Trip from Portage, IN to Ferdinand, IN

Drive Time

5h 31m

Distance

285.7 mi

460 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 18m ★

6 AM

5h 31m

8 AM

5h 58m

10 AM

5h 41m

12 PM

5h 38m

3 PM

5h 42m

5 PM

5h 57m

8 PM

5h 23m

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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Portage, IN

John Hanson

Ferdinand, IN

Jędrzej Koralewski

Trip Overview

Traveling from Portage to Ferdinand covers 285.7 miles across the heart of Indiana, a journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 31 minutes. Because this route is manageable in a single day, you can easily complete the trip without needing an overnight stay, though you should budget approximately $43 for fuel to cover the distance. You will navigate a mix of major arteries, including the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, I-69, and US-231. Since both your start and end points are located within the Midwest, you can expect a consistent regional feel throughout the drive. This trip is best suited for those looking for a straightforward, practical path between northern and southern Indiana. Overall, it serves as a reliable transit route that balances efficiency with the necessity of managing your time on the road.

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

142.9 miles from Portage, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a mixed driving experience that transitions from high-speed corridors to more localized travel. With a highway share of 46%, you will spend a significant portion of your time on larger roads, including a substantial 130-mile stretch along the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. This section serves as your longest uninterrupted push, allowing you to cover ground quickly before the route shifts in character. As you transition onto US-231 and other segments, the pace naturally adjusts, offering a change of scenery from the interstate grind. You will find that the road’s personality evolves as you move through these different road types, requiring you to stay alert to shifting speed limits and traffic patterns throughout the 285.7-mile trek.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 130 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4 miles in near I 80.

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 285.7 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 4 miles (I 80): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.6 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.7 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

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

4 mi into trip | ~6m in | I 80

Take the exit onto I 80 toward I 80 West, I 94, US 6: Des Moines

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 21 Toward I 80 West, I 94, US 6: Des Moines

4.6 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 94 West, I 80 West, SR 51, US 6 East

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 94 West, I 80 West, SR 51, US 6 East

4.7 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 80

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 toward I 94 West, I 80 West

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 94 West, I 80 West

7.7 mi into trip | ~12m in

Take the exit toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis

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 12 Toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis

8.3 mi into trip | ~12m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South, I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Indianapolis, Chicago

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

Use the none lane. Toward I 65 South, I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 W...

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Portage, IN to Ferdinand, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Crane along the way.

Crane

234.6 mi in | ~4h 23m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway	130 mi	2h 21m
I 69	74.4 mi	1h 22m
US 231	23.3 mi	30m
Mill Street	14.3 mi	16m
I 465	13.7 mi	15m
SR 162	10.3 mi	15m
I 65	5.9 mi	6m
I 80	3.7 mi	5m

Longest stretch: Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway — 130 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Portage, IN and Ferdinand, IN.

Start on Central Avenue

0.4 mi · 53 sec · Central Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto Willowcreek Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Willowcreek Road

Use the right lane.

Take the ramp

434 ft · 11 sec

Toward I 80, I 90

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 16 sec

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 47 sec · this road

Merge onto I 80; I 90

2.6 mi · 3 min · Indiana Toll Road

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto I 80

0.6 mi · 1 min · I 80

Exit 21 Toward I 80 West, I 94, US 6: Des Moines Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

0.1 mi · 13 sec · I 80

Toward I 94 West, I 80 West, SR 51, US 6 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

2.9 mi · 4 min · I 80

Toward I 94 West, I 80 West Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 51 sec

Exit 12 Toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 9 sec

Toward I 65 South, I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Indianapolis, Chicago Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 59 sec

Toward I 65 South: Indianapolis Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 65

130 mi · 2 hr 21 min · Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 65

5.9 mi · 6 min · I 65

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Exit 123 Toward I 465 South

Continue on this road

0.6 mi · 1 min · this road

Exit 123 Toward I 465 South

Merge onto I 465

14 mi · 15 min · I 465

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min

Exit 5 Toward I 69 South: Evansville Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 69

47 mi · 53 min · I 69

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 69

27 mi · 28 min · I 69

Toward I 69 South: Evansville

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 42 sec

Exit 87 Toward US 231: Bloomfield, Crane

Keep slight left at fork

106 ft · 2 sec

Turn left onto US 231

17 mi · 23 min · US 231

Turn right onto US 50; US 150; US 231

0.2 mi · 11 sec · West Broadway Street

Use the right lane.

Continue on US 50; US 150; US 231

14 mi · 16 min · Mill Street

Continue on US 231; SR 56

6.2 mi · 7 min · US 231; SR 56

Turn left onto SR 164

0.1 mi · 12 sec · West 3rd Street

Turn straight onto SR 164

2.6 mi · 3 min · 3rd Avenue

Continue on SR 162

10 mi · 15 min · SR 162

Arrive at destination

SR 162

Trip Plan

To make the most of this drive, try to depart early in the day to avoid peak traffic congestion when merging onto the major highways. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, as this breaks up the 5-hour and 31-minute duration effectively. Since the longest stretch spans 130 miles, prioritize getting your fuel and snacks squared away before hitting the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted run. Keep in mind that flexibility is a key advantage of this route, allowing you to adjust your pace if weather or road conditions shift. By pacing your travel with that single planned stop, you will arrive in Ferdinand feeling refreshed rather than fatigued by the long duration behind the wheel.

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 142.9 miles from Portage, IN, or about 2h 40m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 130 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 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 142.9 miles or 2h 40m 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 23m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Portage, 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 Portage, IN

This is one driving day of about 285.7 miles and 5h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Portage, 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 Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway for about 130 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 142.9 mi from Portage, IN · 2h 40m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cincinnati, OH

143 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

Orland Park, IL

Fuel and coffee

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

Cincinnati, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 142.9 miles from Portage, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 130 miles.

Arriving in Ferdinand, IN

The final approach into Ferdinand, 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 Ferdinand, 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

$43.39 one way

$86.79 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$47.84	$95.68
premium	$4.80	$53.93	$107.87
diesel	$5.64	$63.47	$126.95

Estimated Tolls: $0.18

Indiana Toll Road (2.6 mi) $0.18

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$43

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 100 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	85.7	1	$30.00	$13.71
Efficient EV	71.4	0	$25.00	$11.43
EV Truck/SUV	114.3	1	$40.00	$18.28

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 3 days ago

Origin

Portage, IN

Evening in Portage on Sunday

Local time

6:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ferdinand, IN

Evening in Ferdinand on Sunday

Local time

7:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°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

15 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 31m 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 Portage, IN to Ferdinand, IN covers 285.7 miles and takes about 5h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, I 69, US 231. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 142.9 miles from Portage, IN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.39 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.