The drive from Springfield, IN to Portage, IN covers 290.3 miles and takes about 6h 20m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 41, SR 63, I 65 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 144.3 miles on US 41.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $45.39 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
145.1 miles from Springfield, IN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 15m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 20m. Total distance: 290.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 20m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This is a 6h 20m highway drive covering 290.3 miles, with most of the trip on US 41 and SR 63. The longest continuous stretch is about 144.3 miles on US 41.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 41 is the longest continuous segment at about 144.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 41 and SR 63. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 13 miles in near SR 68; SR 165 / St Francis.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 290.3 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 13 miles (SR 68; SR 165 / St Francis): Navigation decision point; at 27 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 66.5 miles (US 41; US 150): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
5
13 mi into trip|~27m in|SR 68; SR 165 / St Francis
At end of road, turn left onto SR 68; SR 165 / St Francis
Navigation decision point
5
27 mi into trip|~43m in
Take the exit toward US 41 North: Terre Haute
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 25B
Toward US 41 North: Terre Haute
7
66.5 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|US 41; US 150
Take the exit onto US 41; US 150 toward US 41 North, US 150: Terre Haute
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 41 North, US 150: Terre Haute
8
283.4 mi into trip|~6h 6m in
Take the exit toward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Toledo, Detroit
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 259B
Toward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Toledo,...
8
284.3 mi into trip|~6h 7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Central Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 13
Toward Central Avenue
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 Springfield, IN to Portage, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Chicago along the way.
Chicago
124.2 mi in|~2h 48m|via SR 63
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 41
144.3 mi
3h 3m
SR 63
63.3 mi
1h 20m
I 65
38.5 mi
42m
I 64
12.8 mi
13m
State Road 14
9.5 mi
13m
North Springfield Road
7.6 mi
18m
Central Avenue
5.7 mi
11m
SR 165
4.2 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
US 41
— 144.3 mi, about 3h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield, IN and Portage, IN.
1
Start on North Springfield Road
7.6 mi·18 min·North Springfield Road
2
Continue on Princeton Street
0.1 mi·18 sec·Princeton Street
3
Turn left onto SR 66
0.6 mi·52 sec·State Highway 66
4
Turn right onto SR 165
4.2 mi·7 min·SR 165
5
Turn right onto SR 68; SR 165
0.5 mi·1 min·Main Street
6
At end of road, turn left onto SR 68; SR 165
0.1 mi·12 sec·St Francis
7
Continue on SR 165
0.8 mi·1 min·North Saint Francis Street
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
9
Merge onto I 64
13 mi·13 min·I 64
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·48 sec
Exit 25BToward US 41 North: Terre Haute
11
Merge onto US 41
39 mi·46 min·US 41
12
Take the exit onto US 41; US 150
58 mi·1 hr 17 min·US 41; US 150
Toward US 41 North, US 150: Terre HauteUse the straight lane.
13
Turn straight onto SR 63
63 mi·1 hr 20 min·SR 63
Toward Chicago
14
Continue on US 41
47 mi·59 min·US 41
15
Turn right onto SR 14
9.5 mi·13 min·State Road 14
16
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
17
Merge onto I 65
39 mi·42 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 259BToward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Toledo, DetroitUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 13Toward Central AvenueUse the slight right lane.
20
Turn right onto Central Avenue
4.3 mi·8 min·Central Avenue
21
Continue on Central Avenue
1.4 mi·3 min·Central Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
Central Avenue
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 145.1 miles from Springfield, IN, or about 3h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 144.3 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 64 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.1 miles or 3h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portage, IN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Springfield, 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 Springfield, IN
This is one driving day of about 290.3 miles and 6h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Springfield, 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 41 for about 144.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 145.1 mi from Springfield, IN
· 3h 15m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
National Historical Park
The British flag would not be raised above Fort Sackville Feb. 25, 1779. At 10 A.M., the garrison surrendered to American Colonel George Rogers Clark. His American army, aided by French residents of t...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 60.1
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
near mile 290.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.39 one way
$90.77 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$49.83
$99.66
premium
$4.89
$55.87
$111.73
diesel
$5.61
$64.09
$128.19
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
3 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: fair
Ionna Charging Station
Terre Haute, Indiana
Other
1 DCFC
Ev Connect Charging Station
Vincennes, Indiana
Other
1 DCFC
Shell Recharge Charging Station
Vincennes, Indiana
Shell Recharge
1 DCFC
Other: 2
Shell Recharge: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.1
1
$30.48
$13.93
Efficient EV
72.6
0
$25.40
$11.61
EV Truck/SUV
116.1
1
$40.64
$18.58
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Springfield, IN
Late night
in Springfield on Friday
Local time
1:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Portage, IN
Late night
in Portage on Friday
Local time
1:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
50°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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
6 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
6h 20m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Springfield, IN to Portage, IN covers 290.3 miles and takes about 6h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 41, SR 63, I 65. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 145.1 miles from Springfield, IN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.39 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 290.3 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 13 miles (SR 68; SR 165 / St Francis): Navigation decision point; at 27 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 66.5 miles (US 41; US 150): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Springfield, IN to Portage, IN, road signs begin pointing toward Chicago along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and Indiana Dunes National Park.
