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Trip from Oxford, IN to South Bend, IN

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

2h 56m

Distance

127 mi

204 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 45m ★
6 AM
2h 56m
8 AM
3h 19m
10 AM
3h 4m
12 PM
3h 2m
3 PM
3h 5m
5 PM
3h 17m
8 PM
2h 49m

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

Downtown Oxford, IN, IN

Oxford, IN

Shaun Iwasawa

city and county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States of America

South Bend, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 127-mile drive from Oxford, Indiana, to South Bend, Indiana, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $20, it's an economical journey through the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes US 31 and SR 25, with a portion on Michigan Avenue, making it a highway-focused experience. This straightforward path is ideal for those seeking a direct and efficient drive between these two Indiana cities. You'll spend about 74% of your time on highways, so expect a consistent pace for most of the trip.

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

63.5 miles from Oxford, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .

Drive Character

This drive is largely defined by its highway-focused profile, with 74% of the journey on faster roads. You'll experience a consistent pace for much of the 127 miles, with the longest uninterrupted stretch covering 43 miles on US 31. While the majority of the route is on well-maintained highways, expect some transitions as you navigate between US 31, SR 25, and Michigan Avenue. The road character remains practical and efficient, designed for steady progress rather than leisurely sightseeing.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 31 is the longest continuous segment at about 43 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 31 and SR 25. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near SR 352 / South Michigan Street.

Route Complexity 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

The drive from Oxford, IN to South Bend, IN is easy. At 2h 56m with 74% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (SR 352 / South Michigan Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (SR 352 / Benton Street): Navigation decision point; at 58.7 miles (SR 25 / North 6th Street): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

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

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | SR 352 / South Michigan Street

At end of road, turn right onto SR 352 / South Michigan Street

Navigation decision point

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | SR 352 / Benton Street

Turn left onto SR 352 / Benton Street

Navigation decision point

5
58.7 mi into trip | ~1h 20m in | SR 25 / North 6th Street

Turn left onto SR 25 / North 6th Street

Navigation decision point

5
80.4 mi into trip | ~1h 52m in

Take the ramp toward South Bend

Navigation decision point

Toward South Bend
5
127 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in | East Navarre Street

Turn right onto East Navarre Street

Navigation decision point

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Oxford, IN to South Bend, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Bend along the way.

Bend

80.4 mi in | ~1h 52m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 31 43 mi 53m
SR 25 31.5 mi 39m
Michigan Avenue 21.6 mi 31m
US 52 14.4 mi 18m
Sagamore Parkway West 5.1 mi 8m
Old State Road 25 2.7 mi 4m
South Michigan Street 2.6 mi 7m
East 600 South 1.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: US 31 — 43 mi, about 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Oxford, IN and South Bend, IN.

1

Start on SR 55; SR 352

0.1 mi · 15 sec · East McConnell Street
2

At end of road, turn right onto SR 352

278 ft · 10 sec · South Michigan Street
3

Turn left onto SR 352

0.3 mi · 28 sec · Benton Street
4

Continue on SR 352

1.5 mi · 2 min · East 600 South
5

Turn right onto US 52

14 mi · 18 min · US 52
6

Continue on Sagamore Parkway West

5.1 mi · 8 min · Sagamore Parkway West
7

Turn left onto Schuyler Avenue

1.4 mi · 2 min · Schuyler Avenue
8

Continue on SR 25

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Hoosier Heartland Highway
9

Enter roundabout onto SR 25

9 ft · 0 sec · SR 25
10

Continue on SR 25

31 mi · 39 min · SR 25
11

Turn right onto Old State Road 25

2.7 mi · 4 min · Old State Road 25
12

Continue on South Cicott Street

0.5 mi · 55 sec · South Cicott Street
13

Turn right onto BUS US 24

0.5 mi · 54 sec · West Market Street
14

Turn left onto South 2nd Street

0.1 mi · 26 sec · South 2nd Street
15

Turn right onto Eel River Avenue

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Eel River Avenue
16

Continue on High Street

0.3 mi · 34 sec · High Street
17

Turn left onto SR 25

0.1 mi · 27 sec · North 6th Street
18

Turn right onto SR 25

22 mi · 31 min · Michigan Avenue
19

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward South Bend
20

Merge onto US 31

43 mi · 53 min · US 31
21

Enter roundabout onto BUS US 31

128 ft · 6 sec · South Michigan Street
22

Continue on BUS US 31

2.5 mi · 6 min · South Michigan Street
23

Continue on South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

0.7 mi · 2 min · South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
24

Enter roundabout onto SR 933

124 ft · 7 sec · North Michigan Street
25

Continue on SR 933

454 ft · 17 sec · North Michigan Street
26

Turn right onto East Navarre Street

131 ft · 4 sec · East Navarre Street
27

Arrive at destination

East Navarre Street

Trip Plan

Given its 2-hour 56-minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. You'll encounter one recommended stop, which is ample for a drive of this length, and the estimated fuel cost is around $20. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 43-mile stretch on US 31, to ensure you don't need to deviate significantly from your planned path. This efficient route means you can easily depart in the morning and arrive in South Bend with plenty of time to spare.

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 63.5 miles from Oxford, IN, or about 1h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43 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 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.5 miles or 1h 28m 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 22m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Oxford, 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 Oxford, IN

This is one driving day of about 127 miles and 2h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Oxford, 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 31 for about 43 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 63.5 mi from Oxford, IN · 1h 28m into the drive

town in Carroll County, Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Flora, 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.

Popular next leg

Flora, IN to South Bend, IN

72.2 mi · 1h 36m

Pacing Suggestions

Dayton, IN

Fuel and coffee

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

Flora, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.5 miles from Oxford, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in South Bend, IN

The final approach into South Bend, 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 South Bend, 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

$19.86 one way

$39.71 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.80 $43.60
premium $4.89 $24.44 $48.88
diesel $5.61 $28.04 $56.08

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: 44.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.1 0 $13.33 $6.10
Efficient EV 31.8 0 $11.11 $5.08
EV Truck/SUV 50.8 0 $17.78 $8.13

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Oxford, IN

Night in Oxford on Wednesday

Local time

10:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

South Bend, IN

Night in South Bend on Wednesday

Local time

10:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

51°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

2 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 Oxford, IN to South Bend, IN covers 127 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 US 31, SR 25, Michigan 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 63.5 miles from Oxford, IN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.86 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.
The drive from Oxford, IN to South Bend, IN is easy. At 2h 56m with 74% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (SR 352 / South Michigan Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (SR 352 / Benton Street): Navigation decision point; at 58.7 miles (SR 25 / North 6th Street): Navigation decision point.
On the drive from Oxford, IN to South Bend, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Bend along the way.

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