Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Bethany, IL to Peoria, 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

2h 13m

Distance

104.9 mi

169 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 4m ★
6 AM
2h 13m
8 AM
2h 32m
10 AM
2h 20m
12 PM
2h 18m
3 PM
2h 21m
5 PM
2h 31m
8 PM
2h 8m

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
village recorded in the New Testament as the home of the siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, as well as that of Simon the Leper

Bethany, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Peoria, IL, IL

Peoria, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 104.9-mile drive from Bethany, IL to Peoria, IL is a straightforward 2-hour and 13-minute trip, perfect for a single-day excursion. You'll primarily navigate via I-74, North Water Street, and IL-121, with 59% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost is around $16, making it an economical option for exploring within the Midwest. Given its manageable length and duration, you won't need an overnight stop, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. This route offers a mixed driving experience, ideal for a quick transit between these two Illinois communities.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

52.4 miles from Bethany, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 74 34.4 mi 38m
North Water Street 27.5 mi 36m
IL 121 14.9 mi 20m
North 1450 East Road 14.7 mi 17m
US 51 8 mi 9m
US 36 4.6 mi 7m
North Washington Street 0.3 mi 1m
IL 29 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 74 — 34.4 mi, about 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bethany, IL and Peoria, IL.

1

Start on this road

101 ft · 9 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto North Lincoln Street

274 ft · 17 sec · North Lincoln Street
3

Turn left onto West North Water Street

272 ft · 14 sec · West North Water Street
4

Turn right onto North Washington Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · North Washington Street
5

At end of road, turn left onto IL 121

15 mi · 20 min · IL 121
6

Turn left onto US 36; IL 121

4.6 mi · 7 min · US 36; IL 121
7

Turn right onto US 51 Business

27 mi · 36 min · North Water Street
8

Continue on US 51

15 mi · 17 min · North 1450 East Road
Use the straight lane.
9

Take the exit onto US 51

8.0 mi · 9 min · US 51
Toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford
10

Take the exit onto I 74

28 mi · 30 min · I 74
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 74

6.0 mi · 7 min · I 74
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
12

Take the exit onto IL 29

0.2 mi · 23 sec · IL 29
Toward IL 29 North: Downtown Peoria
13

Continue on Spalding Avenue

452 ft · 20 sec · Spalding Avenue
14

Turn left onto IL 29

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Northeast Jefferson Avenue
15

Arrive at destination

Northeast Jefferson Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 13-minute trip covering 104.9 miles, there are no designated stops, so you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits you best. The estimated fuel cost of $16 is quite reasonable, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Given the longest stretch is 34.4 miles on I-74, plan for your first break shortly after getting onto this highway if needed. Keep an eye out for the transition from I-74 to North Water Street as you enter the Peoria area, as this is where the driving character shifts.

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 52.4 miles from Bethany, IL, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 34.4 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 23 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 52.4 miles or 1h 13m 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 51m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Peoria, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bethany, 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 Bethany, IL

This is one driving day of about 104.9 miles and 2h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Bethany, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 74 for about 34.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

largest city in DeWitt County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Clinton, IL

52 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.

Popular next leg

Clinton, IL to Peoria, IL

63 mi · 1h 14m

Pacing Suggestions

Decatur, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Clinton, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 52.4 miles from Bethany, 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.

Best meal stop · early in the drive

Perkins American Food Co.

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Decatur, Illinois

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch · 29min in 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

+12176198360

Visit website

Haddad's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Peoria, Illinois

1.2 mi

Perkins American Food Co.

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Decatur, Illinois

+12176198360

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Decatur, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12178761310

Visit website

Haddad's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+13096725339

121 Coffee Run

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Decatur, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+12175427962

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Decatur, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776642738

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Peoria, Illinois

InCharge Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Morton, Illinois

+13092913039

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 104.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Lincoln Street

Turn right onto North Lincoln Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Washington Street

Turn right onto North Washington Street

Navigation decision point

5
62 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in | US 51

Take the exit onto US 51 toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford

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

Toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford
5
98.5 mi into trip | ~2h 4m in | I 74

Keep slight right at fork onto I 74 toward I 74 West: Peoria

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 74 West: Peoria
5
104.7 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | IL 29 / Northeast Jefferson Avenue

Turn left onto IL 29 / Northeast Jefferson Avenue

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.40 one way

$32.80 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 37 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $18.01 $36.01
premium $4.89 $20.19 $40.37
diesel $5.61 $23.16 $46.32

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 36.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 31.5 0 $11.01 $5.04
Efficient EV 26.2 0 $9.18 $4.20
EV Truck/SUV 42 0 $14.69 $6.71

Gas CO2

37 kg

EV CO2

12 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 20, 2026

Origin

Bethany, IL

Late night in Bethany on Tuesday

Local time

5:11 AM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Peoria, IL

Late night in Peoria on Tuesday

Local time

5:11 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

69°F

Clinton, IL

52 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

17 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

2h 13m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed drive on this route, with a significant portion, 59%, on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 34.4 miles on I-74, offering a chance to settle into a consistent pace. While much of the drive will be on these faster roads, the inclusion of North Water Street and IL-121 suggests a transition to more local or arterial roads as you approach your destination. This blend means you'll experience both efficient highway travel and the slightly more varied conditions of roads within and between towns.

59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 34.4 mi on I 74.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Lincoln Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 104.9 miles you will encounter 10 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: near the start (North Lincoln Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (North Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 62 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Bethany, IL to Peoria, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Rockford along the way.

Rockford

62 mi in | ~1h 24m | via US 51

About the Cities

Starting in Bethany, IL

Full guide →

Arriving in Peoria, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1680

Peoria is a city in Illinois and the county seat of Peoria County. It serves as a regional hub for the primarily rural and agricultural center of the state. Peoria is a small but diverse city of approximately 115,000 people that anchors a three-county metropolitan area of nearly 400,000.

Top landmarks

  • • Madison Theatre — theater and former movie theater in Peoria, Illinois, United States
  • • Hotel Père Marquette — hotel in downtown Peoria, Illinois
  • • Illinois Waterway Project Office — U.S. Army Core of Engineers facility in Peoria, 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 2h 13m. Total distance: 104.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (59%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 34.4 miles on I 74. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Lincoln Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (North Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 62 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Peoria, IL before heading back.

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 Peoria, IL

Unity, IL 286.4 mi · 5h 44m Eagle, IL 264.3 mi · 5h 53m Goreville, IL 250.7 mi · 4h 55m Energy, IL 238.6 mi · 4h 44m

More from Bethany, IL

Chicago, IL 195.2 mi · 3h 50m Springfield, IL 57.8 mi · 1h 13m

More trips to Peoria, IL

Saline, IL 263 mi Cambria, IL 243.3 mi Carbondale, IL 239.8 mi Dale, IL 235.1 mi Zeigler, IL 232.3 mi Fairfield, IL 223.6 mi
Escape planner: Bethany, IL Scenic drives in IL

Explore more options from Bethany, IL or browse trips ending in Peoria, IL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.