Trip from Aurora, IL to Altamont, 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 31m

Distance

223.8 mi

360 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 18m ★

6 AM

4h 31m

8 AM

4h 58m

10 AM

4h 41m

12 PM

4h 38m

3 PM

4h 42m

5 PM

4h 57m

8 PM

4h 23m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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city on tripoints of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties in Illinois, United States

Aurora, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Altamont, IL

Samuele Pellegrino

Trip Overview

Traveling from Aurora to Altamont covers a total distance of 223.8 miles, making for a straightforward journey across the Illinois heartland. You can expect to spend about 4 hours and 31 minutes behind the wheel, primarily utilizing I-55, I-57, and I-70. Because the total duration is well within a single day's reach, this drive is perfectly manageable as a one-day trip, sparing you the need for an overnight stay. With a fuel budget estimated at $34, it is a relatively economical way to traverse the state. Whether you are heading south for business or a change of pace, this route offers a reliable, no-nonsense connection between these two Midwest locations.

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

111.9 miles from Aurora, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 28m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 57	149.6 mi	2h 40m
I 55	15.8 mi	18m
I 70	9.4 mi	10m
County Road North 303 West	7.8 mi	13m
Lincoln Highway	7.4 mi	11m
Old Chicago Road	3.7 mi	5m
IL 102	3.6 mi	5m
West Peotone Road	3 mi	4m

Longest stretch: I 57 — 149.6 mi, about 2h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Aurora, IL and Altamont, IL.

Start on West Galena Boulevard

0.4 mi · 52 sec · West Galena Boulevard

Turn left onto IL 25

458 ft · 13 sec · North Broadway

Turn right onto East New York Street

1.1 mi · 1 min · East New York Street

Turn slight right

175 ft · 8 sec

Turn slight right onto North Ohio Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · North Ohio Street

Turn left onto East Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 17 sec · East Galena Boulevard

Continue on Hill Avenue

2.5 mi · 4 min · Hill Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn straight onto US 30

7.4 mi · 11 min · Lincoln Highway

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto US 30

1.0 mi · 1 min · 143rd Street

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto US 30; IL 59

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Division Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto US 30

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Joliet Road

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Toward I 55 South: Bloomington

Merge onto I 55

16 mi · 18 min · I 55

Use the right lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward North River Road

Turn left onto CH 44

0.3 mi · 31 sec · County Highway 44

Continue on CH 44

1.4 mi · 1 min · North River Road

Continue on CH 44

2.3 mi · 3 min · New River Road

At end of road, turn right onto IL 53

0.5 mi · 48 sec · South Chicago Road

Turn left onto CH 25

3.0 mi · 4 min · West Peotone Road

Turn right onto CH 7

2.0 mi · 2 min · South Chicago Road

Continue on Old Chicago Road

3.7 mi · 5 min · Old Chicago Road

At end of road, turn left onto IL 102

3.6 mi · 5 min · IL 102

Turn right onto CH 20

0.7 mi · 1 min · Warner Bridge Rd North 7000W Road

Turn left onto IL 113

7.8 mi · 13 min · County Road North 303 West

Continue on IL 113

1.5 mi · 2 min · North Wall Street

Continue on South Wall Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Wall Street

Continue on West Water Street

0.4 mi · 43 sec · West Water Street

Continue on US 45; US 52

0.5 mi · 49 sec · South East Avenue

Turn right onto US 45; US 52

1.8 mi · 2 min · South Schuyler Avenue

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 57 sec

Toward I-57 South: Champaign

Merge onto I 57

150 mi · 2 hr 40 min · I 57

Keep slight right at fork onto I 70

9.4 mi · 10 min · I 70

Toward I 70 West: Saint Louis

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 39 sec

Exit 82 Toward IL 128: Altamont

Turn right onto IL 128

0.6 mi · 1 min · Farina Road

Continue on South Main Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Main Street

Arrive at destination

North Main Street

Trip Plan

To keep your drive smooth, aim to complete the journey in one push, as the 4 hour and 31 minute duration is easily tackled in a single day. Planning for at least one stop is essential to break up the long 149.6-mile stretch on I-57 and keep your energy levels high. Since the route relies almost exclusively on major highways, keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Aurora to ensure you stay within your $34 budget. Departing early in the morning can help you avoid potential congestion on the busier interstate segments. Remember that the highway-heavy nature of this trip provides great flexibility, so use your single planned stop to stretch your legs and reset before the final leg into Altamont.

