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Trip from Portage, IN to Middletown, IN

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 44m

Distance

196.9 mi

317 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 32m ★
6 AM
3h 44m
8 AM
4h 10m
10 AM
3h 53m
12 PM
3h 51m
3 PM
3h 55m
5 PM
4h 8m
8 PM
3h 37m

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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city in Porter County, Indiana, United States

Portage, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Middletown, IN, IN

Middletown, IN

Waddle Aero

Trip Overview

The drive from Portage, IN to Middletown, IN covers 196.9 miles and takes about 3h 44m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, US 421, I 465 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly surface roads. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 130 miles on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $30.78 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

98.4 miles from Portage, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway 130 mi 2h 21m
US 421 25.5 mi 28m
I 465 12.5 mi 14m
I 69 10.5 mi 12m
I 865 5.1 mi 6m
East Michigan Road 3.8 mi 6m
I 80 3.7 mi 5m
Indiana Toll Road 2.6 mi 3m
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 Middletown, 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

13 mi · 14 min · I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Merge onto I 69; I 465

11 mi · 12 min · I 69; I 465
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit onto US 421

0.1 mi · 15 sec · US 421
Exit 49 Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati, Southeastern Avenue Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto US 421

25 mi · 28 min · US 421
Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati Use the slight left lane.
19

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Exit 119 Toward SR 244 East: Milroy, Andersonville Use the slight right lane.
20

Turn right onto SR 244

0.3 mi · 39 sec · East 200 South
21

Turn sharp left onto East Michigan Road

3.8 mi · 6 min · East Michigan Road
22

Arrive at destination

East Michigan Road

Trip Plan

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 98.4 miles from Portage, IN, or about 1h 51m 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 43 miles or 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 98.4 miles or 1h 51m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 1m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Middletown, 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 196.9 miles and 3h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 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.

town in Wayne Township, Marion County, Indiana

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Speedway, IN

98 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lafayette, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 98.4 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.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Bugambilias Mexican Cuisine

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.7

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13175165978

Visit website

Honest Indianapolis Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Indianapolis, Indiana

0.3 mi

Denny's Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Indianapolis, Indiana

0.5 mi

Bugambilias Mexican Cuisine

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13175165978

Visit website

Honest Indianapolis Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 154.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13178272137

Visit website

Denny's Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13178494867

Visit website

Super Pollo Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+13175372478

Visit website

Golden’s Fish & Chicken LLC

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+13174368186

Visit website

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13175772689

Visit website

Tacos Toluca

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+14632445372

Visit website

Puccini's Pizza Pasta - Clearwater

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 154.7

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13178424028

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 4 and 167.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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
167.1 mi into trip | ~3h 8m in | US 421

Take the exit onto US 421 toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati, Southeastern Avenue

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 49 Toward I 74 East, US 421 South: Cincinnati, Sou...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.78 one way

$61.57 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 69 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $33.80 $67.60
premium $4.89 $37.89 $75.78
diesel $5.61 $43.47 $86.95

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

$31

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 68.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 59.1 0 $20.67 $9.45
Efficient EV 49.2 0 $17.23 $7.88
EV Truck/SUV 78.8 0 $27.57 $12.60

Gas CO2

69 kg

EV CO2

23 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Portage, IN

Afternoon in Portage on Saturday

Local time

12:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Middletown, IN

Afternoon in Middletown on Saturday

Local time

1:23 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°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

3 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 44m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

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...

6 mi from route ~15 min detour $20
Park Closure: Partial Closures to Marquette Greenway Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
Park Closure: Mount Baldy Closure
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

196.9 mi in 3h 44m across surface roads — expect steady turns and local traffic rather than long highway runs.

Only 29% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 130 mi on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 19 significant decision points across 196.9 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.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 44m. Total distance: 196.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 130 miles on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.18 in tolls one way, starting with Indiana Toll Road. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Middletown, IN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

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.

Yes — Indiana Dunes National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Middletown, IN, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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