Origin
Madison, IN
Late night in Madison on Wednesday
Local time
2:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Madison, IN to Kent, IN
Data updated 1 second ago
Drive Time
14m
Distance
8.9 mi
14 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$1
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 14m
★
6 AM
0h 15m
8 AM
0h 17m
10 AM
0h 16m
12 PM
0h 16m
3 PM
0h 16m
5 PM
0h 17m
8 PM
0h 14m
★
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Madison, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Kent, IN
Rory C
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick excursion in the Midwest, this 8.9-mile connection between Madison and Kent, Indiana, is an ideal choice. The drive typically takes about 14 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a spontaneous day trip that requires no overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via SR 256, Clifty Hollow Road, and West Main Street to complete the journey. With fuel costs estimated at just $1, this is an incredibly budget-friendly outing for anyone in the area. Since the entire trip is located within Indiana, you can expect a familiar regional feel throughout the drive. It is a straightforward, practical route that offers maximum flexibility for your schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
4.4 miles from Madison, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 7m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving profile that balances local streets with more open stretches. Approximately 57% of your time will be spent on highways, providing a consistent pace for the majority of the 14-minute duration. The longest uninterrupted section you will encounter is a 5-mile stretch on SR 256, which allows for a steady flow before transitioning into local roads. This route moves away from the urban feel of Madison and into the quieter surroundings of Kent. Because the total distance is under 9 miles, the drive remains engaging without ever becoming a monotonous interstate grind.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 7 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
SR 256 is the longest continuous segment at about 5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Street.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 14m drive. You will face about 4 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Street): Navigation decision point; near the start (SR 56 / West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (SR 256): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
4 of 4 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West Street
Turn right onto West Street
Navigation decision point
3
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
SR 56 / West Main Street
Turn left onto SR 56 / West Main Street
Navigation decision point
3
3.8 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
SR 256
Turn right onto SR 256
Navigation decision point
3
8.9 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
Kent Wall Street
Turn right onto Kent Wall Street
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| SR 256 | 5 mi | 8m |
| Clifty Hollow Road | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| West Main Street | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| West Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Kent Wall Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
SR 256
— 5 mi, about 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madison, IN and Kent, IN.
1
Start on this road
71 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto West Street
184 ft
·
9 sec
·
West Street
3
Turn left onto SR 56
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
4
Continue on SR 56
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Clifty Hollow Road
5
Turn right onto SR 256
5.0 mi
·
8 min
·
SR 256
6
Turn right onto Kent Wall Street
49 ft
·
2 sec
·
Kent Wall Street
7
Arrive at destination
Kent Wall Street
Trip Plan
Because this is a short, 8.9-mile trip, you have total freedom to plan your departure time based on your own preference. You will not need to worry about long-distance pacing or planning multiple stops, as the trip is designed to be completed in one go. Keep in mind that since the duration is only 14 minutes, you should ensure your vehicle is ready to go before you leave, as there is no need for mid-trip refueling. Given the short length, consider this route a great way to transition between regions without the stress of a long haul. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to familiarize yourself with the transition from West Main Street to SR 256 early on to ensure a smooth start to your journey.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 4.4 miles from Madison, IN, or about 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 5 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 8.9 miles or 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 4.4 miles or 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kent, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Madison, 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 Madison, IN
This is one driving day of about 8.9 miles and 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Madison, IN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on SR 256 for about 5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 4.4 mi from Madison, IN · 7m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
4 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 8.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 4.4 miles from Madison, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Kent, IN
The final approach into Kent, 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 Kent, IN.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$1.39 one way
$2.78 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
3 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $1.53 | $3.06 |
| premium | $4.89 | $1.71 | $3.43 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $1.97 | $3.93 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$26–$51
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 3.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 2.7 | 0 | $0.93 | $0.43 |
| Efficient EV | 2.2 | 0 | $0.78 | $0.36 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 3.6 | 0 | $1.25 | $0.57 |
Gas CO2
3 kg
EV CO2
1 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
Kent, IN
Late night in Kent on Wednesday
Local time
2:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 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
14m 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 Madison, IN to Kent, IN covers 8.9 miles and takes about 14m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are SR 256, Clifty Hollow Road, West Main Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 4.4 miles from Madison, IN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $1.39 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.
This is a straightforward 14m drive. You will face about 4 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Street): Navigation decision point; near the start (SR 56 / West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (SR 256): Navigation decision point.
The route from Madison, IN to Kent, IN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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