How far is Charlestown, IN from Lafayette, IN?
The driving distance from Charlestown, IN to Lafayette, IN is about 165.1 miles (265.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 150.1 miles (241.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 22m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 41m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Unincorporated community in Johnson County, Indiana
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Charlestown and Lafayette.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charlestown and Lafayette.
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1
Start on County Road 403
130 m · 11 sec · County Road 403
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2
Turn right onto County Road 160
8.4 mi · 15 min · County Road 160
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3
Continue straight
2504 ft · 51 sec
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4
Take the ramp right toward I 65 North: Indianapolis
1369 ft · 34 sec
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5
Merge slight left
92.3 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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6
Keep slight right
29.8 mi · 36 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward US 52 West
1281 ft · 16 sec
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8
Keep slight left
786 ft · 10 sec
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9
Merge slight left
29.9 mi · 32 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward SR 26: Lafayette, Rossville
1275 ft · 29 sec
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11
Turn left
828 ft · 24 sec
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12
Continue on South Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · South Street
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13
Turn slight left onto Jackson Street
644 ft · 30 sec · Jackson Street
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14
Turn right
54 m · 13 sec
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Charlestown and Lafayette.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 65 North
Merge slight left
92.3 mi · 01h 42m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Charlestown and Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Lafayette.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Charlestown to Lafayette?
The road trip is about 165.1 miles (265.7 km) and usually takes 02h 41m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Needham is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.5 miles from Charlestown and 82.6 miles from Lafayette.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 150.1 miles (241.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 15 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:08 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.95 one way or $43.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Charlestown and Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Lafayette.
Stop Ideas Near Needham
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Needham.
Indianapolis Union Station
Connersville station
Crawfordsville
Crawfordsville (Bus), Indiana
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Charlestown and Lafayette. Straight-line distance: 150.14 mi (241.62 km).
#1 Charlestown
City in Clark County, Indiana, United States
| Population | 8,544 |
| Coordinates | 38.4531200, -85.6702400 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lafayette
The most populous city in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
| Population | 71,484 |
| Coordinates | 40.4167000, -86.8752900 |
| Altitude | 211 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-86.875433, 40.416605)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 266 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.95 | $43.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.75 | $49.50 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.09 | $54.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.87 | $61.74 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Indiana · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.