How far is Smith, IN from West Lafayette, IN?
The driving distance from Smith, IN to West Lafayette, IN is about 99.9 miles (160.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89.7 miles (144.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 04m 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 02m.
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.
Census-designated place in Indiana, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Smith and West Lafayette.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Smith and West Lafayette.
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1
Start on North Fail Road
2.4 mi · 6 min · North Fail Road
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2
Turn right onto US Highway 20
6.9 mi · 9 min · US Highway 20
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3
Take the exit straight toward I 94 West: Chicago
1289 ft · 44 sec
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4
Merge slight left
27.3 mi · 30 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 65: Gary, Toll Road, Indianapolis
1 km · 52 sec
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6
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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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 65 South: Indianapolis
2686 ft · 60 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
80.8 mi · 1 hr 28 min · Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward SR 43: Brookston, West Lafayette
2054 ft · 45 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on West Lafayette, Indiana Veterans Home, Purdue University, VA Clinic, Tippecanoe, Battlefield, Prophetstown State Park
65 m · 5 sec
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11
Turn straight onto North River Road
5.1 mi · 8 min · North River Road
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12
Turn right onto Quincy Street
1236 ft · 60 sec · Quincy Street
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13
At the end of the road, turn left onto North Salisbury Street
741 ft · 29 sec · North Salisbury Street
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14
Turn right onto North Street
669 ft · 32 sec · North Street
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15
Turn right onto Northwestern Avenue
11 m · 2 sec · Northwestern Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Northwestern Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Smith and West Lafayette.
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
80.8 mi · 01h 28m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Smith and Showers And Thunderstorms near West Lafayette.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Smith to West Lafayette?
The road trip is about 99.9 miles (160.7 km) and usually takes 02h 02m 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?
Shelby is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.4 miles from Smith and 37.5 miles from West Lafayette.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 89.7 miles (144.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.2 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.59 one way or $27.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.3 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Smith and West Lafayette, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Smith and Showers And Thunderstorms near West Lafayette.
Stop Ideas Near Shelby
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 Shelby.
Rensselaer
Dyer station
Kankakee
Gary, IN
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Smith and West Lafayette. Straight-line distance: 89.65 mi (144.28 km).
#1 Smith
Unincorporated community in Indiana, United States
| Population | 368 |
| Coordinates | 41.7108800, -86.6691900 |
| Altitude | 242 |
| Country | United States |
#2 West Lafayette
The most populous city in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
| Population | 51,605 |
| Coordinates | 40.4258700, -86.9080700 |
| Altitude | 186 |
| Country | United States |
End: Northwestern Avenue (-86.908094, 40.425857)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 161 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.86 | $13.59 | $27.19 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $15.68 | $31.36 |
| Premium | $4.99 | $17.56 | $35.12 |
| Diesel | $6.62 | $23.31 | $46.61 |
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