How far is Salem, IN from Portage, IN?
The driving distance from Salem, IN to Portage, IN is about 261.9 miles (421.5 km), with a travel time of about 04h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 212.9 miles (342.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 32m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 16m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Frost then Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Salem and Portage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salem and Portage.
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1
Start on Westside Road
720 ft · 21 sec · Westside Road
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2
Turn right onto North Main Street
951 ft · 23 sec · North Main Street
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3
Turn right onto East Hackberry Street
1.5 km · 1 min · East Hackberry Street
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4
Continue on State Road 56
16.4 mi · 24 min · State Road 56
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5
Continue on West Mount Drive
906 ft · 15 sec · West Mount Drive
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6
Continue on West McClain Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · West McClain Avenue
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7
Turn left
1073 ft · 28 sec
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8
Merge slight left
82.2 mi · 1 hr 31 min
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9
Keep slight right
29.8 mi · 36 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 52 West
1281 ft · 16 sec
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11
Keep slight left
786 ft · 10 sec
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12
Merge slight left
117.5 mi · 2 hr 8 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Toledo, Detroit
1.4 km · 1 min
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14
Keep slight right to continue on Central Avenue
1760 ft · 38 sec
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15
Turn right onto Central Avenue
4.3 mi · 9 min · Central Avenue
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16
Continue on Central Avenue
1.4 mi · 3 min · Central Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Salem and Portage.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
US 52 West
Merge slight left
118 mi · 02h 08m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Salem and Patchy Frost then Rain Likely near Portage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Salem to Portage?
The road trip is about 261.9 miles (421.5 km) and usually takes 04h 16m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Lebanon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 128 miles from Salem and 133.9 miles from Portage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 212.9 miles (342.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 49 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:28 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.84 one way or $69.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 82.1 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Salem and Portage, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Salem and Patchy Frost then Rain Likely near Portage.
Stop Ideas Near Lebanon
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 Lebanon.
Crawfordsville (Bus), Indiana
Crawfordsville
Indianapolis Union Station
Lafayette station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Salem and Portage. Straight-line distance: 212.94 mi (342.7 km).
#1 Salem
City in Washington Township, Washington County, Indiana, United States
| Population | 6,217 |
| Coordinates | 38.6056100, -86.1010900 |
| Altitude | 229 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Portage
The second most populous city in Porter County, Indiana.
| Population | 90,543 |
| Coordinates | 41.5758700, -87.1761500 |
| Altitude | 194 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central Avenue (-87.17615, 41.575874)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 422 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $34.84 | $69.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $39.30 | $78.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $43.00 | $86.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $49.01 | $98.02 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.