Embarking on this 157.4-mile journey from Berwyn to Guilford takes you across the Illinois Midwest in approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Given the manageable timeframe, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $24 on fuel for the trip, making it an affordable option for a quick getaway. By utilizing a combination of I-290, the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, and the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway, you navigate a variety of road types. Whether you are looking to escape the city or simply reach your destination efficiently, this path offers a straightforward transit through the heart of the state.
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
78.7 miles from Berwyn, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
55.1 mi
1h 9m
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
49.1 mi
52m
I 290
14.5 mi
19m
South Elizabeth Scales Mound Road
8.1 mi
14m
South Galena Avenue
7.3 mi
13m
US 20 Business
3.6 mi
5m
Eisenhower Expressway
3.5 mi
4m
I 39
2.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
— 55.1 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Berwyn, IL and Guilford, IL.
1
Start on West Cermak Road
0.5 mi·1 min·West Cermak Road
2
Continue on Cermak Road
1.3 mi·2 min·Cermak Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Turn slight right onto 1st Avenue Cutoff
1.7 mi·3 min·1st Avenue Cutoff
Use the right lane.
4
Turn left onto Harrison Street
354 ft·9 sec·Harrison Street
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward I 290 West
6
Merge onto I 290; IL 110
3.5 mi·4 min·Eisenhower Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290
15 mi·19 min·I 290
Toward I 290 West, I 294 North Toll: Rockford, MilwaukeeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Exit 1BToward IL 72, IL 58: Higgins Road, Woodfield Road, Golf RoadUse the right lane.
9
Turn left onto IL 72
0.8 mi·1 min·East Higgins Road
Use the left lane.
10
Turn right onto North Meacham Road
1.4 mi·2 min·North Meacham Road
Use the left lane.
11
Turn left
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 Toll West: RockfordUse the left lane.
12
Merge onto I 90
49 mi·52 min·Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I-39 South, US 51 South: Bloomington
14
Merge onto I 39; US 51
0.5 mi·30 sec·I 39; US 51
15
Continue on I 39; US 20; US 51
2.1 mi·2 min·I 39; US 20; US 51
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 20
30 mi·34 min·U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
17
Take the exit onto US 20 Business
3.6 mi·5 min·US 20 Business
Toward US 20 BUS: Freeport
18
Turn slight right onto US 20 Business
7.3 mi·13 min·South Galena Avenue
19
Turn left onto US 20
14 mi·19 min·U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
20
Continue on US 20; IL 78
2.1 mi·3 min·East North Avenue
21
Continue on US 20
6.4 mi·8 min·U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
22
Continue on US 20
0.5 mi·1 min·East Woodbine Street
23
Continue on US 20
4.6 mi·6 min·U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
24
Continue on US 20
0.4 mi·1 min·South Main Street
25
Turn straight onto US 20
0.1 mi·20 sec·Diagonal Street
26
Continue on US 20
0.7 mi·1 min·West Madison Street
27
Turn right onto CR 4
8.1 mi·14 min·South Elizabeth Scales Mound Road
28
Turn left onto West Rawlins Road
1.9 mi·4 min·West Rawlins Road
29
Continue on West Guilford Road
0.4 mi·56 sec·West Guilford Road
30
Arrive at destination
West Guilford Road
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 3-hour and 30-minute drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and break up the turn-heavy sections. Since this is a one-day trip, leaving early in the morning provides the most flexibility for your arrival in Guilford. Keep in mind that your fuel expenses will hover around $24, so topping off your tank before you leave Berwyn is a smart way to avoid unnecessary stops. Because the route relies heavily on local roads, stay alert for changing speed limits and intersections that require more focus than standard highway driving. Having your navigation ready before you hit the local stretches will help you manage the tighter turns with confidence.
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 78.7 miles from Berwyn, IL, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.1 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 35 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.7 miles or 1h 36m 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 43m
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 Berwyn, 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 Berwyn, IL
This is one driving day of about 157.4 miles and 3h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Berwyn, 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 55.1 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.7 and 24.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
3.7 mi into trip|~7m in|I 290; IL 110 / Eisenhower Expressway
Merge onto I 290; IL 110 / Eisenhower Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
7.1 mi into trip|~11m in|I 290
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290 toward I 290 West, I 294 North Toll: Rockford, Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 290 West, I 294 North Toll: Rockford,...
8
21.6 mi into trip|~30m in
Take the exit toward IL 72, IL 58: Higgins Road, Woodfield Road, Golf Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 1B
Toward IL 72, IL 58: Higgins Road, Woodfield Ro...
5
22.8 mi into trip|~33m in|North Meacham Road
Turn right onto North Meacham Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
24.3 mi into trip|~36m in
Turn left toward I 90 Toll West: Rockford
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 90 Toll West: Rockford
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.61 one way
$49.22 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$27.02
$54.04
premium
$4.89
$30.29
$60.58
diesel
$5.61
$34.75
$69.50
Estimated Tolls: $3.44
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
(49.1 mi)$3.44
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
$25
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.2
0
$16.53
$7.56
Efficient EV
39.4
0
$13.77
$6.30
EV Truck/SUV
63
0
$22.04
$10.07
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% 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
Berwyn, IL
Late night
in Berwyn on Sunday
Local time
2:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Guilford, IL
Late night
in Guilford on Sunday
Local time
2:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Freeport, IL
79 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 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 30m 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.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. While you spend 15% of the trip on highways, the character of the journey shifts significantly as you transition between major thoroughfares and local roads. You will encounter your longest uninterrupted segment while cruising for 55.1 miles along the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route keeps you engaged with frequent changes in road geometry and layout. Prepare for a dynamic driving experience that balances faster stretches with the more technical demands of navigating regional surface streets.
Only 15% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.1 mi on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 3.7 miles in near I 290; IL 110 / Eisenhower Expressway.
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 17 significant decision points across 157.4 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 3.7 miles (I 290; IL 110 / Eisenhower Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.1 miles (I 290): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 30m. Total distance: 157.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55.1 miles on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.44 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.
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 3.7 miles (I 290; IL 110 / Eisenhower Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.1 miles (I 290): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Guilford, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
