Road Tripping from Bloomington to Carmel: Best Ways to Get There

If you're planning a road trip from Bloomington, Indiana to Carmel, Indiana, there are a few different routes you can take depending on your needs and interests. The distance between these two cities is approximately 50 miles, and it should take you around an hour to reach Carmel from Bloomington. Here are some of the best routes to consider, along with driving times and recommendations for places to stop along the way.

Route 1: The Fastest Route

If your primary goal is to get from Bloomington to Carmel as quickly as possible, you should take Route 37 North to State Road 238, which will take you all the way to Carmel. This route is the most direct and has the least amount of traffic, so if you're in a hurry, it's the best option. The total driving time for this route is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

However, you may want to stop in Martinsville along the way, a quaint town with antique shops and restaurants popular with locals and tourists. Plus, a pit stop may be necessary after a long drive.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

For a more scenic drive, you can take State Road 43 North to State Road 32 West to US-31 North, which will take you straight into Carmel. This route takes you through some beautiful rural areas of Indiana, so it's a great choice if you want to enjoy the scenery along the way. The total driving time for this route is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic and any stops you make along the way.

If you're looking for a place to stop, consider visiting the Indiana Wind Symphony in Carmel, which plays a variety of music styles, from classical to contemporary.

Route 3: The Historic Route

If you're interested in Indiana history, you might enjoy taking State Road 37 North to State Road 252 East to US-31 North, which will take you through several smaller towns with historical significance. This route passes through Nashville, Indiana, a town famous for its art galleries and specialty shops. It also goes through Greenwood, where the Downtown Greenwood Historic District has excellent examples of early 1900s architecture and unique stores and restaurants to enjoy.

The total driving time for this route is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, depending on traffic and any stops you make along the way.

Route 4: The Foodie Route

If you're a foodie or just looking for some delicious meals on your road trip, you can take State Road 45 North to State Road 46 East to State Road 135 North to US-31 North, which will take you through several towns with some excellent dining options.

In Nashville, you can visit Artists Colony Inn, a historic bed and breakfast with a fantastic restaurant featuring country-style cooking. In Greenwood, Oaken Barrel Brewing Company has an excellent selection of locally brewed beer and food. Finally, in Carmel, don't miss out on Japanese cuisine at Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya.

The total driving time for this route is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and any stops you make along the way.

No matter which route you choose, make sure to take some time to enjoy the scenery and explore some of the smaller towns and attractions along the way. Safe travels!