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Trip from Hammond, IN to Churubusco, IN

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 56m

Distance

128.6 mi

207 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 46m ★
6 AM
2h 57m
8 AM
3h 19m
10 AM
3h 5m
12 PM
3h 3m
3 PM
3h 6m
5 PM
3h 18m
8 PM
2h 50m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Churubusco, IN, IN

Churubusco, IN

Sergio Benavides

Trip Overview

The drive from Hammond, IN to Churubusco, IN covers 128.6 miles and takes about 2h 56m 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, Old Trail Road, Borman Expressway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 90.2 miles on West Morthland Drive. At current regular gas prices, budget about $20.11 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

64.3 miles from Hammond, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 56m. Total distance: 128.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a 2h 56m drive with frequent turns across 128.6 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 18 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 90.2 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 2 miles in near I 80; I 94; US 6 / Borman Expressway.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 128.6 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 2 miles (I 80; I 94; US 6 / Borman Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

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

5
2 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 80; I 94; US 6 / Borman Expressway

Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6 / Borman Expressway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
10.1 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit toward I 65 South: Indianapolis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 11 Toward I 65 South: Indianapolis
6
10.5 mi into trip | ~16m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
16.8 mi into trip | ~25m in

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

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 253 Toward US 30: Merrillville, Valparaiso, Scherer...
8
17.2 mi into trip | ~26m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Valparaiso, Valparaiso University

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward Valparaiso, Valparaiso University

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Hammond, IN and Churubusco, IN, road signs point toward Valparaiso, Schererville and Valparaiso University.

Valparaiso

16.8 mi in | ~25m

Schererville

16.8 mi in | ~25m

Valparaiso University

17.2 mi in | ~26m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
West Morthland Drive 90.2 mi 1h 59m
Old Trail Road 8.5 mi 12m
Borman Expressway 8.2 mi 11m
US Route 30 6.6 mi 9m
East 81st Avenue 5.5 mi 8m
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway 5.5 mi 7m
173rd Street 0.6 mi 1m
West Whitley Street 0.6 mi <1m
Longest stretch: West Morthland Drive — 90.2 mi, about 1h 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hammond, IN and Churubusco, IN.

1

Start on Columbia Avenue

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Columbia Avenue
2

Turn left onto 173rd Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · 173rd Street
3

Turn right onto Southeastern Avenue

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Southeastern Avenue
4

Turn left onto 175th Street

0.2 mi · 32 sec · 175th Street
5

Turn right onto SR 152

0.3 mi · 22 sec · Indianapolis Boulevard
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Toward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Detroit
7

Merge onto I 80; I 94; US 6

8.2 mi · 11 min · Borman Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 34 sec
Exit 11 Toward I 65 South: Indianapolis Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Merge onto I 65

5.5 mi · 7 min · Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
11

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 58 sec
Exit 253 Toward US 30: Merrillville, Valparaiso, Schererville Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

246 ft · 8 sec
Toward Valparaiso, Valparaiso University Use the left lane.
13

Turn left onto US 30

5.5 mi · 8 min · East 81st Avenue
14

Continue on US 30

6.6 mi · 9 min · US Route 30
15

Continue on US 30

90 mi · 1 hr 59 min · West Morthland Drive
Use the straight lane.
16

Turn left onto SR 205

8.5 mi · 12 min · Old Trail Road
17

Continue on SR 205

0.6 mi · 56 sec · West Whitley Street
18

Arrive at destination

SR 205

Trip Plan

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 64.3 miles from Hammond, IN, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 90.2 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 28 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.3 miles or 1h 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 2h 24m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Hammond, 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 Hammond, IN

This is one driving day of about 128.6 miles and 2h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Hammond, 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 90.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 64.3 mi from Hammond, IN · 1h 30m into the drive

human settlement in Starke County, Indiana, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

North Judson, IN

64 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 Heights, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Culver, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.3 miles from Hammond, 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 90.2 miles.

Arriving in Churubusco, IN

The final approach into Churubusco, 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 Churubusco, IN.

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

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Merrillville, Indiana

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30 mile 18.4

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12195001370

Visit website

Giovanni's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Munster, Indiana

1.6 mi

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $20 to $30 mile 18.4

Merrillville, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12195001370

Visit website

Giovanni's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Munster, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12198366220

Visit website

Liang's Garden Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Lansing, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+17084748100

Visit website

Albano's Pasta Shop

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 27.6

Valparaiso, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12192429160

Visit website

Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Lansing, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7:45 pm

+17084741378

Visit website

FLUID Coffee Roasters

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 18.4

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12192132044

Visit website

Main + Lincoln Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $50 to $10 mile 27.6

Valparaiso, Indiana

Hours: 4–10 pm

+12195105548

Visit website

Saul's Chicago Style Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

East Chicago, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12192568232

Visit website

Smalltown Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 18.4

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12193233948

Visit website

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.4

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12196629165

Visit website

Cafe Fresco

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 18.4

Crown Point, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12193108078

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 119.5

Columbia City, Indiana

+18888074522

Visit website

Charge Pro Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 119.5

Columbia City, Indiana

+18888074522

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

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 ~30 min detour $20 near mile 26.6
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

$20.11 one way

$40.21 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $22.07 $44.15
premium $4.89 $24.75 $49.50
diesel $5.61 $28.39 $56.79

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 45 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.6 0 $13.50 $6.17
Efficient EV 32.2 0 $11.25 $5.14
EV Truck/SUV 51.4 0 $18.00 $8.23

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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 16, 2026

Origin

Hammond, IN

Afternoon in Hammond on Friday

Local time

12:56 PM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Churubusco, IN

Afternoon in Churubusco on Friday

Local time

1:56 PM

EDT

Current temp

50°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

18 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 56m 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 Hammond, IN to Churubusco, IN covers 128.6 miles and takes about 2h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are West Morthland Drive, Old Trail Road, Borman Expressway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 64.3 miles from Hammond, IN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.11 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

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 12 significant decision points across 128.6 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (I 80; I 94; US 6 / Borman Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Between Hammond, IN and Churubusco, IN, road signs point toward Valparaiso, Schererville and Valparaiso University.

Yes. Nearby national parks include Indiana Dunes National Park.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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