How far is West Lafayette, IN from East Chicago, IN?
The driving distance from West Lafayette, IN to East Chicago, IN is about 98.5 miles (158.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 88.5 miles (142.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 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 01h 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.
Human settlement in Newton County, Indiana, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Rain
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Lafayette and East Chicago.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Lafayette and East Chicago.
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1
Start on Northwestern Avenue
13 m · 2 sec · Northwestern Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Vine Street
84 m · 16 sec · Vine Street
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3
Turn right onto Wiggins Street
541 ft · 17 sec · Wiggins Street
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4
Turn slight right
1155 ft · 37 sec
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5
At the end of the road, turn left onto North River Road
5 mi · 8 min · North River Road
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6
Continue on N River Road
2146 ft · 43 sec · N River Road
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7
Take the ramp slight right
1644 ft · 40 sec
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8
Merge slight left
83.7 mi · 1 hr 32 min
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9
Turn left onto East 5th Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · East 5th Avenue
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10
Continue on East 4th Avenue
3.7 mi · 6 min · East 4th Avenue
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11
Continue on Airport Road
2.9 mi · 5 min · Airport Road
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12
Keep slight right to continue on US 12 West, SR 912 North: Columbus Drive, Cline Avenue
42 m · 2 sec
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13
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward East Columbus Drive
46 m · 3 sec · East Columbus Drive
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14
Exit the roundabout onto East Columbus Drive
1.2 mi · 2 min · East Columbus Drive
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Columbus Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Lafayette and East Chicago.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
N River Road
Merge slight left
83.7 mi · 01h 32m
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.
Light Rain leaving West Lafayette and Showers And Thunderstorms near East Chicago.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Lafayette to East Chicago?
The road trip is about 98.5 miles (158.6 km) and usually takes 01h 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?
Mount Ayr is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.3 miles from West Lafayette and 49.3 miles from East Chicago.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 88.5 miles (142.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 10 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 2:34 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.12 one way or $26.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.9 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between West Lafayette and East Chicago, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain around West Lafayette and Showers And Thunderstorms near East Chicago.
Stop Ideas Near Mount Ayr
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 Mount Ayr.
Rensselaer
Kankakee
Gilman
Dyer station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Lafayette and East Chicago. Straight-line distance: 88.55 mi (142.5 km).
#1 West Lafayette
The most populous city in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
| Population | 51,605 |
| Coordinates | 40.4258700, -86.9080700 |
| Altitude | 186 |
| Country | United States |
#2 East Chicago
City in Lake County, Indiana, United States
| Population | 27,742 |
| Coordinates | 41.6392000, -87.4547600 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Chicago (-87.45476, 41.6392)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 159 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.12 | $26.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.80 | $29.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.20 | $32.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.46 | $36.92 |
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 · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.