Origin
Portage, IN
Afternoon in Portage on Thursday
Local time
2:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Portage, IN to Fortville, IN
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 19m
Distance
168.8 mi
272 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 7m
★
6 AM
3h 19m
8 AM
3h 43m
10 AM
3h 28m
12 PM
3h 25m
3 PM
3h 29m
5 PM
3h 42m
8 PM
3h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portage, IN
Wikimedia Commons
Fortville, IN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Connecting Portage to Fortville, this 168.8-mile journey across Indiana takes approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes to complete. Because the travel time is manageable, you can easily tackle this as a single-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You should budget roughly $26 for fuel, making it a relatively affordable excursion through the Midwest. The route utilizes the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, I-465, and East 96th Street to navigate toward your destination. Whether you are heading out for business or a change of scenery, this straightforward drive offers a reliable connection between these two Hoosier communities.
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
84.4 miles from Portage, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 19m. Total distance: 168.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a drive that transitions from high-speed highway travel to a more technical, turn-heavy local experience. You will spend the bulk of your time on the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 130 miles. While highways make up only 12% of the total distance, they provide the necessary momentum before you navigate the slower, winding portions of the trip. By the time you reach East 96th Street, the road's personality shifts significantly, requiring more focused attention than an open interstate grind. This mix keeps the journey engaging as you transition from major thoroughfares into the local road network.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 37 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?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. 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.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 29 significant decision points across 168.8 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 29 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
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
8
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
8
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
8
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
154.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
Take the exit toward Binford Boulevard, 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 37A
Toward Binford Boulevard, Indianapolis
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 Portage, IN to Fortville, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Indianapolis along the way.
Indianapolis
154.7 mi in
|
~2h 54m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway | 130 mi | 2h 21m |
| I 465 | 10.7 mi | 12m |
| East 96th Street | 6.7 mi | 12m |
| I 865 | 5.1 mi | 6m |
| I 80 | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| Indiana Toll Road | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| Fall Creek Road | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Binford Boulevard | 1.1 mi | 1m |
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 Fortville, IN.
1
Start on Central Avenue
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
·
Central Avenue
2
Turn right onto Willowcreek Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Willowcreek Road
Use the right lane.
3
Take the ramp
434 ft
·
11 sec
Toward I 80, I 90
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
5
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
this road
6
Merge onto I 80; I 90
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Indiana Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
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.
8
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.
9
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.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 12
Toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis
Use the slight right lane.
11
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
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Toward I 65 South: Indianapolis
Use the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto I 65
130 mi
·
2 hr 21 min
·
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 865
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
I 865
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 465
11 mi
·
12 min
·
I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 37A
Toward Binford Boulevard, Indianapolis
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 37B
Toward I 69 North: Fort Wayne
18
Merge onto Binford Boulevard
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Binford Boulevard
19
Merge onto I 69
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
I 69
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Exit 203
Toward 96th Street
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork
161 ft
·
5 sec
Use the right lane.
22
Turn straight onto East 96th Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East 96th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Enter roundabout onto East 96th Street
112 ft
·
2 sec
·
East 96th Street
24
Continue on East 96th Street
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
East 96th Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
25
Enter roundabout onto East 96th Street
94 ft
·
1 sec
·
East 96th Street
26
Continue on East 96th Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East 96th Street
27
Enter roundabout onto East 96th Street
135 ft
·
2 sec
·
East 96th Street
28
Continue on East 96th Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East 96th Street
29
Enter roundabout onto Fall Creek Road
233 ft
·
13 sec
·
Fall Creek Road
30
Continue on Fall Creek Road
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Fall Creek Road
Use the left lane.
31
Enter roundabout onto Fall Creek Road
92 ft
·
5 sec
·
Fall Creek Road
32
Continue on Fall Creek Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Fall Creek Road
33
Continue on East 96th Street
3.9 mi
·
7 min
·
East 96th Street
34
Continue on West 1000 N
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
West 1000 N
35
Turn left onto US 36; SR 67
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
West Broadway Street
36
Turn left onto South Main Street
289 ft
·
12 sec
·
South Main Street
37
Arrive at destination
Noel Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the total duration of under three and a half hours, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Planning for one scheduled stop is a smart way to break up the 168.8-mile drive and keep your energy levels consistent. Since the final portion of the trip involves turn-heavy local roads, try to arrive during daylight hours to navigate the intersections with greater ease. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the initial 130-mile stretch on the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway so you can refuel efficiently near your stop. Taking advantage of that single planned break will ensure you arrive in Fortville feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.
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 84.4 miles from Portage, IN, or about 1h 36m 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 37 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.4 miles or 1h 36m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fortville, 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 168.8 miles and 3h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 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 84.4 mi from Portage, IN · 1h 36m 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 84.4 miles from Portage, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 130 miles.
Arriving in Fortville, IN
The final approach into Fortville, 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 Fortville, 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
$26.39 one way
$52.78 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $28.98 | $57.95 |
| premium | $4.89 | $32.48 | $64.97 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.27 | $74.54 |
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
$26
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.6 | 0 | $17.72 | $8.10 |
| Efficient EV | 42.2 | 0 | $14.77 | $6.75 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.5 | 0 | $23.63 | $10.80 |
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
Fortville, IN
Afternoon in Fortville on Thursday
Local time
3:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Mulberry, IN
84 mi in
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
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 19m 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 Portage, IN to Fortville, IN covers 168.8 miles and takes about 3h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, I 465, East 96th Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 84.4 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 $26.39 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 29 significant decision points across 168.8 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 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.
On the drive from Portage, IN to Fortville, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Indianapolis along the way.
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