The Great Road Trip: Belle, Missouri to Kendallville, Indiana

Planning a road trip from Belle, Missouri to Kendallville, Indiana? One of the first things you need to consider is how long it will take you to drive there. Traffic and route variations can make a big difference in the drive time. In this post, we’ll break down the driving time for a handful of different options, so you can choose the best route based on your priorities.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Belle, Missouri to Kendallville, Indiana is via I-70 E and I-69 N. This route covers a distance of approximately 485 miles and takes around 7.5 hours of driving time. However, driving at peak traffic times can extend this by up to an hour. Be sure to budget for rest stops and food breaks as well.

The Scenic Route

If you’re looking for a more scenic route, you might want to consider taking I-64 E and I-69 N. This route covers about 490 miles and takes around 8 hours of driving time, but it offers fantastic views of natural landscapes and small towns along the way. Keep in mind that some of the backroads here can be a bit less direct than more commercially-traveled routes and thus need a bit more patience on the driver's part while yielding to other drivers on the roads.

The Slow Ride

Want to take it slow and soak in everything along the way? Take Route 50 E and US-27 N. This route is longer, clocking in at around 570 miles, but it brings you over smaller and quieter backroads, allowing you to enjoy Indiana's subtle country scenery that you might not see on busier routes. It takes approximately 10 hours of driving time without stops, which you'll likely want to make along the way.

Tips for Optimal Travel Times

Any of the routes above might have slight changes in arrival times depending on if you're driving during peak traffic time or the off-hours of the day. Typically, heavy traffic sets in around major urban centers on early mornings from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. or mid-evenings from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. By contrast, weekends have lighter traffic, and trying to plan your trip outside of these periods can make for a more relaxing drive.

When it comes down to it, the best route for your drive from Belle, Missouri to Kendallville, Indiana will depend on your priorities. If speed is top of your list, the first route might be the way to go. But if you're looking to enjoy the journey, the scenic and slow route might be the better choice. Whichever you choose, safe and happy travels!