Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Aurora, IL to Guilford, IL

Pin this trip

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

Drive Time

3h 8m

Distance

143.3 mi

231 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 57m ★
6 AM
3h 9m
8 AM
3h 32m
10 AM
3h 17m
12 PM
3h 14m
3 PM
3h 18m
5 PM
3h 31m
8 PM
3h 2m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city on tripoints of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties in Illinois, United States

Aurora, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are looking to travel from Aurora to Guilford, you are in for a 143.3-mile journey across the Illinois heartland. Expect the drive to take roughly 3 hours and 8 minutes, making it a manageable day trip that fits easily into a single day of travel. You will navigate a mix of thoroughfares, including the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, I-39, and the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway. Budget approximately $22 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Midwest locations. Because the route is quite straightforward, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. It is a practical, efficient connection that gets you from point A to point B without requiring extensive multi-day 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

71.6 miles from Aurora, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway 54.4 mi 1h 8m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway 37.6 mi 40m
I 39 21.1 mi 22m
South Elizabeth Scales Mound Road 8.1 mi 14m
South Galena Avenue 7.3 mi 13m
US 20 Business 3.6 mi 5m
North Lake Street 2.2 mi 4m
East North Avenue 2.1 mi 3m
Longest stretch: U.S. Grant Memorial Highway — 54.4 mi, about 1h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 15 sec · West Galena Boulevard
2

Turn left onto IL 31

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Lake Street
Use the left lane.
3

Continue on South Lincolnway Street

0.4 mi · 39 sec · South Lincolnway Street
4

Take the ramp

387 ft · 9 sec
Toward I 88 West Toll, IL 56 West Toll: Chicago, Dekalb-Iowa Use the left lane.
5

Keep slight left at fork onto IL 56

0.6 mi · 1 min · IL 56
Toward I 88 West, IL 56 West: DeKalb-Iowa Use the straight lane.
6

Merge onto I 88; IL 56; IL 110

2.8 mi · 3 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 88; IL 110

35 mi · 37 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Toward I 88 Toll West, IL 47: DeKalb Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 39 North, US 51 North: Rockford
9

Merge onto I 39; US 51

21 mi · 22 min · I 39; US 51
10

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 2 min
Toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford
11

Merge onto US 20

29 mi · 33 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
12

Take the exit onto US 20 Business

3.6 mi · 5 min · US 20 Business
Toward US 20 BUS: Freeport
13

Turn slight right onto US 20 Business

7.3 mi · 13 min · South Galena Avenue
14

Turn left onto US 20

14 mi · 19 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
15

Continue on US 20; IL 78

2.1 mi · 3 min · East North Avenue
16

Continue on US 20

6.4 mi · 8 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
17

Continue on US 20

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Woodbine Street
18

Continue on US 20

4.6 mi · 6 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
19

Continue on US 20

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
20

Turn straight onto US 20

0.1 mi · 20 sec · Diagonal Street
21

Continue on US 20

0.7 mi · 1 min · West Madison Street
22

Turn right onto CR 4

8.1 mi · 14 min · South Elizabeth Scales Mound Road
23

Turn left onto West Rawlins Road

1.9 mi · 4 min · West Rawlins Road
24

Continue on West Guilford Road

0.4 mi · 56 sec · West Guilford Road
25

Arrive at destination

West Guilford Road

Trip Plan

To make the most of this drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs during the 143.3-mile trek. Since you are dealing with a turn-heavy route, it is best to depart early in the day to avoid navigating unfamiliar local intersections after dark. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, especially when transitioning off the main highway stretches, as service options may become less frequent. Because the total duration is just over three hours, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on local traffic patterns. A smart tip for this specific route is to prioritize your GPS navigation through the local turn-heavy sections to ensure you stay on track through the winding segments of the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway.

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 71.6 miles from Aurora, IL, or about 1h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.4 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 32 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 71.6 miles or 1h 22m 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 24m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Guilford, 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 143.3 miles and 3h 8m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 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 U.S. Grant Memorial Highway for about 54.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city and county seat and largest city of Stephenson County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Freeport, IL

72 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

DeKalb, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rockford, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.6 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Grubsteakers Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Rochelle, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+18155623430

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

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour Moderately

Oswego, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16305513912

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

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 40.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | IL 31 / North Lake Street

Turn left onto IL 31 / North Lake Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
2.6 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward I 88 West Toll, IL 56 West Toll: Chicago, Dekalb-Iowa

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward I 88 West Toll, IL 56 West Toll: Chicago...
8
2.7 mi into trip | ~5m in | IL 56

Keep slight left at fork onto IL 56 toward I 88 West, IL 56 West: DeKalb-Iowa

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight lane. Toward I 88 West, IL 56 West: DeKalb-Iowa
8
6.1 mi into trip | ~9m in | I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway toward I 88 Toll West, IL 47: DeKalb

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 88 Toll West, IL 47: DeKalb
5
40.9 mi into trip | ~46m in

Take the exit toward I 39 North, US 51 North: Rockford

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

Toward I 39 North, US 51 North: Rockford

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.40 one way

$44.81 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.60 $49.20
premium $4.89 $27.58 $55.15
diesel $5.61 $31.64 $63.28

Estimated Tolls: $2.26

Reagan Memorial Tollway (37.6 mi) $2.26

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Tolls

$2

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43 0 $15.05 $6.88
Efficient EV 35.8 0 $12.54 $5.73
EV Truck/SUV 57.3 0 $20.06 $9.17

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Aurora, IL

Morning in Aurora on Tuesday

Local time

7:41 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms

WNW 10 to 15 mph 36% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 12:33PM CDT until April 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 16 at 12:29PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Destination

Guilford, IL

Morning in Guilford on Tuesday

Local time

7:41 AM

CDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

62°F

Freeport, IL

72 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

26 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 8m 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?

This trip features a turn-heavy local personality that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. Only 18% of the route is spent on major highways, meaning you will spend the vast majority of your time navigating smaller, more localized roads. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 54.4 miles while cruising along the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway. As you transition between the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway and local segments, the rhythm of the drive shifts from high-speed interstate travel to a more technical, winding experience. Prepare for a varied commute that requires your full attention as the road conditions change throughout the 3-hour journey.

Only 18% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 54.4 mi on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. 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 / North Lake 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 13 significant decision points across 143.3 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 / North Lake Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.7 miles (IL 56): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

On the drive from Aurora, IL to Guilford, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Rockford along the way.

Rockford

62.6 mi in | ~1h 10m

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 8m. Total distance: 143.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 54.4 miles on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.26 in tolls one way, starting with Reagan Memorial Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

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 Guilford, 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 / North Lake Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.7 miles (IL 56): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Guilford, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Guilford, IL

Peoria, IL 163.3 mi · 3h 34m Naperville, IL 151.3 mi · 3h 12m Rockford, IL 73.9 mi · 1h 46m

More from Aurora, IL

Crestwood, IL 331 mi · 6h 32m De Soto, IL 328 mi · 6h 29m Cambria, IL 323.5 mi · 6h 22m Bremen, IL 320.9 mi · 6h 24m Pinckneyville, IL 311.1 mi · 6h 3m Adams, IL 274.5 mi · 5h 29m

More trips to Guilford, IL

Bremen, IL 383.2 mi York, IL 356.3 mi Champaign, IL 256.1 mi Springfield, IL 237 mi Bloomington, IL 203.9 mi Chicago, IL 161 mi
Escape planner: Aurora, IL Scenic drives in IL

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

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.