Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
1h 9m
Distance
56.1 mi
90 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Bend, IN
Wikimedia Commons
South Haven, IN
Mike Norris
This 56.1-mile journey from South Bend, IN to South Haven, IN is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes to complete. With a modest fuel cost estimated at $9, this drive is budget-friendly. The route primarily utilizes the Indiana Toll Road and US 6, with some time spent on North Michigan Street, offering a blend of highway and local road driving. Given its short distance and straightforward nature, it's perfect for a spontaneous outing or a relaxed travel day within the Midwest region.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 9m. Total distance: 56.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (10%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Expect a drive with a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, meaning you'll encounter numerous turns and changes in road type. While only 10% of the route is on highways, the longest uninterrupted stretch covers 45.2 miles on the Indiana Toll Road, providing a period of consistent speed before transitioning back to more varied local roads. This means you'll experience a dynamic driving experience, shifting between faster highway segments and more involved local navigation.
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near SR 933; BUS US 31 / North Michigan Street.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 1h 9m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (SR 933; BUS US 31 / North Michigan Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 1.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Enter roundabout onto SR 933; BUS US 31 / North Michigan Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Take the ramp toward I 80, I 90: Indiana Toll Road
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 West, I 90 West: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward SR 49: Chesterton, Valparaiso
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward US 6: Westville, Portage
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between South Bend, IN and South Haven, IN, road signs point toward Valparaiso and Portage.
Valparaiso
Portage
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Toll Road | 45.2 mi | 48m |
| US 6 | 4 mi | 5m |
| North Michigan Street | 1.9 mi | 4m |
| SR 49 | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Midway Drive | 0.7 mi | 2m |
| North State Road 149 | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| East Navarre Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Fremont Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between South Bend, IN and South Haven, IN.
Start on East Navarre Street
Turn right onto SR 933; BUS US 31
Enter roundabout onto SR 933; BUS US 31
Continue on SR 933; BUS US 31
Take the ramp
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 80; I 90
Take the exit
Turn right onto SR 49
Take the exit
Turn right onto US 6
Turn left onto SR 149
Turn right onto Midway Drive
Turn left onto Fremont Road
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 28 mi from South Bend, IN · 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 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.
The final approach into South Haven, IN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$8.77 one way
$17.54 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $9.63 | $19.26 |
| premium | $4.89 | $10.80 | $21.59 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $12.39 | $24.77 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.17
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$9
Tolls
$3
Total
$12
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.8 | 0 | $5.89 | $2.69 |
| Efficient EV | 14 | 0 | $4.91 | $2.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.4 | 0 | $7.85 | $3.59 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in South Bend on Thursday
Local time
3:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Destination
Afternoon in South Haven on Thursday
Local time
2:13 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
69°F
Smith, IN
28 mi in
Time zone
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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