This 87.9-mile drive from Belvidere, IL to Markham, IL is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. You'll primarily navigate the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway and the Tri-State Tollway, with a portion on I-290. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $14, making it an economical option for a quick excursion within the Midwest. Given its relatively short duration and straightforward path, no overnight stops are necessary. This route offers a practical way to travel between two points in Illinois without significant time commitment.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
44 miles from Belvidere, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
41.7 mi
44m
Tri-State Tollway
23.8 mi
30m
I 290
14.9 mi
19m
Mile-Long Bridge
0.9 mi
1m
Belvidere Road
0.8 mi
1m
Logan Avenue
0.7 mi
1m
North Main Street
0.7 mi
1m
Genoa Road
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
— 41.7 mi, about 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Belvidere, IL and Markham, IL.
1
Start on East Perry Street
59 ft·9 sec·East Perry Street
2
Turn left onto North Main Street
0.7 mi·1 min·North Main Street
3
Turn left onto Logan Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·Logan Avenue
4
Turn right onto US 20 Business
0.8 mi·1 min·Belvidere Road
5
Continue on CR T40
0.7 mi·1 min·Genoa Road
6
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
7
Merge onto I 90
12 mi·12 min·Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
30 mi·31 min·Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 68A-BToward I 290, IL 53: Chicago, West SuburbsUse the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 68AToward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West SuburbsUse the slight right lane.
11
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·33 sec·this road
Exit 68AToward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West Suburbs
12
Merge onto I 290; IL 53
5.7 mi·7 min·I 290; IL 53
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290
9.3 mi·12 min·I 290
Toward I 290 East: ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi·47 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
1.0 mi·2 min·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
17
Merge onto I 294
137 ft·1 sec·Tri-State Tollway
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi·4 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi·1 min·Mile-Long Bridge
21
Continue on I 294
14 mi·17 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 6B-AToward US 6: 159th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 6BToward US 6 West: 159th Street
24
Turn straight onto US 6
0.4 mi·56 sec·West 159th Street
25
Turn left onto Kedzie Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Kedzie Avenue
26
Turn right onto 163rd Street
64 ft·2 sec·163rd Street
27
Arrive at destination
163rd Street
Trip Plan
For this 1 hour and 50-minute drive, departing early in the morning can help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. Since there are no mandated stops and the total distance is under 90 miles, you have the flexibility to take breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as tolls can sometimes make it harder to find convenient fuel stations. A specific tip for this route: be prepared for the transition onto I-290, as it can become quite busy during peak hours.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 44 miles from Belvidere, IL, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.7 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 19 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 44 miles or 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Markham, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Belvidere, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Belvidere, IL
This is one driving day of about 87.9 miles and 1h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Belvidere, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway for about 41.7 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 45.2 and 86.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
45.2 mi into trip|~52m in
Take the exit toward I 290, IL 53: Chicago, West Suburbs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 68A-B
Toward I 290, IL 53: Chicago, West Suburbs
9
45.7 mi into trip|~53m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West Suburbs
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 68A
Toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West S...
7
51.9 mi into trip|~1h 1m in|I 290
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290 toward I 290 East: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 290 East: Chicago
8
61.2 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
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 15A
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
7
86.3 mi into trip|~1h 46m in
Take the exit toward US 6: 159th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 6B-A
Toward US 6: 159th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.74 one way
$27.48 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$15.09
$30.18
premium
$4.89
$16.92
$33.83
diesel
$5.61
$19.41
$38.81
Estimated Tolls: $4.34
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
(41.7 mi)$2.91
Tri-state Tollway
(23.8 mi)$1.43
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
$14
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.4
0
$9.23
$4.22
Efficient EV
22
0
$7.69
$3.52
EV Truck/SUV
35.2
0
$12.31
$5.63
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 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 17, 2026
Origin
Belvidere, IL
Late night
in Belvidere on Tuesday
Local time
4:19 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
S 25 mph66% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 17 at 5:40PM CDT until April 17 at 5:45PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 5:38PM CDT until April 17 at 6:30PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Destination
Markham, IL
Late night
in Markham on Tuesday
Local time
4:19 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Mostly Sunny
S 20 mph6% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 17 at 5:40PM CDT until April 17 at 5:45PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 5:38PM CDT until April 17 at 6:30PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
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
5 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
1h 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Pullman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 84.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive with a considerable number of turns, as indicated by its 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile. While 17% of the journey involves highway driving, the experience is more about connecting local roads and navigating through various areas. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 41.7 miles on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, offering a period of more consistent travel before transitioning to other road types. This route won't feel like a monotonous interstate grind but rather a dynamic journey with frequent changes in scenery and road conditions.
Only 17% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.7 mi on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 45.2 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.9 miles you will encounter 20 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 45.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.9 miles (I 290): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
906 ft602 ft
Total Climb
188 ft
Total Descent
351 ft
Highest Point
906 ft
~25.1 mi in
Elevation Range
304 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Belvidere, IL and Markham, IL, road signs point toward Suburbs and Indiana.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 50m. Total distance: 87.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 41.7 miles on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.34 in tolls one way, starting with Jane Addams 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.
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 Markham, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 45.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.9 miles (I 290): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Markham, IL before heading back.
