How far is Gary, IN from Wakarusa, IN?
The driving distance from Gary, IN to Wakarusa, IN is about 83.3 miles (134.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 68.7 miles (110.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 32m 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 01h 46m.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gary and Wakarusa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gary and Wakarusa.
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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
11.7 mi · 16 min
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15
Continue straight
12.5 mi · 16 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East, US 31 South: Mishawaka, Plymouth
2273 ft · 1 min
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17
Merge slight left onto Saint Joseph Valley Parkway
18.5 mi · 21 min · Saint Joseph Valley Parkway
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18
Take the exit slight right toward SR 19 South: Wakarusa, Nappanee
2390 ft · 58 sec
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19
Turn straight onto South Nappanee Street
6.4 mi · 9 min · South Nappanee Street
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20
Turn right onto East Waterford Street
1 mi · 2 min · East Waterford Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Waterford Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gary and Wakarusa.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Gary and Chance Rain Showers near Wakarusa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gary to Wakarusa?
The road trip is about 83.3 miles (134.1 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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 41.6 miles from Gary and 41.8 miles from Wakarusa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 68.7 miles (110.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.6 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 2:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.09 one way or $22.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.1 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Gary and Wakarusa, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Gary and Chance Rain Showers near Wakarusa.
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 Gary and Wakarusa. Straight-line distance: 68.64 mi (110.47 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 Wakarusa
City in Elkhart County, Indiana, United States of America
| Population | 1,848 |
| Coordinates | 41.5361600, -86.0208300 |
| Altitude | 258 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wakarusa (-86.02083, 41.53616)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 134 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.09 | $22.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.50 | $25.01 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.68 | $27.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.59 | $31.19 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.