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Trip from Portage, IN to Nashville, IN

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

Drive Time

4h 2m

Distance

204.4 mi

329 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 49m ★
6 AM
4h 2m
8 AM
4h 28m
10 AM
4h 11m
12 PM
4h 9m
3 PM
4h 12m
5 PM
4h 27m
8 PM
3h 54m

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

capital and largest city of Tennessee, United States

Nashville, IN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 204.4-mile drive from Portage, Indiana, to Nashville, Indiana, is a manageable one-day adventure, taking approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes to complete. You'll primarily navigate via Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, I-69, and I-465, with about 28% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $32, and with only one recommended stop, it's designed for efficiency. This route is a straightforward journey within the Midwest region, offering a practical option for a quick getaway.

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

102.2 miles from Portage, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway 130 mi 2h 21m
I 69 21.3 mi 24m
I 465 13.7 mi 15m
SR 135 12.3 mi 18m
Morgantown Road 8.8 mi 13m
I 65 5.9 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 Nashville, 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 left at fork onto I 65

5.9 mi · 6 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 123 Toward I 465 South
16

Continue on this road

0.6 mi · 1 min · this road
Exit 123 Toward I 465 South
17

Merge onto I 465

14 mi · 15 min · I 465
18

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 5 Toward I 69 South: Evansville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on I 69

21 mi · 24 min · I 69
20

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Exit 140 Toward SR 44, SR 252
21

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward SR 252 East
22

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 252

103 ft · 1 sec · SR 252
23

Turn straight onto SR 252

459 ft · 7 sec · SR 252
24

Keep slight right at fork onto SR 252

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Morgantown Road
25

Enter roundabout onto SR 252

92 ft · 1 sec · Morgantown Road
26

Continue on SR 252

8.7 mi · 12 min · Morgantown Road
27

Continue on SR 252

0.2 mi · 18 sec · West Washington Street
28

Turn right onto SR 135

0.3 mi · 23 sec · Marion Street
29

Continue on SR 135

12 mi · 18 min · SR 135
30

Turn right onto Main Street

0.2 mi · 54 sec · Main Street
31

Arrive at destination

Main Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one stop to break up the journey, potentially on the 130-mile stretch of Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway, where services might be less frequent. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before venturing onto longer segments. With a fuel cost estimated at $32, it’s an economical trip, but being aware of your nearest refueling options will ensure a smooth ride.

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 102.2 miles from Portage, IN, or about 1h 55m 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 45 miles or 53m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 102.2 miles or 1h 55m 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 10m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nashville, 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 204.4 miles and 4h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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

102 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 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lafayette, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 102.2 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.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 4 and 8.4 — 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
7
8.4 mi into trip | ~13m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Indianapolis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.96 one way

$63.91 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 72 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $35.09 $70.17
premium $4.89 $39.33 $78.67
diesel $5.61 $45.13 $90.26

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

$32

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 71.5 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 61.3 0 $21.46 $9.81
Efficient EV 51.1 0 $17.88 $8.18
EV Truck/SUV 81.8 1 $28.62 $13.08

Gas CO2

72 kg

EV CO2

24 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 13, 2026

Origin

Portage, IN

Afternoon in Portage on Saturday

Local time

2:56 PM

CDT

Current temp

61°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 15 to 20 mph 32% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 3:33AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 3:33AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH

Destination

Nashville, IN

Afternoon in Nashville on Saturday

Local time

3:56 PM

EDT

Current temp

42°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

19 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

4h 2m 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.

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?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for much of this 4-hour trip, characterized by frequent turns and variable road conditions rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. While 28% of the route is on highways, the longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 130 miles on Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. This suggests a driving experience that often transitions between faster highway segments and more involved local roads. You'll likely find yourself engaging with the nuances of the road as you make your way toward your destination.

Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
31 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 22 significant decision points across 204.4 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.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

951 ft 597 ft

Total Climb

449 ft

Total Descent

488 ft

Highest Point

951 ft

~131.4 mi in

Elevation Range

353 ft

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 2m. Total distance: 204.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 2m 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 Nashville, 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 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Nashville, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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