Traveling from Belleville to Glendale Heights covers 286.1 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 25 minutes of driving time. Because this is a highway-focused journey, you can easily complete it as a single-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $43 for fuel to navigate the route, which primarily utilizes I-55 and the Veterans Memorial Tollway. Since both endpoints are located within the Illinois Midwest, the transition is straightforward and lacks major regional shifts. It is a functional, efficient drive that serves as a direct link between the southern and northern parts of the state.
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
143.1 miles from Belleville, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
253.5 mi
4h 35m
Veterans Memorial Tollway
14.4 mi
17m
North Illinois Street
9.3 mi
14m
Vandalia Street
2.8 mi
4m
North Avenue
1.3 mi
2m
South Morrison Avenue
1.3 mi
1m
Glen Ellyn Road
0.7 mi
1m
Winthrop Avenue
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 253.5 mi, about 4h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Belleville, IL and Glendale Heights, IL.
1
Start on East F Street
59 ft·6 sec·East F Street
2
Turn right onto IL 159
9.3 mi·14 min·North Illinois Street
3
Continue on IL 159
1.3 mi·1 min·South Morrison Avenue
4
Continue on IL 159
2.8 mi·4 min·Vandalia Street
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward I 55 North, I 70 East
6
Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40
3.8 mi·4 min·I 55; I 70; US 40
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
108 mi·1 hr 56 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
112 mi·2 hr 3 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, PeoriaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 269Toward I 355 Toll: Northwest Suburbs, Southwest SuburbsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi·2 min
Toward I 355 North: Northwest Suburbs
12
Merge onto I 355
14 mi·17 min·Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 27Toward IL 64: North AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
338 ft·10 sec
Toward IL 64: Glendale Heights, Carol StreamUse the left / right lanes.
15
Turn left onto IL 64
1.3 mi·2 min·North Avenue
16
Turn slight right
413 ft·15 sec
Use the right lane.
17
Turn straight onto Glen Ellyn Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Glen Ellyn Road
18
Turn left onto Winthrop Avenue
0.2 mi·42 sec·Winthrop Avenue
19
Turn right onto Highland Avenue
83 ft·3 sec·Highland Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
Highland Avenue
Trip Plan
To keep your drive manageable, plan for at least one dedicated stop during your 5-hour and 25-minute transit. Given the significant distance covered on I-55, it is wise to monitor your fuel levels early, as the $43 estimated cost can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and local pricing. If you are aiming to avoid heavier traffic near the destination, try to time your departure to bypass peak congestion periods in the northern metro areas. Since the route is manageable in a single day, you have the flexibility to start whenever you feel most alert. Keeping your pace steady during the 253.5-mile stretch on I-55 is the best way to ensure you arrive at your destination in Glendale Heights without unnecessary fatigue.
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 143.1 miles from Belleville, IL, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 253.5 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 63 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.1 miles or 2h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Glendale Heights, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Belleville, 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 Belleville, IL
This is one driving day of about 286.1 miles and 5h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Belleville, 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 253.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 125.5 and 283.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
125.5 mi into trip|~2h 23m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
8
154.9 mi into trip|~2h 54m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
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 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
8
267.3 mi into trip|~4h 57m in
Take the exit toward I 355 Toll: Northwest Suburbs, Southwest Suburbs
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 269
Toward I 355 Toll: Northwest Suburbs, Southwest...
7
283.4 mi into trip|~5h 19m in
Take the exit toward IL 64: North Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 27
Toward IL 64: North Avenue
8
283.8 mi into trip|~5h 20m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IL 64: Glendale Heights, Carol Stream
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward IL 64: Glendale Heights, Carol Stream
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.73 one way
$89.46 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$49.11
$98.22
premium
$4.89
$55.06
$110.11
diesel
$5.61
$63.17
$126.33
Estimated Tolls: $1.00
Veterans Memorial Tollway
(14.4 mi)$1.00
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
$45
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.8
1
$30.04
$13.73
Efficient EV
71.5
0
$25.03
$11.44
EV Truck/SUV
114.4
1
$40.05
$18.31
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 11, 2026
Origin
Belleville, IL
Morning
in Belleville on Tuesday
Local time
8:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
SE 8 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Destination
Glendale Heights, IL
Morning
in Glendale Heights on Tuesday
Local time
8:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Bloomington, IL
143 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
23 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
5h 25m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience with 89% of your journey spent on major highways. The road is defined by a massive 253.5-mile stretch along I-55, which makes up the vast majority of your time behind the wheel. You will start on North Illinois Street before transitioning into a long-distance grind that requires sustained focus on major thoroughfares. Because the route is so heavily focused on high-speed transit, the environment remains consistent for hours at a time. Be prepared for a very predictable driving experience that prioritizes speed and efficiency over winding, technical backroads.
89% 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: 253.5 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Veterans Memorial Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 125.5 miles in near I 55.
Driving Effort8/10
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 286.1 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 125.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.9 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 267.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
813 ft514 ft
Total Climb
607 ft
Total Descent
392 ft
Highest Point
813 ft
~166.9 mi in
Elevation Range
298 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Belleville, IL and Glendale Heights, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City, Peoria and Southwest Suburbs.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 25m. Total distance: 286.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 253.5 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.00 in tolls one way, starting with Veterans 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 Glendale Heights, 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 125.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.9 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 267.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Glendale Heights, IL before the return drive.