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 111.9 miles from Aurora, IL, or about 2h 28m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 149.6 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 49 miles or 1h 11m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 111.9 miles or 2h 28m 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 45m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Altamont, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Aurora, 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 Aurora, IL

This is one driving day of about 223.8 miles and 4h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Aurora, 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 I 57 for about 149.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Joliet, IL

112 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

Joliet, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Onarga, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111.9 miles from Aurora, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 149.6 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Effingham Food Express

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Effingham, Illinois

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 207.8

Visit website

Joe's Pizza & Pasta

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Altamont, Illinois

1 mi

Subway

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Effingham, Illinois

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 223.8

Altamont, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–12 pm

+16183399919

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 207.8

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 143.9

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

MY Garage Museum & Retail Store

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 207.8

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12175404277

Visit website

McAlister's Deli

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 207.8

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+12172407175

Visit website

Tk Grille

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 207.8

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 6–10 am

+12175407716

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 11.8 and 213 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

11.8 mi into trip | ~19m in | US 30 / 143rd Street

Turn left onto US 30 / 143rd Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

12.8 mi into trip | ~21m in | US 30; IL 59 / North Division Street

Turn right onto US 30; IL 59 / North Division Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

16.2 mi into trip | ~29m in

Take the ramp toward I 55 South: Bloomington

Navigation decision point

Toward I 55 South: Bloomington

16.5 mi into trip | ~29m in | I 55

Merge onto I 55

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

213 mi into trip | ~4h 17m in | I 70

Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 toward I 70 West: Saint Louis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 70 West: Saint Louis

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.99 one way

$69.98 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$38.42	$76.83
premium	$4.89	$43.07	$86.14
diesel	$5.61	$49.41	$98.82

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 78.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	67.1	0	$23.50	$10.74
Efficient EV	56	0	$19.58	$8.95
EV Truck/SUV	89.5	1	$31.33	$14.32

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 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.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Aurora, IL

Morning in Aurora on Sunday

Local time

9:35 AM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Altamont, IL

Morning in Altamont on Sunday

Local time

9:35 AM

CDT

Current temp

82°F

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 6 to 16 mph 25% chance Live forecast

Dense Fog Advisory

Dense Fog Advisory issued April 17 at 6:01AM CDT until April 17 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 17 at 5:49AM CDT until April 18 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

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

31 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 31m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is heavily focused on major interstates, with highway driving accounting for 80% of your time on the road. You will settle into a rhythmic flow as you navigate the longest uninterrupted stretch, which spans 149.6 miles along I-57. Expect a consistent, highway-focused experience that prioritizes efficiency over technical, winding backroads. As you transition between the major arteries of I-55, I-57, and I-70, the drive maintains a steady, predictable pace typical of large-scale interstate travel. It is a practical route designed for drivers who want to cover ground quickly without the complications of local traffic or frequent turns.

80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 149.6 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.8 miles in near US 30 / 143rd Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 223.8 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 11.8 miles (US 30 / 143rd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.8 miles (US 30; IL 59 / North Division Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 16.2 miles: Navigation decision point.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

771 ft 546 ft

Total Climb

453 ft

Total Descent

505 ft

Highest Point

771 ft

~186.5 mi in

Elevation Range

225 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Aurora, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1835

Aurora is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, located about 35 miles west of Chicago. It's at the very edge of Chicagoland and, situated on the Fox River, has many opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural recreation. Often overlooked, Aurora in fact has many surprisingly interesting attractions and a downtown unlike that of a typical suburb. It is probably best known for being the setting of the "Wayne's World" movies.

Top landmarks

• Aurora University — private university in Aurora, Illinois, U.S
• Hotel Arthur — United States historic place
• Graham Building — historic building in Aurora, Illinois

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 31m. Total distance: 223.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 149.6 miles on I 57. 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 Altamont, 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Altamont, 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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Aurora, IL or browse trips ending in Altamont, IL.

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Trip from Aurora, IL to Altamont, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Effingham Food Express

Effingham Food Express

China Buffet Effingham

Joe's Pizza & Pasta

McDonald's

Subway

Subway

McDonald's

Joe's Pizza & Pasta

Feed the Crave Coffee & Roastery

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Electrify America Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Electrify America Charging Station

Circle K | Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

MY Garage Museum & Retail Store

McAlister's Deli

Tk Grille

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Aurora, IL

Altamont, IL

Same local time

31 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 31m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

About the Cities

Starting in Aurora, IL

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Altamont, IL

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