Origin
Indianapolis, IN
Evening in Indianapolis on Sunday
Local time
5:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Indianapolis, IN to Evansville, IN
Drive Time
3h 13m
Distance
168 mi
270 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 2m
★
6 AM
3h 14m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 22m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 23m
5 PM
3h 36m
8 PM
3h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Evansville, IN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Connecting Indianapolis to Evansville, this 168-mile journey is a straightforward trek across the heart of Indiana. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 13 minutes behind the wheel, making it a perfectly manageable day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize I-69 to navigate between these two Midwest hubs, keeping your transit time efficient. With an estimated fuel cost of approximately $26, it is an affordable route for a quick getaway or a necessary business trip. Since the drive stays entirely within the state, you can anticipate a consistent travel experience from start to finish. It is a practical, no-nonsense path that gets you where you need to go without unnecessary detours.
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
84 miles from Indianapolis, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily focused on highway travel, with 95% of your time spent cruising on major arteries. The vast majority of your journey—nearly 154.8 miles—is spent on the uninterrupted stretch of I-69, which allows for a steady, consistent pace. As you approach Evansville, the transition onto the East Lloyd Expressway and Madison Avenue signals the end of your high-speed interstate run. Because the route is so heavily dominated by highway miles, you should prepare for a relatively predictable and efficient driving experience. It lacks the technical complexities of backroads, favoring directness and speed over variety.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 154.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and East Lloyd Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near South Pennsylvania Street.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 168 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 0.7 miles (South Pennsylvania Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (Madison Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
South Pennsylvania Street
Turn right onto South Pennsylvania Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
1 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
Madison Avenue
Keep slight left at fork onto Madison Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
9
4.8 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 465 West, I 74 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 465 West, I 74 West
8
7.2 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
I 69
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69 toward I 69 South: Evansville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
7
55.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 8m in
|
I 69
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69 toward I 69 South: Evansville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 69 | 154.8 mi | 2h 48m |
| East Lloyd Expressway | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| Madison Avenue | 2.6 mi | 5m |
| North Burkhardt Road | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| South East Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| East Walnut Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| North Meridian Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| US 41 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 69
— 154.8 mi, about 2h 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Indianapolis, IN and Evansville, IN.
1
Start on this road
257 ft
·
32 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
37 ft
·
9 sec
3
Turn left onto Monument Circle
303 ft
·
12 sec
·
Monument Circle
4
Turn right onto North Meridian Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Meridian Street
5
Continue on Madison Avenue
499 ft
·
21 sec
·
Madison Avenue
Use the none lane.
6
Turn left onto East Henry Street
347 ft
·
13 sec
·
East Henry Street
7
Turn right onto South Pennsylvania Street
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
South Pennsylvania Street
Use the none lane.
8
Continue on Madison Avenue
474 ft
·
18 sec
·
Madison Avenue
Use the none lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto Madison Avenue
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Madison Avenue
Use the none lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto South East Street
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South East Street
Use the none lane.
11
Take the ramp
523 ft
·
12 sec
Toward I 465, I 74
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 465 West, I 74 West
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 69; I 74; I 465
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 69; I 74; I 465
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69
48 mi
·
54 min
·
I 69
Exit 5
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69
104 mi
·
1 hr 51 min
·
I 69
Toward I 69 South: Evansville
Use the none lane.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 10
Toward Lynch Road
17
Turn slight right
153 ft
·
4 sec
18
Turn straight onto Lynch Road
498 ft
·
15 sec
·
Lynch Road
19
Turn left onto North Burkhardt Road
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
North Burkhardt Road
20
Turn right onto SR 66
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
East Lloyd Expressway
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
Toward US 41 South
22
Merge onto US 41; SR 66
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
US 41; SR 66
23
Turn right onto East Walnut Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Walnut Street
24
Turn right
332 ft
·
25 sec
25
At end of road, turn right
123 ft
·
9 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To maximize your efficiency, plan for at least one dedicated stop during your 3-hour and 13-minute drive to break up the monotony of the long interstate stretch. Since you are spending roughly $26 on fuel, checking gas prices before you depart Indianapolis can help you stick to your budget. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic congestion as you navigate the transition from I-69 into the local streets of Evansville. Given the straightforward nature of this highway-focused route, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal schedule. Keep a close eye on your mileage while on I-69, as that single 154.8-mile segment will account for almost the entire duration of your trip.
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 84 miles from Indianapolis, IN, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 154.8 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 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84 miles or 1h 39m 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 36m
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 Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis, IN
This is one driving day of about 168 miles and 3h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Indianapolis, 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 154.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84 mi from Indianapolis, IN · 1h 39m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
84 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 84 miles from Indianapolis, 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 154.8 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
$25.52 one way
$51.03 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $28.13 | $56.26 |
| premium | $4.80 | $31.71 | $63.43 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $37.32 | $74.65 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.4 | 0 | $17.64 | $8.06 |
| Efficient EV | 42 | 0 | $14.70 | $6.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.2 | 0 | $23.52 | $10.75 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Evansville, IN
Afternoon in Evansville on Sunday
Local time
4:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
59°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
2 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
3h 13m 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 Indianapolis, IN to Evansville, IN covers 168 miles and takes about 3h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 69, East Lloyd Expressway, Madison Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 84 miles from Indianapolis, IN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.52 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 168 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 0.7 miles (South Pennsylvania Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (Madison Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Indianapolis, IN to Evansville, IN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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