I've never driven to Indy from this area.
Google maps shows a few different routes that are somewhat comparable as far as estimated drive time & mileage goes.
Wasn't sure which one is actually best...I don't always trust the estimated drive time. And, of course, Google maps doesn't alert you to construction projects, etc.
The options (as suggested by Google) appear to be various ways to get across to I-69 south, or taking I-75 south to I-70.
Thoughts?
(Last time I drove to Indy, I was living in East Lansing, and it was just a straight shot down I-69 S.)
it really depends where you're located in Toledo and where you are headed in the Indy area. I moved from Indy to Toledo in June, and spend a lot of time driving back and forth. 75S to 70 will probably get you a bit more construction than taking 24 to 69, but not too much.
Either route I take, it ends up being about 4 hours door to door.
Thanks for the insight!
For the record, I'm in Sylvania, and heading to downtown Indy. (Lucas Oil Stadium...Big 10 championship. Whoo hoo!)
Since I live in Sylvania, Google maps gave me 2 suggested routes to get to I-69. Via US-24, and also US-20 W (basically going through Bryan instead of Napoleon).
The thing with Indiana is that the roads will be horrible, though I drove through there during the late summer construction. I did two options. Coming up I went I-69 up to I-80 and over. That was pretty quick. Google did give me the option to take US-24 from Ft. Wayne, but the timing will actually be only a few minutes different to just go up to the Turnpike. On the way back did the typical 75 to 70 and that was alright as well. Both were pretty close in time. I say it depends on how comfortable you are with driving through Indy.
ooh, I'm jealous!
I generally prefer taking 24 instead of 20. I think it comes from living near LaGrange for several years and getting stuck on 20 behind Amish buggies at the least opportune times. ;) 24 is double-lane once you get past Napoleon, almost all the way to Ft Wayne.
I will say that entering downtown Indy via 69/Fall Creek Parkway is (most of the time) easier than entering off of 70, especially during big events downtown. It's not quite as direct, but there are less backups.
Have fun! If you need food or activity recommendations, I'm your gal.
Thanks for the tips.
Especially the part about downtown Indy typically being easier to enter via 69. Definitely helps when deciding between the routes via 69 and 70.
any route you take will be a boring, so make sure you text while driving
I frequently drive to Fort Wayne for work and just did a trip to Indy last month. I'd definitely agree that 24 to 69 is your best bet.
Be aware that the new double lane 24 isn't quite finished so you have to get off as you're nearly Fort Wayne and take the old country 24. Not a big deal but a little confusing if you've never done it.
When I was a kid we used to travel through state roads before the interstate system. If memory serves me correctly we took 37 down through Anderson and Mrion. Does that jog anyone's memory of a backroads route? Wouldn't mind taking that drive again for old time sake.
I usually go through Ft. Wayne, just be careful as their police like to spot out-of-state drivers, cut them off, then give them tickets for following too closely.