Origin
Arlington Heights, IL
Late night in Arlington Heights on Sunday
Local time
4:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Arlington Heights, IL to Litchfield, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 44m
Distance
250.4 mi
403 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 31m
★
6 AM
4h 44m
8 AM
5h 11m
10 AM
4h 54m
12 PM
4h 51m
3 PM
4h 55m
5 PM
5h 10m
8 PM
4h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Arlington Heights, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Litchfield, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Arlington Heights, IL to Litchfield, IL is 250.4 miles and takes about 4h 44m via I-55, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, traversing the Midwest region on a predominantly highway-focused path. Expect a straightforward drive with minimal deviations, making it a practical choice for a single-day journey. It's a good option if you're looking for efficiency and don't need to make many stops along the way.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
125.2 miles from Arlington Heights, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 26m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adlai Stevenson Expressway | 111.5 mi | 2h 2m |
| I 55 | 104.5 mi | 1h 52m |
| I 355 | 20.1 mi | 25m |
| IL 53 | 8.1 mi | 10m |
| East Euclid Avenue | 2.7 mi | 6m |
| County Road 1200 North | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| West Union Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| North State Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
— 111.5 mi, about 2h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arlington Heights, IL and Litchfield, IL.
1
Start on East Euclid Avenue
2.7 mi
·
6 min
·
East Euclid Avenue
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward IL 53 South
3
Merge onto IL 53
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
IL 53
4
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53
7.0 mi
·
9 min
·
IL 53
Toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 355
20 mi
·
25 min
·
I 355
Exit 7
Toward I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
Use the slight left lane.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 12A
Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Joliet Road South
Use the slight left lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 55
112 mi
·
2 hr 2 min
·
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
40 mi
·
42 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
Toward IL 16: Gillespie, Litchfield
13
Turn left
191 ft
·
5 sec
14
Turn straight onto IL 16
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road 1200 North
15
Continue on IL 16
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West Union Avenue
16
Turn right onto North State Street
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
North State Street
17
Turn left onto East Edwards Street
205 ft
·
10 sec
·
East Edwards Street
18
Turn right
184 ft
·
13 sec
19
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 44m duration and 250.4 miles, departing in the morning from Arlington Heights allows ample time to reach Litchfield before evening. With only one suggested stop, you can plan your break strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or a bit further along I-55. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated $39 cost suggests consistent refueling needs on this highway-centric route. A practical tip for this drive is to utilize GPS traffic updates, as I-55 can experience congestion, especially near Chicago's metropolitan area.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 125.2 miles from Arlington Heights, IL, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.5 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 55 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.2 miles or 2h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Litchfield, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Arlington Heights, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Arlington Heights, IL
This is one driving day of about 250.4 miles and 4h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Arlington Heights, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Adlai Stevenson Expressway for about 111.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
125 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 125.2 miles from Arlington Heights, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 4 and 143.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
4 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
IL 53
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53 toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
8
11 mi into trip
|
~17m in
|
I 355
Keep slight left at fork onto I 355 toward I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 7
Toward I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
8
31.1 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Take the exit toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12A
Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
7
31.4 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Joliet Road South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Joliet Road South
8
143.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 46m in
|
I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.15 one way
$78.29 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
88 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $42.98 | $85.96 |
| premium | $4.89 | $48.19 | $96.37 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $55.29 | $110.57 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 75.1 | 0 | $26.29 | $12.02 |
| Efficient EV | 62.6 | 0 | $21.91 | $10.02 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 100.2 | 1 | $35.06 | $16.03 |
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Litchfield, IL
Late night in Litchfield on Sunday
Local time
4:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 44m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
National Monument
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 207.2
View on nps.gov
Pullman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...
24 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
near mile 25.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is nearly entirely highway, with a 98% highway share, meaning you'll spend most of your time on interstates. The Adlai Stevenson Expressway provides the longest uninterrupted stretch at 111.5 miles, setting a consistent pace for a significant portion of your drive. The character is predominantly that of a highway-focused journey, offering straightforward travel with limited opportunities for scenic detours or varied road types. You'll likely experience a consistent driving rhythm for the majority of the 4-hour-plus trip.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.5 mi on Adlai Stevenson Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4 miles in near IL 53.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 250.4 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 4 miles (IL 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11 miles (I 355): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 31.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Arlington Heights, IL and Litchfield, IL, road signs point toward Saint Louis, Joliet Road South and Springfield.
Saint Louis
31.1 mi in
|
~42m
Joliet Road South
31.4 mi in
|
~42m
Springfield
143.4 mi in
|
~2h 46m
|
via I 55
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 44m. Total distance: 250.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 111.5 miles on Adlai Stevenson Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Litchfield, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 4 miles (IL 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11 miles (I 355): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 31.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Litchfield, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Litchfield, IL
More trips to Litchfield, IL
Explore more options from Arlington Heights, IL or browse trips ending in Litchfield, IL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.