How far is Dayton, IN from Portage, IN?
The driving distance from Dayton, IN to Portage, IN is about 100 miles (161 km), with a travel time of about 01h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 85.7 miles (137.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 15m 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 01h 37m.
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.
Human settlement in Newton County, Indiana, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dayton and Portage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dayton and Portage.
-
1
Start on Dayton Road
18 m · 6 sec · Dayton Road
-
2
Turn right onto Walnut Street
1361 ft · 39 sec · Walnut Street
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3
Continue on SR 38
2157 ft · 51 sec · SR 38
-
4
Take the ramp right
2928 ft · 1 min
-
5
Merge slight left
90.5 mi · 1 hr 39 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Toledo, Detroit
1.4 km · 1 min
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on Central Avenue
1760 ft · 38 sec
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8
Turn right onto Central Avenue
4.3 mi · 9 min · Central Avenue
-
9
Continue on Central Avenue
1.4 mi · 3 min · Central Avenue
-
10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dayton and Portage.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
SR 38
Merge slight left
90.5 mi · 01h 39m
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.
Clear leaving Dayton and Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers near Portage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dayton to Portage?
The road trip is about 100 miles (161 km) and usually takes 01h 37m 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?
Mount Ayr is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.3 miles from Dayton and 50.7 miles from Portage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 85.7 miles (137.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.3 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 3:14 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.31 one way or $26.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.4 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Dayton and Portage, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Clear around Dayton and Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers near Portage.
Stop Ideas Near Mount Ayr
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 Mount Ayr.
Rensselaer
Kankakee
Gilman
Dyer station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dayton and Portage. Straight-line distance: 85.7 mi (137.92 km).
#1 Dayton
Town in Indiana, USA
| Population | 1,667 |
| Coordinates | 40.3742000, -86.7689000 |
| Altitude | 206 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Portage
The second most populous city in Porter County, Indiana.
| Population | 90,543 |
| Coordinates | 41.5758700, -87.1761500 |
| Altitude | 194 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central Avenue (-87.17615, 41.575874)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 161 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.31 | $26.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.01 | $30.03 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.43 | $32.86 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.72 | $37.45 |
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 · May 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.