Bensenville, IL to Belleville, IL is 292.1 miles and takes about 5h 33m via I 55, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, connecting two points in Illinois. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on the interstate, making it a good option for a single-day trip. You'll spend the majority of your time on I 55, so expect a consistent driving experience without many major changes in scenery or road type. Plan for a relatively quick transit between these two Illinois locations.
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
146.1 miles from Bensenville, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
142.7 mi
2h 34m
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
111.5 mi
2h 2m
North Illinois Street
9.3 mi
14m
Veterans Memorial Tollway
8.6 mi
10m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
6.5 mi
7m
US 20
3 mi
4m
Vandalia Street
3 mi
4m
South York Road
1.6 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 142.7 mi, about 2h 34m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,633 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,039
Quietest
2 AM
~154 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bensenville, IL and Belleville, IL.
1
Start on this road
56 ft·6 sec·this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto West Green Street
85 ft·6 sec·West Green Street
3
Turn right onto South York Road
1.6 mi·3 min·South York Road
4
Continue on North York Street
1.3 mi·2 min·North York Street
5
Turn right onto Lake Street
0.3 mi·33 sec·Lake Street
6
Turn slight right
147 ft·7 sec
Use the right lane.
7
Take the ramp onto US 20
3.0 mi·4 min·US 20
Toward I 290 East, US 20 East: ChicagoUse the right lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi·47 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·49 sec
Exit 31AToward I 88 West Toll: AuroraUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 88; IL 110
0.8 mi·59 sec·Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110
5.8 mi·6 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Exit 138Toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)Use the slight right lane.
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi·55 sec
Exit 131AToward I 355 South: JolietUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 355
8.6 mi·10 min·Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 12AToward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Joliet Road SouthUse the slight left lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 55
112 mi·2 hr 2 min·Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, SpringfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
78 mi·1 hr 23 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Exit 15AToward IL 159 South: Collinsville
22
Continue on IL 159
3.0 mi·4 min·Vandalia Street
23
Continue on IL 159
1.3 mi·1 min·South Morrison Avenue
24
Continue on IL 159
9.3 mi·14 min·North Illinois Street
25
Turn left onto East F Street
59 ft·2 sec·East F Street
26
Arrive at destination
East F Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 33m estimated duration, leaving Bensenville in the morning should allow you to reach Belleville well before evening. The route is primarily highway, so fuel stops are generally well-distributed, though it’s always wise to fill up before the longest stretch of 142.7 miles on I 55. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to take a break. Consider packing snacks and drinks to maximize your time on the road and minimize unnecessary stops. The $45 fuel cost is a good estimate, but check current prices.
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 146.1 miles from Bensenville, IL, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.7 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 64 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.1 miles or 2h 48m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belleville, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bensenville, 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 Bensenville, IL
This is one driving day of about 292.1 miles and 5h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Bensenville, 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 142.7 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.3 and 135.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
6.3 mi into trip|~10m 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
8
6.9 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 88 West Toll: Aurora
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 31A
Toward I 88 West Toll: Aurora
8
8.2 mi into trip|~13m in|I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 138
Toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)
8
23.3 mi into trip|~32m in
Take the exit toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
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 12A
Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
8
135.6 mi into trip|~2h 36m 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
$43.14 one way
$86.27 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$47.62
$95.24
premium
$4.72
$54.23
$108.47
diesel
$4.80
$55.15
$110.31
Estimated Tolls: $1.02
Veterans Memorial Tollway
(8.6 mi)$0.60
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(6.5 mi)$0.40
Tri-state Tollway
(0.4 mi)$0.02
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
$43
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.6
1
$30.67
$14.02
Efficient EV
73
0
$25.56
$11.68
EV Truck/SUV
116.8
1
$40.89
$18.69
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Bensenville, IL
Late night
in Bensenville on Monday
Local time
4:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
WSW 5 to 10 mph42% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Belleville, IL
Late night
in Belleville on Monday
Local time
4:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 7 mph23% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
85°F
Bloomington, IL
146 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
16 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
5h 33m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
National Monument
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 191.4
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 10.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is an 88% highway drive, so you'll be on interstates for most of the 292.1 miles. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 142.7 miles on I 55. You'll transition to surface roads like North Illinois Street for the final portion of the trip. Be prepared for a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exits along the main highway segments.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 142.7 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Adlai Stevenson Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.3 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 292.1 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 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.2 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
812 ft514 ft
Total Climb
414 ft
Total Descent
577 ft
Highest Point
812 ft
~125.2 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 Bensenville, IL and Belleville, IL, road signs point toward Saint Louis, Joliet Road South and Springfield.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 33m. Total distance: 292.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 142.7 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.02 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.
Yes — we found about 32 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Belleville, 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. There are 32 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.2 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Belleville, IL before the return drive.
