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Trip from South Whitley, IN to Hammond, IN

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

Drive Time

2h 42m

Distance

118.6 mi

191 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 32m ★
6 AM
2h 43m
8 AM
3h 4m
10 AM
2h 50m
12 PM
2h 48m
3 PM
2h 51m
5 PM
3h 3m
8 PM
2h 36m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown South Whitley, IN, IN

South Whitley, IN

Will Jelbert

Trip Overview

South Whitley, IN to Hammond, IN is 118.6 miles and takes about 2h 42m via US 30 and I-80, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward drive across Indiana, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. Expect a route that is predominantly highway, making it efficient for getting from point A to point B. Given the relatively short duration, this trip is best suited for a single-day journey. It's a practical option if you need to traverse this section of the state without much fuss.

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

59.3 miles from South Whitley, IN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 42m. Total distance: 118.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 81% of the drive utilizing major highways like US 30 and the Indiana Toll Road (I-80). You'll experience a significant stretch of 76.3 miles on US 30, which likely offers a consistent pace. The overall feel is that of a direct, efficient drive, designed for covering distance rather than leisurely sightseeing. While the highway share is high, the transition between US 30 and I-80 will mark a change in the driving environment as you move onto the toll road.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 30 is the longest continuous segment at about 76.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 30 and I 80. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 93.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 14 significant decision points across 118.6 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 93.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.2 miles (I 80): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.8 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

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

9
93.4 mi into trip | ~2h 7m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 80 West, I 90 West: Chicago

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

Use the straight lane. Toward I 80 West, I 90 West: Chicago
8
103.2 mi into trip | ~2h 19m 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
103.8 mi into trip | ~2h 20m 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
103.9 mi into trip | ~2h 20m 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
116.7 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in

Take the exit toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis Boulevard

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 2 Toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: 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 South Whitley, IN to Hammond, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Chesterton along the way.

Chesterton

83.9 mi in | ~1h 53m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 30 76.3 mi 1h 39m
I 80 13.6 mi 19m
Indiana Toll Road 9.5 mi 11m
SR 5 6.6 mi 11m
173rd Street 1 mi 2m
West Old Trail Road 0.5 mi 1m
North Binkley Road 0.5 mi 1m
Indianapolis Boulevard 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 30 — 76.3 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Whitley, IN and Hammond, IN.

1

Start on SR 5

6.6 mi · 11 min · SR 5
2

Turn left onto West Old Trail Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Old Trail Road
3

Turn right onto North Binkley Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Binkley Road
4

Turn left onto US 30

76 mi · 1 hr 39 min · US 30
5

Take the exit

9.2 mi · 13 min
Toward SR 49 North, SR 2 East: Valparaiso, Chesterton
6

Turn left

394 ft · 9 sec
Toward I 80, I 90: Toll Road
7

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 18 sec · this road
8

Continue on this road

411 ft · 10 sec · this road
Toward I 80, I 90: Toll Road
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward I 80 West, I 90 West: Chicago Use the straight lane.
10

Merge onto I 80; I 90

9.5 mi · 11 min · Indiana Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

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.
12

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.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

13 mi · 17 min · I 80
Toward I 94 West, I 80 West Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 2 Toward SR 152 North, US 41 South: Indianapolis Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward SR 152 North: Indianapolis Boulevard Use the slight left lane.
16

Turn straight onto SR 152

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Indianapolis Boulevard
17

Turn left onto 173rd Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · 173rd Street
Use the left lane.
18

Turn right onto Columbia Avenue

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Columbia Avenue
19

Arrive at destination

Columbia Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 2h 42m duration, you can easily complete this trip in one day, so plan to depart in the morning to maximize daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $19, this is an economical and manageable drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 76.3 miles on US 30, as services can sometimes be less frequent in certain highway sections. The Indiana Toll Road (I-80) will involve tolls, so be prepared for that expense in addition to fuel.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 59.3 miles from South Whitley, IN, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.3 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 26 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 59.3 miles or 1h 21m 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 12m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving South Whitley, 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 South Whitley, IN

This is one driving day of about 118.6 miles and 2h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from South Whitley, 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 US 30 for about 76.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 59.3 mi from South Whitley, IN · 1h 21m into the drive

human settlement in Starke County, Indiana, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

North Judson, IN

59 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

Warsaw, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Culver, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 59.3 miles from South Whitley, IN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 30 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 76.3 miles.

Arriving in Hammond, IN

The final approach into Hammond, 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 Hammond, IN.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.54 one way

$37.08 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 42 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.36 $40.72
premium $4.89 $22.82 $45.65
diesel $5.61 $26.19 $52.37

Estimated Tolls: $0.67

Indiana Toll Road (9.5 mi) $0.67

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

$19

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 41.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 35.6 0 $12.45 $5.69
Efficient EV 29.7 0 $10.38 $4.74
EV Truck/SUV 47.4 0 $16.60 $7.59

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

South Whitley, IN

Late night in South Whitley on Saturday

Local time

1:54 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hammond, IN

Late night in Hammond on Saturday

Local time

12:54 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°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 earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

18 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

2h 42m 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 South Whitley, IN to Hammond, IN covers 118.6 miles and takes about 2h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 30, I 80, Indiana Toll Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 59.3 miles from South Whitley, IN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.54 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

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 14 significant decision points across 118.6 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 93.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.2 miles (I 80): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.8 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

On the drive from South Whitley, IN to Hammond, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Chesterton along the way.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Hammond, IN to South Whitley, IN

Plan the drive back the other way.

117.3 mi 2h 44m

Explore more options from South Whitley, IN or browse trips ending in Hammond, IN.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IN road trips.