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Trip from Merrillville, IN to Evansville, IN

Data updated 2 hours ago

Drive Time

5h 38m

Distance

265.1 mi

427 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 25m ★
6 AM
5h 38m
8 AM
6h 5m
10 AM
5h 47m
12 PM
5h 45m
3 PM
5h 49m
5 PM
6h 3m
8 PM
5h 30m

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 Merrillville, IN, IN

Merrillville, IN

Choco Kitty

county seat of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, United States

Evansville, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 265.1-mile drive from Merrillville, IN to Evansville, IN is a solid one-day trip, clocking in at around 5 hours and 38 minutes of pure driving time. It’s a highway-focused journey with 83% of the route on main roads like US 41 and SR 63. You'll be looking at an estimated fuel cost of $41 for this trek across Indiana. Given the duration, it’s perfectly manageable as a single-day adventure, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The route stays within the Midwest region, offering a straightforward transit experience.

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

132.5 miles from Merrillville, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a drive that's predominantly highway, with 83% of the journey utilizing main roads. The longest continuous stretch you’ll encounter is a significant 157.9 miles on US 41, so settle in for some extended periods of consistent driving. While largely highway-focused, keep an eye out for changes as you move between these main arteries, especially as you transition between US 41 and SR 63. This route is designed for efficient travel, minimizing time spent on slower, local roads.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 41 is the longest continuous segment at about 157.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 41 and SR 63. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near SR 53 / Broadway.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 265.1 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 0.2 miles (SR 53 / Broadway): Navigation decision point; at 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles (I 65 / Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | SR 53 / Broadway

At end of road, turn left onto SR 53 / Broadway

Navigation decision point

7
1.5 mi into trip | ~3m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 65 South: Indianapolis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 65 South: Indianapolis
5
2 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 65 / Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway

Merge onto I 65 / Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
33.4 mi into trip | ~38m in

Take the exit toward SR 14: Winamac

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 220 Toward SR 14: Winamac
5
265.1 mi into trip | ~5h 38m in

At end of road, turn right

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 41 157.9 mi 3h 23m
SR 63 63.4 mi 1h 20m
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway 31.4 mi 33m
State Road 14 9.2 mi 12m
Broadway 0.9 mi 2m
East Walnut Street 0.7 mi 1m
East 81st Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
Indian Trail 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 41 — 157.9 mi, about 3h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Merrillville, IN and Evansville, IN.

1

Start on Indian Trail

0.2 mi · 56 sec · Indian Trail
2

At end of road, turn left onto SR 53

0.9 mi · 2 min · Broadway
3

Turn left onto US 30

0.3 mi · 41 sec · East 81st Avenue
Use the left lane.
4

Take the ramp

401 ft · 9 sec
Toward I 65: Indianapolis, Chicago
5

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 65 South: Indianapolis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Merge onto I 65

31 mi · 33 min · Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 46 sec
Exit 220 Toward SR 14: Winamac Use the slight right lane.
8

Turn right onto SR 14

9.2 mi · 12 min · State Road 14
9

Turn left onto US 41

26 mi · 32 min · US 41
10

Keep slight left at fork onto US 41

22 mi · 26 min · US 41
11

Continue on SR 63

63 mi · 1 hr 20 min · SR 63
12

Continue on US 41

58 mi · 1 hr 17 min · US 41
Use the straight lane.
13

Take the exit onto US 41; US 150

0.2 mi · 28 sec · US 41; US 150
14

Merge onto US 41; US 50; US 150

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 41; US 50; US 150
15

Keep slight right at fork onto US 41

52 mi · 1 hr 4 min · US 41
16

Turn right onto East Walnut Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Walnut Street
17

Turn right

332 ft · 25 sec
18

At end of road, turn right

123 ft · 9 sec
19

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour, 38-minute drive, starting early in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically along US 41, the longest stretch of your journey, to break up the 157.9-mile segment. The estimated fuel cost is $41, so ensure your tank is full before you depart Merrillville. Since this is a feasible one-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart at your leisure, but a morning start will make the most of your time.

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 132.5 miles from Merrillville, IN, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.9 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 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 132.5 miles or 2h 45m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 37m

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 Merrillville, 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 Merrillville, IN

This is one driving day of about 265.1 miles and 5h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Merrillville, 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 US 41 for about 157.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 132.5 mi from Merrillville, IN · 2h 45m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

133 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

Champaign, IL

Fuel and coffee

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

Champaign, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 132.5 miles from Merrillville, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 41 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.9 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park

National Historical Park

The British flag would not be raised above Fort Sackville Feb. 25, 1779. At 10 A.M., the garrison surrendered to American Colonel George Rogers Clark. His American army, aided by French residents of t...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 210.2
View on nps.gov
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...

16 mi from route ~41 min detour $20
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.45 one way

$82.89 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 93 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $45.51 $91.01
premium $4.89 $51.02 $102.03
diesel $5.61 $58.53 $117.06

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 92.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 79.5 0 $27.84 $12.72
Efficient EV 66.3 0 $23.20 $10.60
EV Truck/SUV 106 1 $37.11 $16.97

Gas CO2

93 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 2 hours ago

Origin

Merrillville, IN

Evening in Merrillville on Tuesday

Local time

5:41 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Evansville, IN

Evening in Evansville on Tuesday

Local time

5:41 PM

CDT

Current temp

89°F

Sunny

SSW 14 mph 9% chance Live forecast

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 14 at 1:19PM EDT until April 15 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 14 at 10:47AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana

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

37 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

5h 38m 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 Merrillville, IN to Evansville, IN covers 265.1 miles and takes about 5h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 41, SR 63, Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 132.5 miles from Merrillville, IN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $41.45 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 13 significant decision points across 265.1 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 0.2 miles (SR 53 / Broadway): Navigation decision point; at 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles (I 65 / Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Merrillville, IN to Evansville, IN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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