How far is Portage, IN from Jefferson, IN?
The driving distance from Portage, IN to Jefferson, IN is about 114.3 miles (184 km), with a travel time of about 02h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 94.6 miles (152.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 22m 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 02h 11m.
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 Indiana
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Portage and Jefferson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portage and Jefferson.
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1
Start on Central Avenue
1861 ft · 53 sec · Central Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Willowcreek Road
2930 ft · 1 min · Willowcreek Road
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 80, I 90
132 m · 12 sec
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4
Keep slight right
673 ft · 16 sec
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5
Continue straight
1945 ft · 47 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Indiana Toll Road
2.6 mi · 3 min · Indiana Toll Road
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 West, I 94, US 6: Des Moines
3216 ft · 1 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 94 West, I 80 West, SR 51, US 6 East
543 ft · 13 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 94 West, I 80 West
2.9 mi · 4 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis
1 km · 52 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 65 South, I 80 West, I 94 West, US 6 West: Indianapolis, Chicago
618 ft · 10 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 65 South: Indianapolis
2686 ft · 60 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
101.2 mi · 1 hr 51 min · Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward SR 28: Frankfort, Attica
1348 ft · 29 sec
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15
Turn left
3.8 mi · 6 min
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16
Turn left onto Washington Street
776 ft · 21 sec · Washington Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Portage and Jefferson.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
Merge slight left onto Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
101 mi · 01h 51m
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 Likely leaving Portage and Showers And Thunderstorms near Jefferson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Portage to Jefferson?
The road trip is about 114.3 miles (184 km) and usually takes 02h 11m 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?
Rensselaer is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57.2 miles from Portage and 57.2 miles from Jefferson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 94.6 miles (152.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.7 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.20 one way or $30.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.8 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Portage and Jefferson, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Portage and Showers And Thunderstorms near Jefferson.
Stop Ideas Near Rensselaer
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 Rensselaer.
Rensselaer
Lafayette station
Kankakee
Dyer station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Portage and Jefferson. Straight-line distance: 94.65 mi (152.33 km).
#1 Portage
The second most populous city in Porter County, Indiana.
| Population | 90,543 |
| Coordinates | 41.5758700, -87.1761500 |
| Altitude | 194 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Jefferson
Unincorporated community in Clinton County, Indiana
| Population | 2,523 |
| Coordinates | 40.2794800, -86.5900000 |
| Altitude | 262 |
| Country | United States |
End: Jefferson (-86.59, 40.27948)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 184 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.20 | $30.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.14 | $34.28 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.76 | $37.51 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.38 | $42.75 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.