Driving from Bloomington to Southport: Time it Takes & Best Routes

If you're planning to drive from Bloomington, Indiana to Southport, Indiana, you might be wondering how long the drive will take. The answer is, it depends. In this blog post, we'll go over the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the estimated time it takes to drive from point A to point B based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route: Highway 37

The quickest way to get from Bloomington to Southport is to take Highway 37 North to Highway 465 West. This route is approximately 16 miles in distance and takes around 20 minutes to drive when traffic is light. During peak traffic times, such as rush hour, it may take up to 30 minutes to make it to Southport.

The Scenic Route: Through Brown County

If you have some extra time and want to enjoy the sights, taking a detour through Brown County may be worth the extra minutes. This route takes you on Highway 45 East to Helmsburg Road, then onto County Road 25 to State Road 135. From there, take State Road 44 East and merge onto 465 North towards Southport. The total distance for this scenic route is around 28 miles and takes approximately 40 minutes of driving time.

The Slowest Route: Downtown Indianapolis

If you're not in a rush, or want to take in the sights of downtown Indianapolis, taking the route through the city center is possible. Drive on South Walnut Street, Oak Street, and SR 37 Business were it will join with I-465 heading east. From there, continue on I-465 to Southport. This route is around 57 miles in distance and may take up to an hour and 15 minutes during peak traffic times. When traffic is light, this route should take around 50 minutes.

Traffic Patterns: Morning, Midday, and Evening

The driving time between Bloomington and Southport will vary depending on traffic patterns. During morning rush hour (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM), it can take up to 30 minutes to drive the 16 miles between the two towns on Highway 37. Midday driving time (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) is usually around 20 minutes. Finally, evening rush hour (4:30 PM to 6:30 PM) can take another 30 minutes to an hour when there is traffic congestion.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the route you take will depend on your desired travel time and whether you want to see more of the surrounding area. If you're in a hurry and prefer the quickest route, Highway 37 is the best option. However, if you're looking to take in more sights, a detour through Brown County may be a good idea. Finally, if you're not in a rush, taking a drive through downtown Indianapolis will be an adventure. We hope our guide has been helpful in figuring out how long it will take to drive from Bloomington to Southport. Have a safe trip!