How far is Elkhart, IN from Gary, IN?
The driving distance from Elkhart, IN to Gary, IN is about 80.7 miles (129.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71 miles (114.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 04m 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 32m.
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 Indiana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elkhart and Gary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elkhart and Gary.
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1
Start on Pletcher Court
89 m · 19 sec · Pletcher Court
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2
Turn right onto West Franklin Street
1033 ft · 30 sec · West Franklin Street
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3
Turn left onto South 2nd Street
1243 ft · 33 sec · South 2nd Street
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4
Turn right onto West Jackson Boulevard
129 m · 15 sec · West Jackson Boulevard
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5
Turn left onto North Main Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
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6
At the end of the road, turn right onto East Bristol Street
1268 ft · 24 sec · East Bristol Street
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7
Turn left onto Cassopolis Street
2.2 mi · 3 min · Cassopolis Street
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8
Take the ramp slight right toward I 80, I 90: Indiana Toll Road
610 ft · 15 sec
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9
Continue on I 80, I 90: Indiana Toll Road
922 ft · 22 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 80, I 90: Indiana Toll Road
1320 ft · 32 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Indiana Toll Road
76.8 mi · 1 hr 23 min · Indiana Toll Road
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12
Take the exit slight right toward SR 53: Broadway
2139 ft · 54 sec
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13
Turn left onto Broadway
549 ft · 30 sec · Broadway
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14
Turn right onto West 4th Avenue
1347 ft · 30 sec · West 4th Avenue
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15
Turn left onto Madison Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Madison Street
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16
Turn right onto 10th Place
1298 ft · 57 sec · 10th Place
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 10th Place
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elkhart and Gary.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Indiana Toll Road
Merge slight left onto Indiana Toll Road
76.8 mi · 01h 23m
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.
Sunny leaving Elkhart and Sunny near Gary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elkhart to Gary?
The road trip is about 80.7 miles (129.9 km) and usually takes 01h 32m 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?
Smith is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.5 miles from Elkhart and 39.2 miles from Gary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 71 miles (114.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.7 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 3:26 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.75 one way or $21.49 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.3 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Elkhart and Gary, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Elkhart and Sunny near Gary.
Stop Ideas Near Smith
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 Smith.
New Buffalo, Michigan
New Buffalo
Michigan City
South Bend station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elkhart and Gary. Straight-line distance: 71 mi (114.26 km).
#1 Elkhart
The most populous city in Elkhart County, Indiana.
| Population | 52,172 |
| Coordinates | 41.6819900, -85.9766700 |
| Altitude | 229 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Gary
The most populous city in Lake County, Indiana.
| Population | 74,693 |
| Coordinates | 41.5933700, -87.3464300 |
| Altitude | 183 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-87.346439, 41.59327)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 130 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.75 | $21.49 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.12 | $24.24 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.26 | $26.53 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.12 | $30.23 |
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.