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Trip from Aurora, IL to Germantown Hills, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 37m

Distance

115.2 mi

185 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 27m ★
6 AM
2h 38m
8 AM
2h 59m
10 AM
2h 45m
12 PM
2h 43m
3 PM
2h 46m
5 PM
2h 58m
8 PM
2h 31m

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

human settlement in Woodford County, Illinois, United States of America

Germantown Hills, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 115.2-mile drive from Aurora, Illinois, to Germantown Hills, Illinois, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 78% of the travel on major interstates like I-39 and I-80, complemented by IL-71. With a fuel cost estimated at $18, this trip offers an economical option for exploring within the Midwest. You'll find this drive to be efficient, making it a practical choice for a quick excursion or connecting two points in Illinois without extensive planning.

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

57.6 miles from Aurora, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 39 36.4 mi 39m
IL 71 30 mi 43m
I 80 14.5 mi 15m
State Route 116 8.3 mi 13m
County Road 1400 North 6.1 mi 10m
South Lake Street 5.9 mi 9m
County Road 1800 North 5.5 mi 9m
East Mount Vernon Street 2.2 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 39 — 36.4 mi, about 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Aurora, IL and Germantown Hills, 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

Turn right onto IL 71

30 mi · 43 min · IL 71
Use the left lane.
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward I 80 West: Moline, Rock Island
7

Merge onto I 80

15 mi · 15 min · I 80
8

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 79A Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Normal, Bloomington
9

Merge onto I 39; US 51

36 mi · 39 min · I 39; US 51
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward IL 116: Metamora, Flanagan
11

Turn right onto IL 116

5.5 mi · 9 min · County Road 1800 North
12

Turn left onto IL 116; IL 117

1.3 mi · 2 min · County Road 2100 E
13

Turn straight onto IL 116; IL 117

3.3 mi · 5 min · County Road 1400 North
14

Continue on IL 116; IL 117

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Husseman Street
15

Continue on IL 116; IL 117

1.0 mi · 1 min · West Front Street
16

Continue on IL 116; IL 117

2.8 mi · 4 min · County Road 1400 North
17

Continue on IL 116

3.9 mi · 5 min · State Route 116
18

Continue on IL 116

2.2 mi · 4 min · East Mount Vernon Street
19

Continue on IL 116

4.3 mi · 7 min · State Route 116
20

Arrive at destination

IL 116

Trip Plan

For this 2 hour and 37 minute drive, starting in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With only one recommended stop implied by the data, you can plan your breaks strategically. The fuel cost is estimated at a reasonable $18, so ensure your tank is full before departing Aurora to minimize any need for detours. Given the relatively short distance and high highway share, you won't need to split this drive. A specific tip for this route: pay attention to the transition onto IL-71, as it represents a slight shift in the driving environment from the main interstates.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 57.6 miles from Aurora, IL, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.4 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 25 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 57.6 miles or 1h 19m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 2m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Germantown Hills, 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 115.2 miles and 2h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 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 39 for about 36.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Serena, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Serena, IL

58 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

Newark, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

La Salle, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 57.6 miles from Aurora, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

La Mexicana Restaurant & Grocery Store

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ottawa, Illinois

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.1

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+18154334714

Visit website

La Mexicana Restaurant & Grocery Store

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 41.1

Ottawa, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+18154334714

Visit website

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 8.2

Oswego, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16305513912

Visit website

Oak Street Restaurant And Bar

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

North Aurora, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+16303017202

Visit website

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately

Oswego, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16305513219

Visit website

Ta Canijo Taco Trucks

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 8.2

Yorkville, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+16303852680

Cielito Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately mile 16.5

Plano, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+16302732045

Visit website

Lucky Panda Chinese Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Aurora, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16308989360

Visit website

Swtch Charging Station

Near the end, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 115.2

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447982438

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 89.7 — 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
7.9 mi into trip | ~13m in | IL 71

Turn right onto IL 71

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
37.9 mi into trip | ~57m in

Take the ramp toward I 80 West: Moline, Rock Island

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 80 West: Moline, Rock Island
6
52.8 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in

Take the exit toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Normal, Bloomington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 79A Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Normal, Bloomin...
5
89.7 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in

Take the exit toward IL 116: Metamora, Flanagan

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward IL 116: Metamora, Flanagan

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.01 one way

$36.02 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 40 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $19.77 $39.55
premium $4.89 $22.17 $44.34
diesel $5.61 $25.43 $50.87

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 34.6 0 $12.10 $5.53
Efficient EV 28.8 0 $10.08 $4.61
EV Truck/SUV 46.1 0 $16.13 $7.37

Gas CO2

40 kg

EV CO2

13 kg (68% 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 15, 2026

Origin

Aurora, IL

Morning in Aurora on Sunday

Local time

10:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Germantown Hills, IL

Morning in Germantown Hills on Sunday

Local time

10:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

72°F

Serena, IL

58 mi in

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

18 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

2h 37m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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 115.2-mile trip. With 78% of the route on major roads like I-39 and I-80, the pace is generally fast. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 36.4 miles on I-39, offering a chance to settle into a steady rhythm. While primarily interstate driving, the inclusion of IL-71 may introduce slightly different road conditions as you transition. Overall, the character leans towards efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways, allowing for consistent progress towards Germantown Hills.

78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 36.4 mi on I 39.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 39 and IL 71. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near IL 31 / South Lake Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 37m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow 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 7.9 miles (IL 71): Lane positioning matters here; at 37.9 miles: 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.

Between Aurora, IL and Germantown Hills, IL, road signs point toward Rock Island, Bloomington and Flanagan.

Rock Island

37.9 mi in | ~57m

Bloomington

52.8 mi in | ~1h 13m

Flanagan

89.7 mi in | ~1h 53m

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

Arriving in Germantown Hills, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1831

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 2h 37m. Total distance: 115.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (78%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 36.4 miles on I 39. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (IL 31 / South Lake Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles (IL 71): Lane positioning matters here; at 37.9 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Germantown Hills, IL before heading back.

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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