How far is Gary, IN from Smith, IN?
The driving distance from Gary, IN to Smith, IN is about 41.5 miles (66.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.9 miles (57.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 48m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
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 00h 54m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gary and Smith.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gary and Smith.
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1
Start on 10th Place
77 m · 16 sec · 10th Place
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2
Turn right onto Harrison Boulevard
638 ft · 18 sec · Harrison Boulevard
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3
Continue on Harrison Street
2542 ft · 1 min · Harrison Street
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4
Turn right onto West 5th Avenue
2766 ft · 1 min · West 5th Avenue
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5
Turn left onto Broadway
1020 ft · 36 sec · Broadway
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6
Take the ramp right toward I 90 East
2112 ft · 52 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Indiana Toll Road
5.4 mi · 6 min · Indiana Toll Road
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 94, US 6, SR 51: Detroit, Lake Station
851 ft · 21 sec
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9
Continue straight
622 ft · 15 sec
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10
Continue straight
1977 ft · 48 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 94 East: Detroit
3126 ft · 1 min
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12
Merge slight left
23.6 mi · 25 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East, US 35 South: La Porte, South Bend
2175 ft · 55 sec
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14
Merge slight left
6.7 mi · 9 min
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15
Turn left onto North Fail Road
2.4 mi · 6 min · North Fail Road
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Fail Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gary and Smith.
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 94 East
Merge slight left
23.6 mi · 00h 25m
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.
Rain Showers leaving Gary and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Smith.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gary to Smith?
The road trip is about 41.5 miles (66.8 km) and usually takes 00h 54m 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?
Chesterton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.7 miles from Gary and 20.8 miles from Smith.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.9 miles (57.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.6 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.68 one way or $11.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Gary and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Smith.
Stop Ideas Near Chesterton
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 Chesterton.
Michigan City
Gary, IN
New Buffalo, Michigan
New Buffalo
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gary and Smith. Straight-line distance: 35.89 mi (57.76 km).
#1 Gary
The most populous city in Lake County, Indiana.
| Population | 74,693 |
| Coordinates | 41.5933700, -87.3464300 |
| Altitude | 183 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Smith
Unincorporated community in Indiana, United States
| Population | 368 |
| Coordinates | 41.7108800, -86.6691900 |
| Altitude | 242 |
| Country | United States |
End: Smith (-86.66919, 41.71088)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 67 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.86 | $5.68 | $11.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $6.55 | $13.10 |
| Premium | $4.99 | $7.33 | $14.66 |
| Diesel | $6.62 | $9.73 | $19.47 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026