How far is Indianapolis, IN from Columbus, IN?
The driving distance from Indianapolis, IN to Columbus, IN is about 46.3 miles (74.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 41.1 miles (66.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 55m 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 00h 57m.
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.
City in Johnson County, Indiana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Isolated Rain Showers then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Scattered Rain Showers then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Indianapolis and Columbus.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Indianapolis and Columbus.
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1
Start on the route
78 m · 33 sec
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2
Turn left
11 m · 10 sec
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3
Turn left onto Monument Circle
606 ft · 23 sec · Monument Circle
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4
Turn right onto East Market Street
2837 ft · 2 min · East Market Street
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5
Turn right onto North Park Avenue
156 m · 23 sec · North Park Avenue
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6
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Washington Street
932 ft · 34 sec · East Washington Street
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7
Take the ramp slight right toward I 65 South, I 70 West: Louisville, Saint Louis
1309 ft · 30 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 65 South, I 70 West: Louisville, Saint Louis, East Street
1110 ft · 19 sec
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9
Merge slight left
1938 ft · 33 sec
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10
Keep slight left
41.9 mi · 47 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward SR 46: Columbus, Nashville, Bloomington
855 ft · 19 sec
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12
Keep slight left
591 ft · 16 sec
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13
Merge slight right onto Jonathan Moore Pike
2.2 mi · 4 min · Jonathan Moore Pike
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14
Turn left onto Washington Street
119 m · 24 sec · Washington Street
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15
Turn left onto 3rd Street
31 m · 1 sec · 3rd Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Indianapolis and Columbus.
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 South
Keep slight left
41.9 mi · 00h 47m
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.
Isolated Rain Showers then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Indianapolis and Scattered Rain Showers then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near Columbus.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Indianapolis to Columbus?
The road trip is about 46.3 miles (74.5 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Franklin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.2 miles from Indianapolis and 23.1 miles from Columbus.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 41.1 miles (66.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.2 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 4:34 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.15 one way or $12.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Isolated Rain Showers then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms around Indianapolis and Scattered Rain Showers then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near Columbus.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Indianapolis and Columbus. Straight-line distance: 41.15 mi (66.23 km).
#1 Indianapolis
The sixteenth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Indianapolis metropolitan area.
| Population | 877,903 |
| Coordinates | 39.7683800, -86.1580400 |
| Altitude | 218 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Columbus
The most populous city in Bartholomew County, Indiana.
| Population | 48,445 |
| Coordinates | 39.2014400, -85.9213800 |
| Altitude | 192 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbus (-85.92138, 39.20144)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 74 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.15 | $12.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.93 | $13.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.59 | $15.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.65 | $17.29 |
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 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.