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Trip from Aurora, IL to Ashland, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 50m

Distance

190.7 mi

307 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 37m ★
6 AM
3h 50m
8 AM
4h 16m
10 AM
3h 59m
12 PM
3h 57m
3 PM
4h 0m
5 PM
4h 15m
8 PM
3h 43m

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

village in Cass County, Illinois, United States

Ashland, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 190.7-mile journey from Aurora, Illinois to Ashland, Illinois is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 81% of the drive on main roads like I-55, IL-47, and IL-125. With an estimated fuel cost of around $30, this is an efficient drive through the heart of the Midwest. You'll find it to be a straightforward trip, making it ideal for those who prefer to cover ground without extensive detours. While it's designed for a single day, the duration allows for a relaxed pace. This drive stays within Illinois, offering a consistent regional experience.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

95.3 miles from Aurora, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 114.7 mi 2h 2m
IL 47 22.1 mi 25m
IL 125 11.9 mi 17m
South Lake Street 5.9 mi 9m
West Jefferson Street 5 mi 7m
South Sherman Boulevard 4.6 mi 7m
Minkler Road 4.3 mi 6m
Veterans Parkway 4.1 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 114.7 mi, about 2h 2m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 15 sec · West Galena Boulevard
2

Turn right onto IL 31

5.9 mi · 9 min · South Lake Street
Use the right lane.
3

Continue on US 34

1.2 mi · 2 min · US 34
4

Turn left onto Orchard Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Orchard Road
Use the left lane.
5

Continue on Minkler Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Minkler Road
6

Enter roundabout onto Minkler Road

128 ft · 3 sec · Minkler Road
7

Continue on Minkler Road

3.4 mi · 5 min · Minkler Road
8

At end of road, turn right onto IL 126

0.5 mi · 47 sec · East Schoolhouse Road
9

Turn left onto Ashley Road

3.8 mi · 5 min · Ashley Road
10

Turn right onto Caton Farm Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · Caton Farm Road
11

Turn left

7.2 mi · 9 min
Use the straight lane.
12

Continue on North Bridge Street

1.3 mi · 1 min · North Bridge Street
13

Continue on IL 47

22 mi · 25 min · IL 47
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 55 South: Bloomington
15

Merge onto I 55

62 mi · 1 hr 6 min · I 55
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

52 mi · 56 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit onto I 55 Business

0.5 mi · 1 min · I 55 Business
Toward Sherman
18

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 Business

317 ft · 7 sec · I 55 Business
Toward Sherman
19

Merge onto I 55 Business

4.6 mi · 7 min · South Sherman Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
20

Continue on IL 4; IL 29

4.1 mi · 5 min · Veterans Parkway
Use the left lane.
21

Take the exit

475 ft · 14 sec
22

Turn straight onto IL 97

5.0 mi · 7 min · West Jefferson Street
Use the straight lane.
23

Continue on IL 125

12 mi · 17 min · IL 125
24

Continue on East Fremont Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · East Fremont Street
Use the left lane.
25

Turn left onto North Athens Street

0.2 mi · 44 sec · North Athens Street
26

Turn right onto East Washington Street

0.3 mi · 33 sec · East Washington Street
27

Arrive at destination

West Washington Street

Trip Plan

This 3-hour and 50-minute drive is well-suited for a single-day adventure, so you have the flexibility to leave when you're ready. Given the $30 fuel cost, plan your stops accordingly, perhaps utilizing services along the 114.7-mile stretch of I-55. While there's only one recommended stop, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on longer highway segments. The route is 81% highway, so be prepared for faster travel speeds. A good tip is to check your tire pressure before you leave Aurora, IL, ensuring optimal efficiency for the nearly 200-mile journey ahead.

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 95.3 miles from Aurora, IL, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 114.7 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 42 miles or 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 95.3 miles or 1h 55m 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 1m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ashland, 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 190.7 miles and 3h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 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 55 for about 114.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Normal, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Normal, IL

95 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 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Normal, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 95.3 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 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 114.7 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 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 111.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | IL 31 / South Lake Street

Turn right onto IL 31 / South Lake Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
12.2 mi into trip | ~20m in | IL 126 / East Schoolhouse Road

At end of road, turn right onto IL 126 / East Schoolhouse Road

Navigation decision point

5
18 mi into trip | ~28m in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
48.6 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in

Take the exit toward I 55 South: Bloomington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 55 South: Bloomington
8
111.4 mi into trip | ~2h 12m 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

$29.81 one way

$59.63 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 67 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $32.73 $65.47
premium $4.89 $36.70 $73.40
diesel $5.61 $42.10 $84.21

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 66.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 57.2 0 $20.02 $9.15
Efficient EV 47.7 0 $16.69 $7.63
EV Truck/SUV 76.3 0 $26.70 $12.20

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

22 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 14, 2026

Origin

Aurora, IL

Late night in Aurora on Tuesday

Local time

5:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

82°F

Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms

SSW 15 mph 37% chance Live forecast

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 14 at 12:19PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 14 at 11:55AM CDT until April 20 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Destination

Ashland, IL

Late night in Ashland on Tuesday

Local time

5:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°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

12 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 50m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-centric experience for the majority of this 190.7-mile route, with 81% of it utilizing main roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 114.7 miles on I-55, providing a consistent pace for a significant portion of your drive. While much of the journey is on high-speed thoroughfares, the inclusion of IL-47 and IL-125 may introduce varied driving conditions as you transition. This blend means you'll experience both the efficiency of interstate travel and the character of state highways. The profile suggests a predominantly road-focused drive rather than one with frequent scenic overlooks.

81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 114.7 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 47. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near IL 31 / South Lake Street.

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 18 significant decision points across 190.7 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 0.1 miles (IL 31 / South Lake Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.2 miles (IL 126 / East Schoolhouse Road): Navigation decision point; at 18 miles: Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Aurora, IL and Ashland, IL, road signs point toward Springfield and Sherman.

Springfield

111.4 mi in | ~2h 12m | via I 55

Sherman

163.7 mi in | ~3h 9m | via I 55 Business

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 3h 50m. Total distance: 190.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 114.7 miles on I 55. 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 Ashland, 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 0.1 miles (IL 31 / South Lake Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.2 miles (IL 126 / East Schoolhouse Road): Navigation decision point; at 18 miles: Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Ashland, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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