How far is West Lafayette, IN from Smith, IN?
The driving distance from West Lafayette, IN to Smith, IN is about 124.6 miles (200.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89.7 miles (144.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 53m 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 02h 26m.
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
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Lafayette and Smith.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Lafayette and Smith.
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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
81.1 mi · 1 hr 28 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Toledo, Detroit
1.4 km · 1 min
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East, I 94 East, US 6 East: Toledo, Detroit
1559 ft · 27 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Borman Expressway
26.8 mi · 30 min · Borman Expressway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 East, US 35 South: La Porte, South Bend
2175 ft · 55 sec
-
13
Merge slight left
6.7 mi · 9 min
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14
Turn left onto North Fail Road
2.4 mi · 6 min · North Fail Road
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Fail Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Lafayette and Smith.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
N River Road
Merge slight left
81.1 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 leaving West Lafayette and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Smith.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Lafayette to Smith?
The road trip is about 124.6 miles (200.6 km) and usually takes 02h 26m 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 62.3 miles from West Lafayette and 62.3 miles from Smith.
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 34.9 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 1:36 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.99 one way or $33.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.1 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 Smith, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around West Lafayette and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Smith.
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 West Lafayette and Smith. Straight-line distance: 89.65 mi (144.28 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 Smith
Unincorporated community in Indiana, United States
| Population | 368 |
| Coordinates | 41.7108800, -86.6691900 |
| Altitude | 242 |
| Country | United States |
End: Smith (-86.66919, 41.71088)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 201 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.86 | $16.99 | $33.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $19.60 | $39.20 |
| Premium | $4.99 | $21.95 | $43.89 |
| Diesel | $6.62 | $29.13 | $58.26 |
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