 | 1 | $29.27 | $13.38 |
Gas CO2
73 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Destination
Evansville, IN
Late night in Evansville on Wednesday
Local time
5:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
17 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 26m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Columbia, IN to Evansville, IN covers 209.1 miles and takes about 4h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 69, East 1st Street, State Road 44. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 104.6 miles from Columbia, IN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $32.69 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 209.1 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 50.3 miles (East Jefferson Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 71.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 71.9 miles (I 69): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Columbia, IN to Evansville, IN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Evansville, IN
More from Columbia, IN
More trips to Evansville, IN
Explore more options from Columbia, IN or browse trips ending in Evansville, IN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IN road trips.
Explore maps for Columbia, IN or Evansville, IN on MapSof.net.